I caught eight coyotes this week but missed 4 by not stepping on the pan and just outside of it. What are some of the “tricks” you use to get them to step on the pan and not around it? They are dirt hole sets.

Put the trap where they're going to step 😁

I usually place the pan straight back 9”.

My first thought is a bait or lure that has enough intrest the move around trying to get it. I normally expect a bit more action that one step in trap bed. But it does happen once in awhile. But for me and my coyotes that's too high of a percentage.

Guide them as much as they’ll let you.

If you can “block” it down, and get away with it, do it!

What kind of traps and pan cover you using?

Couple things I learned is place a small rock or stick to use for guiding .Not sure what dirt hole set you are using ,but you may want to try a step down dirt hole.

What is the way you would block it down? I was thinking of placing higher mound of dirt on one side of the entire trap bed and partially down the other side of the bed from the bait hole or maybe using more of a trench set

Any pattern to where? Maybe you have one that approaches a certain way. Adjust accordingly.

Try a step down set or trench set.

Dirt clods, rocks, sticks, etc, whatever’s handy and there.

Think cat set, but don’t take it that far.

The coyotes will let you know when you’re trying to pressure them to much.

Every trapper has a lot more misses than they think. Unless you’re walking or driving right up to your sets and looking at them everyday you don’t really know how many you actually miss. It’s definitely more than you think.

A small jaw spread trap like a mb 550 or 1 3/4 size trap you basically have to get every coyote to step exactly in the same little 2 inch circle. And that’s not gonna happen. Doesn’t matter how good you are at guiding or how good you think you are at guiding you’re not gonna get every coyote that comes along to step in that same 2 inch circle.

Start looking up close at your sets every day and you’ll soon realize that.

A large jaw spread trap with a large pan like a no bs extreme or #3 dogless bridger or #3 montana etc coupled with steel screen tucked under the jaws and you greatly increase the kill area of your trap and greatly increase your catch to miss ratio. They no longer have to step in that same 2 inch circle, probably more like a 4 inch circle with those traps.

I personally feel that coyotes feel more comfortable with a broad open pattern rather than a tight narrow pattern with lots of guiding.

I don’t want them to think about where they are gonna step, I want their mind on the hole and not where to step.

Large more open pattern with a large (dogless, my preference) trap and steel screen will have less misses than a small narrow pattern with a small trap with a lot of guiding.

x2,,subtly if u can!

Two options in my opinion
Increase foot movement around set
Or more guiding

Love a step down dirt hole if it isn't going to rain or snow. My version makes it so if they commit to set and take that one step down they can only step on pan. But a few are too spooky to take that step. A great bait or lure helps on what I call tight sets ( ones with more guiding).
I've got a double dirt hole set that works great for me that provides great foot guiding and is a bit less spooky and also more weather resistant. Believe I posted on it this spring. I'd post again about it but I'm out west right now muley hunting and it's about light so don't have time.

I tried the your version double dirt hole with good success . I would like to see your version of the step down. i have had some myself that would not hit a deep step down set when that happens I place a trap on the top side closest to the bait. Good luck on the mulies..

I like double dirt holes. Make one hole straight down and other at low angle. They have to shift their feet a bit to work both holes.
Jim

I was missing a lot like what you’re describing so I changed everything.
Bed trap.
Dig trench to left or right of trap.
Drill hole.
Take leftover dirt and put it on opposite side of the trench of trap.
When done it looks like something dug something out.
They aren’t going to take the dirt side and the trench isn’t wide enough to really step so they step the only place available…where the trap is bedded. I leave that spot open and natural.
That increased catches on dirt holes and is pretty much weather resistant. Excessive rain might fill the trench and hole, but when it dries up the trap is still functioning and that smell should still be lingering.

If I make a step down dirt hole ITS GoING TO RAIN . No wait if I set a coyote trap ITS GOING TO RAIN ,lol . The step down is deadly if you can get away with it. I can’t seem to get away with it so my go to is a double dirt hole. Two distinct and different smells in two different 13” inch deep holes about 3” in diameter. When I’m done both holes are angled back towards the trap , but they are far enough apart to get a coyote to move his feet.

Where do you drill your hole for the bait. In the back of the trench or in back of the trap? Does the trench extend farther than the bait hole if the bait hole is behind the trap?

I like what I'm envisioning here WB. You got a pic for reference?