Looking at getting more coyote traps. I love this hobby! I usually run Duke #3, 4 coil, offset jaws. My buddy runs #2, 4 coils. He swears by the #2's. Looking at Duke #4's or Duke 650's. Is bigger really better? Or, should I just stay with what I have been using? I have a jaw limit of 7" here in Wisconsin. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

#2 size is fine, 550 2 coil

I have always gotten a kick out of this argument. I used to have a diagram of the pan sizes I made, showing the difference in sizes between the various models. Some of them were hardly a difference and couple larger traps even have smaller pans than smaller sized traps. I used to kill a (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) ton of coyotes in 1.75 BMIs. never lost more coyotes out of them than any other sized trap. A number 2 trap or larger will hold any coyote properly captured west of the Missouri River, I have no personal experience with those east of the river. I guess what I am saying that any well built #2 trap or larger is more than adequate and if you are only upping the size to get a bigger "kill area" you are better off just learning to be a better trapper.

Depends how much snow you're liable to get between checks, bigger jaws reach up through more. I'd go with the 650's

bought some duke #4s years back dont know what they're like now but mine are a well balanced trap not regular springs on one side and add ons on the other which made an easy trap to set but had great holding power Ive used montgomerys northwoods victors and bmi's over the years in #2s and 3s not a fan of duke 2s or 3s Hopefully you have a dealer close by or go to a convention this summer and check out the different brands Don't know about the high dollar traps but if thats what you want keep an eye on the trap shed

I like my 650's

wws

I prefer a #3 sized trap for coyotes and cats. My long time favorite was the Sleepy Creek #3. Never was a big fan of square jawed traps. Not that there is anything wrong with them, just seemed like I always had to chop out twice as much frozen dirt to bed them.

Only disadvantage to the bigger traps is u have to dig a slightly bigger bed and only time that matters is in really hard ground. I prefer the #3 and #4 size traps

Also, the initial cost. You can get more smaller traps for the same money, but if you're only buying X amount either way, the larger traps may make up the difference in the cost by holding a couple more critters over time. However, If you're going to budget say, $500 for traps then more smaller traps would likely catch more critters than fewer larger traps.

I am a number 3 duke guy, for both beaver and coyotes. As you said four coiled, in fact most are three coiled as those duke springs are so strong. You gotta have faith in your equipment and they will work for you. If you don't have faith in them you will have problems. Yep I went through the northwoods montogomery etc but settled on the #3 dukes......jk