On those big fields, I always have to try and find the highest place or my hole fills with groundwater. Picking location can be a challenge.





wws

I’m new to all of this I set based on my cameras due to the fact I knew they were using the area and I found scat. It’s a 280 acre property with almost all thick 5 year old pines. Can’t see tracks but I found crap and knew they were using the places I set on from the 4 months I ran cameras during deer season. It would make sense as far as them finding better ground. There’s a big pit that borders the property that everyone around takes deer carcasses to so I’m sure that’s a major factor in why they’re there so much during deer season. As long as they stay gone for the turkey hatch and fawn drop I’ll be happy. Thanks for all the tips

I use cameras for scouting, I can set half a dozen cameras watching locations vs making useless sets. I’ll set crossroads and field corners if I can find tracks. Other than that I’ll set out cameras to watch.
If you have small thicker pines and a 2 track in the middle of them, set it. At least 2 sets on opposite sides of the road. I’d make flat sets with nothing but a coyote gland lure. If you wanted to add bait, I’d just punch a small hole with the driver and cover it with grass or needles after putting a little bait down the hole.
My best set in the “open” or fields is a flat set and then add a sprig of broomsedge as backing. It stands out like a sore thumb and they have to check it or mark it. I use a gland lure in the broomsedge and urine about a foot away.
The main problem I run into is bobcats clogging up the sets. I could actually find a coyote track and set and still catch a bobcat
I have the same issues with dirt holes. I tend to put those in more open areas as well. Coyotes don’t seem to like backing they can’t see through or over. My cameras have showed me a coyote come through twice and would circle the dirt hole but never commit. I went a put a set exactly when I saw it step on camera which was a good 3ft away. The next time it came through it got caught.
You say you’re new to this so probably the best advice I can give is make your sets and leave them alone. No tweaking, no adding bait/lure, no nothing. I ride and check…I don’t get out and look and don’t “check out” anything. I don’t care if it rains or not, leave the sets alone unless they’re exposed. Also when using lure, a little goes a long way. The only time I mess with a set is when it’s time to pull and move on to the next property.