Hey yall

[Blackston]

My new spot this year has cows I’m allowed to hunt for free …. Farmer mentioned coyotes and trapping…… So I’m gonna try …. I’ve been reading and reading….. Is this something that will be helpful for me to start or should I not waste my money on this “ kit “Pic won’t load but it’s a MB 550 kit it’s about 220$

 

[Railroader]

My new spot this year has cows I’m allowed to hunt for free …. Farmer mentioned coyotes and trapping…… So I’m gonna try …. I’ve been reading and reading….. Is this something that will be helpful for me to start or should I not waste my money on this “ kit “Pic won’t load but it’s a MB 550 kit it’s about 220$

And so it begins...

MB550s are the way to go. Keep us posted on your progress. Learning to trap is a cool process, and when you ride up on that first caught coyote, it's as good as your first deer, first fish, first...

Well you get the idea.

Plenty of good trappers here too, I'm just not one of them...

 

[Doug B.]

My new spot this year has cows I’m allowed to hunt for free …. Farmer mentioned coyotes and trapping…… So I’m gonna try …. I’ve been reading and reading….. Is this something that will be helpful for me to start or should I not waste my money on this “ kit “Pic won’t load but it’s a MB 550 kit it’s about 220$

I'm guessing that this is the package you are talking about. If it is then yes it would be a good starter kit and gives you the fundamental tools and equipment to get you going.

You could get a different package that would be cheaper but for another $20-$30 you will have one that you will probably be more satisfied with.

Don't be surprised When you realize that you "need" to have some other stuff such as more traps, lure, tools, hardware, etc!!!

There are a lot of great threads in this forum and great trappers to help answer any questions you may have. Youtube is another great resource to learn from.

We can't wait to see pictures of your progress, your trapline, catches, or anything you run up on as you are out trapping!!!

 

[sportsman94]

If you’ll be trapping in a pasture that cows are actively in then your trapping start is likely to be a little more difficult than other folks. Most times cows can’t help but investigate a set and will often follow you around the pasture. Once you drive away they will proceed to stomp all over your sets and you’ll have to remake them every night. If you can get permission to set up just outside of the fence you can avoid those problems. If you can’t, then I would look up step down dirt holes because cows generally won’t step into them. There’s also a couple tricks to lessen your odds of the cows ruining sets. On set day carry a couple bales or hay and take them to the far end of the pasture where you won’t be setting. The cows won’t see you make sets and May be less likely to find them. You can also put your lure and bait up high on something so they can satisfy their curiosity without stomping your set to do it. If the fencing is all barb wire then you have a bit of a scouting dream. Ride the edges and see where they are crossing by looking for light colored hair on the bottom two strands. Cows definitely seem to attract coyotes so you should be in a target Rich environment. Good luck with your new hobby!

 

[Blackston]

If you’ll be trapping in a pasture that cows are actively in then your trapping start is likely to be a little more difficult than other folks. Most times cows can’t help but investigate a set and will often follow you around the pasture. Once you drive away they will proceed to stomp all over your sets and you’ll have to remake them every night. If you can get permission to set up just outside of the fence you can avoid those problems. If you can’t, then I would look up step down dirt holes because cows generally won’t step into them. There’s also a couple tricks to lessen your odds of the cows ruining sets. On set day carry a couple bales or hay and take them to the far end of the pasture where you won’t be setting. The cows won’t see you make sets and May be less likely to find them. You can also put your lure and bait up high on something so they can satisfy their curiosity without stomping your set to do it. If the fencing is all barb wire then you have a bit of a scouting dream. Ride the edges and see where they are crossing by looking for light colored hair on the bottom two strands. Cows definitely seem to attract coyotes so you should be in a target Rich environment. Good luck with your new hobby!

Thanks man !!! I’m really excited to get started there’s some woods and edges and un fenced ag fields I’m hopin to start there ….. I’m a little intimidated by makin my “ first set “

 

[sportsman94]

When you get your traps practice bedding them in the yard a few times before you go set. What you want is the trap to sit in the bed and be rock solid so if they step anywhere besides the pan there is no movement. The management advantage has probably the best video showing how to bed a trap quickly in my opinion. I used to spend 5-7 minutes on each set packing the dirt in every crevice, but when soil conditions are correct I do what that video shows and it achieves the same goal much quicker. Bed the trap solid, find the most attractive bait/lure that you can, and put it anywhere from 4-12” past the trap either in a hole or on a tuft of grass/bone/****/etc. Bedding is the most important part, but attractive baits and lures will increase your odds tremendously by making them work the set instead of just giving it one sniff. Oh, and go ahead and catch yourself once or twice early on. You’ll get a lot braver around the traps when you realize they aren’t that bad. I used to never stick my fingers inside of the jaws when it was set. Would only use a stick to do that. Now I just use my fingers and accept the fact that I’ll get caught a couple times

 

[Blackston]

When you get your traps practice bedding them in the yard a few times before you go set. What you want is the trap to sit in the bed and be rock solid so if they step anywhere besides the pan there is no movement. The management advantage has probably the best video showing how to bed a trap quickly in my opinion. I used to spend 5-7 minutes on each set packing the dirt in every crevice, but when soil conditions are correct I do what that video shows and it achieves the same goal much quicker. Bed the trap solid, find the most attractive bait/lure that you can, and put it anywhere from 4-12” past the trap either in a hole or on a tuft of grass/bone/****/etc. Bedding is the most important part, but attractive baits and lures will increase your odds tremendously by making them work the set instead of just giving it one sniff. Oh, and go ahead and catch yourself once or twice early on. You’ll get a lot braver around the traps when you realize they aren’t that bad. I used to never stick my fingers inside of the jaws when it was set. Would only use a stick to do that. Now I just use my fingers and accept the fact that I’ll get caught a couple times

Thanks !!!I keep hearing bedding I think I understand this ….. What about pan covers and peat moss ( is moss necessary? )

 

[Doug B.]

