So I made a set two days ago, something came in and got my bait out without stepping on the trap. So I added some sticks around as a guide, checked it today and seen a large print, but didn't step on the trap. So today, I added scent, and new bait and two more sicks per side and added another trap in the lower dirt section. Opinions or suggestions please...

… the sticks are going to hurt you more than help … with coyote for sure

… a cat or gray fox might fall for it

You after dogs!!

Put backing in take the sticks down. Put small rocks or items down on the outside edge of your trap to steer them to the trap. Be subtle.

^^^What he said ^^^

Great fencing for beaver.

Okay, I'll remove the sticks tomorrow. Thanks!

… what are you after ?

… most times it’s better to just leave the set alone until connects

Coyotes

Once you get rid of the sticks … all you’re missing on that dirthole is a backing for coyote

.. if interested they’ll put down plenty tracks to caught more times than not

… sometimes you’ll just see a track in the pattern.. but good chance they’ll be back

…. You got your trap bedded solid ?

… what are you using for attractant?

You can lose the sticks like what’s been said already a FEW dirt clods is less obvious. A softball size rock, cow pie, grass clump also eliminates the need for sticks or any reasonable backing that makes it easier to work it from the trap side.

I feel like they're solid. I have been trying to press down on the edges and make sure they don't move or wobble. Im using Mark Junes Widowmaker meat chunks for bait and a coyote gland scent im placing on the tree about 2' up from the set.

… I want you to catch some coyote

… that widowmaker is supposed to be good dope although I’ve never tried it

… make you some standard dirtholes on sign with that widowmaker down the hole … a solid bedded trap and check them from a distance … don’t go up investigating everyday

… I bet you’ll connect

… good luck to you

I'll appologize now for all the questions, but I don't know anyone that traps. I have thoroughly enjoyed what I have done so far and really enjoy it. I did catch an opossum the first night which was neat. I let him go

… you ask all the questions you want

… trapping coyote is as enjoyable an activity as there is

… once you get it down they come easier and easier

Heck, you already have your secant all over. Just pull the sticks out and add a small backing then walk away. 20 or 30 feed away put in another dirt hole with one drop of a different lure down the hole. A small backing and a few. ( 3 0r 4 ) small stones for guides. Then walk away. If you think about it there's already plenty of different smells, odors at that location already. As mentioned above check from a distance. Me and many others on here have had dirt holes really worked long after the traps been pulled.

Put ALL of your bait and lure IN THE HOLE.

Where abouts are you in VA? Feel free to PM me if you like.

Remove the stick, put a rock log, clump of sod behind dirt-hole, brush the leaves in on the sides a bit so the pattern is the runway, and cut a switch of briars or rose an put it right where the animal has been stepping

Gunleg, he is near Martinsville. Wish I was closer, would be glad to help him out.

Do you really think that yote was thinking he “outsmarted” you?

Yeah... that's a good little clip from me as well. (2 hours or so)

Watch some of the videos on this Coon Creek Outdoors channel. I think it will help you a lot and shorten the learning curve and keep the coyotes from out smarting you.

I actually stopped by the trapping store today and picked up two different baits to try, Im almost out of the Widowmaker. I got Cavens Predator bait plus and Carmens Sweetmeat to try

Will do, thank you for the suggestion.

If any of y'all are willing, I'll make the drive! It would be greatly appreciated

like Savell mentioned bedding and blending when you take a couple steps and turn to look your set should look like an animal made it
and whenever possible glass your sets with binos