If using two at the same set both should be staked together.

For canines, specifically red fox, I use one trap per set but always set at least two sets close to each other. Sometimes they are so close the catch circles make a figure eight.

I set multiple traps at heavy traffic areas like gates, cattle trail intersections but not on the same set locations. I do put a trap at each end of my barrel cubbies but never caught a second cat that way, the same cat in both traps yes. I make sure the one set won’t interfere with the second one not that I’d set traps that close together anyway it cause more problems then you would want to have for not gaining anything from doing it.

I don’t see any advantage to it just more work in many ways.

I agree. I think two separate traps at two separate sets, in the long run, will catch more fur than two set together at the same set.

I’ll set 2 traps on a mafia set and also my dead skunk sets

I agree. I think two separate traps at two separate sets, in the long run, will catch more fur than two set together at the same set.

Major Boddicker uses 2 traps and through his studies found they caught 30% more than a single trap, but using 3 or more traps did not increase the catch rate beyond the 30% - I forget which of his books this is in however - I think Trapping Rocky Mountain Fur-bearers. I still use just one usually but on ADC work I use two as I like the better odds, I need to just use 2 and quit being dumb LOL

Hey shark, your set looks interesting. Wanna tell us a bit about it?

I’ll set 2 traps on a mafia set and also my dead skunk sets

Dang I haven't heard the term mafia set in forever lol

I only use one trap per set. I’d rather set a whole bunch of locations with my inventory than half those locations if I use two traps per set.
Jim

It's kinda weird when you think about it. Nobody questions putting three traps in a hot muskrat run, but for a canine that's running miles of area, just one trap per set. I think I shall start using two at bobcat and fisher sets sometimes. Good reason to buy more traps!

I have to laugh when folks that don’t understand what you posted but put up an example that doesn’t even apply to be relevant . LOL I’ll put it as simple as I can for him. 2 traps at the same set (within the same catch area) are less likely to catch 2 critters vs 2 traps a greater distance apart thar is MY opinion. LOL

Yes sir. I never claimed to be a good coyote trapper, lol. But I'm pretty good at missing them.
Might make more sense to bury the coyote to catch a skunk!

So, 4 traps at two sets should be even better. Yeah, I've been at this for forty years or so, I've heard all the theories. And use two sets with one trap each out of habit, because that's what all the experts say to do...

It's kinda weird when you think about it. Nobody questions putting three traps in a hot muskrat run, but for a canine that's running miles of area, just one trap per set. I think I shall start using two at bobcat and fisher sets sometimes. Good reason to buy more traps!

Canines don't just charge straight up to sets and work them at 45s like in the books. They like to circle and almost avoid the "front" of most sets especially dirt holes. Take advantage of the habits of the animals or take a chance on luck

[quote=PAskinner]It's kinda weird when you think about it. Nobody questions putting three traps in a hot muskrat run, but for a canine that's running miles of area, just one trap per set. I think I shall start using two at bobcat and fisher sets sometimes. Good reason to buy more traps!

For red fox, I always make two sets with one trap each set. At the proven hot locations I’ve identified over the years, I’ll set three and sometimes four sets in a relatively small area. I’ve caught enough triples to make it worth doing it at those locations. I’ve never caught a quadruple, but that hasn’t stopped me from trying at the best of the best locations.

I have to laugh when folks that don’t understand what you posted but put up an example that doesn’t even apply to be relevant . LOL I’ll put it as simple as I can for him. 2 traps at the same set (within the same catch area) are less likely to catch 2 critters vs 2 traps a greater distance apart thar is MY opinion. LOL

I’d bet the vast majority of canines “work” the set, or try to “work” the set from whatever direction happens to be down wind at that time.

Sets all tracked up behind the backing? Thats not a smart educated coyote. Thats where the wind was.

A smart educated coyote wouldn’t have “worked” it at all. They skirt it at 20 foot and go poof! Haha

The point is not about catching two critters. You can do it but it's not the point of 2 traps.

Fur trapping or recreational trapping (pretty much the same these days ) one and done to a set when you are tasked to catch a stock killer you do anything to stop the bloodshed and that means anything to increase your odds and that may require a second trap. I know if the first one is in the right place another is not necessary however even a remote chance of increasing the likelihood of taking that predator out is worth the extra effort and little thought is given to trap inventory numbers

Could be part of it but wind rarely goes back against the prevailing wind unless you're dealing with convection currents/thermals. Those of us in hill country/mountains or along the rivers really need to pay attention to convection/thermal currents.