I just started trapping again this winter. Started by putting out some cubbies with body grip traps in them. No luck but learned a lot. I have had sets out for coyotes since December. I currently have 10 different sets out on my hunting property. I have cameras near these sets. I am getting pictures of critters coming by my sets but none appear to really work them or step in the traps. I live in northern Minnesota so dealing with frozen ground. I have some dirt hole sets and some flat sets. Dirt holes are only 1.5” holes as I used a drill to make the holes. Have bait with wool in one hole and a lure on wool in another hole. Also use some coyote and or fox urine at the set. Any ideas or input on what may help to get them to work the set more?

In the 1st pic above the set is just on the other side of the coyote. 2nd picture the set is in front of the white rock that is visible behind the coyote. 3rd picture the set is in front of the stump in the picture. 4th pic the set is just on the other side of the fox.

What bait and lure? I have caught coyotes a month after setting a trap, never rebaited. We deal with rain not cold so much. I would think it wouldn’t be hard to catch the attention of one of these.

wws

Wind direction? Is it blowing from the set to the travel path?

Sounds like coyotes just being coyotes to me. Patience is probably the best thing for you right now. Perhaps look into joining our state trappers association. We have some excellent trappers who would be more than willing to accompany you on your line and give you some pointers, this will definitely shorten your learning curve as well as make some new friends.

Put your set right where they’re walking

I have been using Junes Widowmaker Paste Bait and some coyote gland lure from Dunlop’s with urine on some sets and Highway 61 Predator Bait on others with gland lure and urine.

I have to be off to the side a bit as they are walking on deer trails, but where the fox and coyote both are at the same set I probably need a set on the other side of the trail. I also added a set yesterday in the middle of the driveway between the tire tracks near where the bobcat picture was. Found lots of coyote dropping in the grassy area next to the driveway.

I'm having the same issues. I'm trying to put my finger on it. Maybe you can shed some light. I have a few questions. How long have the sets been out ? How long from between then and when you got the pics. How far from the camera to where they are walking. The problem I'm having is that I find trails w/ fresh tracks on them, make the sets, get few pics then the spot goes dead within a week. . Most of the time the camera is fairly close so I was thinking it might be the camera proximity. I have deer cameras still out that are high in tree. I get daily and nightly pics. They are bothered by the camera at all.

Wind direction is important. You can try using a trailing scent. Used cooking oil bacon grease mixed up you can add sardines in the oil shake well. Squirt it on the trail leading to the set.

Some of the sets have been out since early February. I added some more in mid February and been adding thru March. I get pics almost weekly of coyotes, wolves, fox and bobcat. Hoping to not catch a bobcat as season is closed. My cameras are 15-20 yards away and most are infrared. A couple weeks ago I had a coyote work the set as I had numerous pictures of him there rolling around. When I went to check it to see why I didn’t catch it he was right next to the set and it looked like the tail brushed the dirt off the pan.

I do have some fish oil I bought for coons would that work? I have had skunks and coons very near my sets with no catches of those either.

Fish oil will work.

Did you use any kind of antifreeze? Your traps could be frozen down at night. I know I have made the mistake a time or two of not using enough and being able to step on the pan without it firing.

wws

I used waxed dirt on all my sets. I don’t believe they were froze.

The deer are interested in the sets. I have had issues with deer messing them up.

Don't use urine as it contains salt and deer like salt.

I had the same problems plus other non target animals. Coyote are tough in our state. I had camera on one set this year. I didn't have trap there but just wanted to watch how they worked it. This set was in the middle of they woods on a game trail. This seems to be a tougher location.

What you describe could be considered a “stall-out” location meaning the coyotes use it repetitively and are usually in a neutral/relaxed mood when there. If you have a set near and up wind of this location and the coyotes are not attracted enough to the scents to work your sets, change scents!

I have a couple sets near this area. One set is the one with the rock as my backing. I also added a flat set on my driveway on Sunday. I believe they come from the south so hoping the driveway set will get them in the way in. I did use a different gland lure on Sunday when I made the new set and freshened the rock set.