Has anyone noticed a difference in productivity from their dirt holes if the hole size was varied? For example, you went from a punch-type hole to a much larger hole, and your catch increased.

Thanks,

Mudcat

Yes, but it depends on your style of setting. It was the opposite for me when I started many years ago. I started with a bigger hole and missed quite a few coyotes. Then I switched to a punch hole and have stayed with it ever since, having consistent catches. So, do what's working for you. If you are having better success with a larger hole, then stick with it.

Appreciate the reply! I heard of a trapper using a gas powered auger to make his dirthole. It was a larger hole than any hole I have ever constructed.

Thanks,

Mudcat

Charlie Dobbins' "Dirt Hole book" discusses this in detail. Good read and will open your eyes on things to consider.....check it out.

Absolutely,

I have found that the bigger the hole, the harder it is to defend.
I get substantially more defeats with a single three inch hole.
Side digs were the norm with the big hole set.

The 1.5 double hole set four inches apart was by far my best producer.
The pan is eight inches out to pan center spaced in between the holes.

1.5 DOUBLE DIRT HOLE

Tejas explained it well. That's what I dealt with when using a bigger hole, but some guys use a big hole and swear by it. I've even seen guys that use a big hole and have a great success rate, but it didn't produce well for me. It may come down to some small different details they use that make it successful for them. I even see some guys that set their trap back 12 - 16" from the dirt hole, which I don't, and have success. It comes down to their set construction as to why it works for them.

I appreciate the information! I'm certainly gonna give the double hole a try. In a standard dirthole, what's the trap placement you prefer?

Thanks,

Mudcat

Tejas when you do a double dirt hole like that are using an attractant in one hole, both or neither. If both same attractant. I have always thought with multiple attractants we never really know what they were working. Curious your thoughts.

For me a standard dirt hole is just a stake punch hole wallowed out about 1" round. My trap placement is 8" from center of hole to center of trap pan. That's what works best for me, and I have caught every type of predator with that.

nice catch!!

Here is a solid Flat Set Double.

In the foreground is a super old male. A young female looks off to her left in the rear.

This is the fourth catch in the rear set and the third catch in the front.

Here is the young gal.
She was long and lanky.
I would put her at two years old.
She definitely had the frame to be a big girl.

Once Again – Sharp Features – Young Coyote

The Old Man.

Tejas, may have missed this. I'll share what I do. I use a different attractant in each hole. If you have used different baits or lures that work as a stand-alone, then it doesn't really matter if you know what they were working. On a double dirt hole, you are just trying to get more feet movement across the pan. I feel that even if it's a less desirable attractant to the coyote, they still like to check it out to satisfy their curiosity. In doing so they cross the pan giving at least one extra step to make a successful catch.

Thanks for pointing that out SPC. I’m sorry for missing your question WI.
SPC gave a good explanation. It’s all about generating more foot movement.
There are no set rules. But some things do get more of a reaction.

I make it where I know what they are hitting WI. It is the bait.
The same bait goes down both holes. I always use a generous amount. That is key.
I have little doubt a coyote can tell if there is a small or large amount of bait down the hole.
That additional amount of bait itself provides incentive. There is little motivation to dig a foot down for a mere spoonful of bait.

The bait is super fresh with zero added ingredients except for SB.
Lure and urine are always included at this set. They are usually placed in a backing if available.
The holes are usually 10-12 inches deep. Bait is poked down the hole to ensure it is at the bottom.
I would avoid leaving one hole empty to save money. It will cost you coyotes.


This is a deadly set, make no mistake. It has outperformed any hole set I have ever come across.
t has been my experience that this set seems to produce better with very small to no backing.
It was also my best producing remake set as well. Just smooth out catch circle, punch holes, bait, and walk off. No backing is necessary.

That remake look is killer on both coyotes and cats.


COYOTE - CAT DOUBLE

Thank you silkyplains and Tejas, much appreciated. I will have to play around with some DDH sets next season. I'll try some with different baits and some with same baits.

Anytime WI !

Best of luck next season.

I’m looking forward to seeing some of those Hi – Line coyotes!

Good info guys!
Can I mention remakes again. Saw this twice yesterday and thought it MIGHT add to some trappers knowledge base
We have blowing snow here in N. Illinois. Super cold conditions but weather has been ALL OVER THE PLACE so none of my sets
have any long lasting consistency as freeze/thaw, snow, then mud, freeze again, no snow etc...Saw where I had a catch circle remake set up with one
trap bedded inside the original circle and another just outside the circle. Not taking any chances...lol
The snow lightly covered the sets and I thought, "It is just a matter of time." Pair of coyotes checked it out and tracked the whole area up.
Tracks inside and outside the circle....missed them...grrrr. They worked the backside of the flat set the most and only paid a little attention to
the outside of the circle set....which had droppings and a toothpick dab of gland??? Next, location up the road....another remake with only one trap set outside.
I used droppings only. Snow had completely covered the catch circle, This one had a single female approach(tracks in the snow) She circled, and got caught in the outside set.
I am wondering IF using only one attractor might FOCUS the animals attention more to THAT SET??
Thoughts.

Thank you. They're a far cry from the dark and ugly North Idaho coyotes I had been trapping.