Here is another key component that should always be deployed when set making.


The tarp is possibility the most important tool you can use on the line.
It helps increase you effectiveness in so many ways I can’t imagine not using one.

Notice how the tarp crowds the bed.

That protects the original surface & edge at the six o’clock where the coyote is likely to approach.
It also prevents fresh bed dirt from being scattered out front causing a dig.
Excavated bed dirt is put on the tarp instead of on the ground.
Any perspiration is likely to hit the tarp instead of right at the foot of your set.

I am very grateful for the knowledge which you have shared.
No doubt an untold number of coyotes will be caught with the tips from this thread.

X2 on the masonry hammer! Best change I made.

Here is another solid Adult Female.

It’s not often I have a MB 550 anchor chain foul up.
When it does, it loops over the dog end of the frame.
This takes away the D Ring swivel and shortens the chain.

I have found that a coyote will often dig on the side of the circle from the direction it entered.

This can be a good indicator of where to concentrate ground recon.

A caught coyote can be a great attractant. They can also be a huge distraction.

Notice the mark in the foreground.

There is a set to the rear of the coyote and another just out of the frame in front of the mark.

I would guess this is the mark of the widower.

Coyotes in excess of ten years old are extremely rare.

These coyotes seldom if ever make mistakes. Their age is a direct reflection of skill and savvy.

A coyote of this caliber pays great attention to detail. Catching them requires the same dedication.

Top incisors and premolars were long gone.

Bottom K-9’s, incisors, & premolars were history as well.

The end of the lower jaw had no bone structure where those teeth should have been.

I would guess her age at twelve years old plus.

This is the fourth consecutive adult female in a row at this location.

This old girl makes the third coyote at this set following another adult female.

The face tells a story for those that look close enough.

This coyote had more stories than most.

Older than Methuselah

Greatest satisfaction I get is catching an older coyote, you know you were doing things right to catch them

That’s right BT.

They have seen and smelt it all.

“A” game coyotes don’t get that old by falling for “B” game looks & tactics.
Coyotes like that are the reason scent control and set look selection are so important.

Old timers like this gal do the most damage simply because of how long they have been alive.
She didn’t put that many miles behind her by making bad choices & throwing caution to the wind.

This old girl is a serious trophy. Frame her mugshot. You don't catch this kind without serious skills congrats

Targeting adult females is the key to getting a handle on the coyote population.

Some would say you can’t target a specific group. I believe you can to some extent.

This big girl is in her prime.

She is the fifth adult female in a row at this location.

Catching pups doesn’t make much difference. Catching the pup maker does.

Small terrain features can have a big impact on catch numbers.