Thanks !!!I keep hearing bedding I think I understand this ….. What about pan covers and peat moss ( is moss necessary? )

I use peat moss here but I'm in the mountains where the ground is froze most nights during the winter. I don't use it much if the weather is warm but some on here do no matter what. It takes a little getting used to cause it don't pack like dirt does. I do use polyfil under the pan so nothing gets under it and the pan will go down when an animal steps on it.

I will also say an important part of catching critters is set on sign. Once you get used to looking for sign you will be amazed at how much you can figure out about critters by the sign they leave.

 

[sportsman94]

I’m a polyfill under the pan and peat moss between the jaws kind of guy. I tried straight peat and didn’t like it. Polyfill by itself under the pan works good, but 550s will still let dirt or sand wash underneath at times. I used to use screen pan covers back in the day and never had many issues. Just changed because they allowed digging animals to hook the screen with their nails while digging

 

[furtaker]

One trick to bedding a trap...throw a little loose dirt in your trap bed, and firmly squeeze the dirt under your trap levers using your thumb and fingers. Works pretty well.

 

[furtaker]

I’m a polyfill under the pan and peat moss between the jaws kind of guy. I tried straight peat and didn’t like it. Polyfill by itself under the pan works good, but 550s will still let dirt or sand wash underneath at times. I used to use screen pan covers back in the day and never had many issues. Just changed because they allowed digging animals to hook the screen with their nails while digging

I like how dry and weather resistant peat moss is but that's about as far as it goes. I hate trying to bed a trap in straight peat.

 

[trad bow]

And you will make mistakes we all have. Just use those mistakes as lessons to becoming a proficient trapper

 

[sportsman94]

I like how dry and weather resistant peat moss is but that's about as far as it goes. I hate trying to bed a trap in straight peat.

Yep, I won’t do that. I tried it a few times and always had traps dug out. That’s why it stays inside the jaws for me. I just want to have a little less weight slowing the jaws down in wet or heavy soil

 

[antharper]

Thanks !!!I keep hearing bedding I think I understand this ….. What about pan covers and peat moss ( is moss necessary? )

In your dirt I’d just go with a little polyfill under your pan and forget the rest . I’ve tried it all and this works for me . The main thing is don’t get discouraged when you don’t catch one after a few nights . Lots of times it takes a while . I learned a ton from these experts on here and wouldn’t have been near as successful without them . Far as setting traps YouTube helped me a lot . Check out coyote trapping, making a dirt hole set on YouTube , lots of great videos

 

[Blackston]

In your dirt I’d just go with a little polyfill under your pan and forget the rest . I’ve tried it all and this works for me . The main thing is don’t get discouraged when you don’t catch one after a few nights . Lots of times it takes a while . I learned a ton from these experts on here and wouldn’t have been near as successful without them . Far as setting traps YouTube helped me a lot . Check out coyote trapping, making a dirt hole set on YouTube , lots of great videos

Thanks Ant I’ve been trying to soak it all in …. But as predicted I had a member that lives real close offer to let me tag along …… GON folks is the BEST …. I got one last Deer adventure…. I don’t really fish .. so I think this will be fun for me and my partner!!!

 

[Blackston]

I also became pretty proficient with box traps for coons … back when I was unemployed and unemployable I ran 8- 10 live traps to keep gas in the druggie buggie …. Maybe this will help a little… I know it’s literally 2 different animals( I share openly about my past …. Most of y’all from the deer forum know …. Hope that doesn’t offend anyone….Jesus freed me and i tell anyone that will listen!!!)

 

[trad bow]

It’s awesome that you found the Lord and turned your life around. It’s great for you to share your testimony with us.

 

[sleepr71]

Thanks man !!! I’m really excited to get started there’s some woods and edges and un fenced ag fields I’m hopin to start there ….. I’m a little intimidated by makin my “ first set “

Practice setting,bedding your anchors,traps,etc before ever boiling them. Especially practice digging out your holes & bedding your traps. Learn to get it just below grade & solid..so it doesn’t rock..at all. Then sift a little peat moss & dirt over the whole set. I take a foot long piece of 3/4 heater hose with me to fire my traps. It gives them something soft to snap shut on (besides my fingers).. Plenty of threads on here about the tools & equipment we use & what’s helpful. Plenty of great advice to be had in here also

 

[Blackston]

Practice setting,bedding your anchors,traps,etc before ever boiling them. Especially practice digging out your holes & bedding your traps. Learn to get it just below grade & solid..so it doesn’t rock..at all. Then sift a little peat moss & dirt over the whole set. I take a foot long piece of 3/4 heater hose with me to fire my traps. It gives them something soft to snap shut on (besides my fingers).. Plenty of threads on here about the tools & equipment we use & what’s helpful. Plenty of great advice to be had in here also

Thanks I’ve been looking at “tools “ I got lots of toys to build at the welding shop at lunchtime

 

[antharper]

I also became pretty proficient with box traps for coons … back when I was unemployed and unemployable I ran 8- 10 live traps to keep gas in the druggie buggie …. Maybe this will help a little… I know it’s literally 2 different animals( I share openly about my past …. Most of y’all from the deer forum know …. Hope that doesn’t offend anyone….Jesus freed me and i tell anyone that will listen!!!)

Amen brother ! I can assure you no one here will be offended by a man freed by Jesus ! And a ride along with an experienced trapper will shorten the learning curve a lot . But if you stay with it you’ll figure out things that work better for you .