A clean, natural-looking predator set built around a scent post instead of a dug hole.
Coyote Bobcat Red Fox Gray Fox
Cutaway diagram of the Flat Set — components, placement, and depth.
Where to Set
Set on travelways, trail intersections, high spots, and existing scent posts where predators already stop to investigate. Cleanliness and scent control are critical.
How to Build It
1Choose a natural attractor object as the backing (rock, clump, bone).
2Apply gland lure and/or urine to the backing.
3Bed a foothold rock-solid one trap-jaw width off the backing on the approach side.
4Cover with a pan cover and sift dirt flush and natural over the trap.
5Blend the whole set so nothing looks disturbed; remove excess dirt.
Bait & Lure
Gland lure and urine applied to a natural backing (grass clump, rock, cow chip, or bone). No dug hole — the attractor and clean bedding do the work.
Gear & Traps
#3-#4 coilspring foothold (or #3 for cats), pan cover, dirt sifter, clean dyed/waxed traps, lure and urine, earth anchor.
Best Conditions
Dry, workable ground in cold, stable weather. Fresh snow or dirt roads help confirm active travel routes.
Safety & Legal
Use pan-tension devices to reduce non-target catches and required trap tags. Bed traps firmly for a high, clean catch and follow legal check intervals.
Take this set to the field
Drop trap-set waypoints and map your line so you never miss a check.
