Hello everyone. Newish trapper here I've been out of the game for 10+ years but recently gotten that itch to trap again. Ive been trying to trap some coyotes in dirt hole sets and I know they are there checking them out but I cant get them to commit. Ive been having good luck with the foxes but every time I go and check the coyotes have gotten to them first. Any tips or tricks yall can offer?
Thank you.
-dude

i would make sure the boots you wear are clean and when you make your set it wouldnt be a bad idea to kneel on a piece of somthing (canvas) to keep your odor off the ground
and maybe try blending your set in with chaff or ground clutter instead of a dirt pattern
this is the time of year to use scent posts or walk thru sets

Ill try that on my remake this evening thanks!

I would suggest that you look where their tracks are in conjunction with your bait. They’re showing you where they can be caught. You just have to place your trap (s) there and not where you want them to go

Yes I would back up and make a flat set where they are stalling. I would add a shot of urine and a very small amount of coyote gland lure .

Are your fox being torn up by the coyotes? If so, I would think the remake with a few fox bits would be effective. Is it possible feral dogs may be tearing up your catches?

I had a similar situation this year on a group of coyote on one property just minus the fox. Once snow came (stone two track off a hay field so you’re hard pressed to find a track unless they leave a cigar for you) I was able to see where they were cutting a corner by a small tuft of grass, marking it every other time they passed. I set it as a natural post/ blind set with just a shot of urine. That took every one out of that property.

If you’re dead set on running dirt holes, and they’ve been crushing every fox you’ve caught before you get there, maybe try to give em what they want. By that I mean maybe Send a chunk of fox meat down the hole with some of the fur still on, cut out 2-3” of its brown eye and send it down as well. Deep as you can get it.

Sounds like a flat set with fox gland lure or parts and pieces from a fox you have caught.