Coyote
Canis latrans
The trapper's ultimate challenge — sharp, wary, and rewarding to outsmart with a clean flat set.
Typical Size
20 – 45 lb
Prime Season
Dec – Feb
Overview
Coyotes are intelligent, adaptable predators found in every habitat from farmland to suburbs. Trapping them demands clean sets, scent control, and precise location, but the payoff is a valuable pelt and real predator management.
Identification
- 20-45 lb dog-like frame with tan-gray coat
- Pointed ears and narrow muzzle
- Bushy tail carried low when running
- Track shows tight, oval, direct-register pattern
Habitat
Field Sign
Behavior
Highly territorial and neophobic — suspicious of anything new. They travel edges and use the same intersections repeatedly, which is where flat and dirt-hole sets shine.
Best Sets
Dirt Hole Set
When: On travelways, field edges, and trail junctions
Trap: #3 or #4 coilspring foothold with clean, dyed-and-waxed equipment
View full set instructions →
Flat Set
When: At scent posts and scat stations
Trap: Foothold bedded rock-solid with a backing to guide the foot
View full set instructions →
Cable Restraint
When: On trails through fences and brush (where legal)
Trap: Coyote-rated cable restraint / snare
View full set instructions →
Bait & Lure
Fur Handling
Skin cased, flesh, and stretch on a coyote-sized stretcher. Brush the fur out; prime western coyotes bring premium prices.
