How steep would be to steep for an animal to work a dirt hole? Ive got a place with a great transition line of mowed field and tall grass however the brush hog got a little braver than normal so that transition is on the side of the hills which is fairly steep. (20ft of elevation gain every 10 yards per on x maps)

If they can walk on it, it isn't too steep. It can be steep enough to be a pain bedding a trap, however. On a dirt hole you can fudge it a little bit, digging out the hole, but you don't want to build an obvious shelf where the trap is.

I like a little slope on my sets to help guide and drain water. Basically if the dog can stand on it then it's not too steep.

Canines usually work set downhill (from higher ground), if ground isn't level. Instead of digging into slope, make set downhill. At times this is a challenge without doing a summersault and going head over heals if slope is too steep.

On gentle slope or very slight change in level of ground, take advantage of canine habit and set downward. And avoid digging and working set from the backing.

I’ve noticed over the years a little reluctance in coyotes working sets on too much of a grade.

If you can find a level bench or step, even if it’s only a foot or two square it seems to help.

I think they feel a little disadvantaged when on a steep incline. Especially if they have to work up from the lower elevation.

If you set on uneven ground you are asking for trouble.
It will fundamentally change the way a coyote works a set.
They are very unpredictable on uneven ground.
You can also expect minimum hang time / foot traffic on a grade change.
Even a slight elevation change within the set area will cause problems.
You will miss way more than you snag. Set on that hillside and you will find out.
Stick with setting level ground and you will do much better.

If you have a logging road like switch backing up a hill. Everything animal will walk the outside looking over the hillside.. post sets right in there face