Coyote

Canis latrans

All species

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

Open fields, brushy draws, timber edges, and travel corridors. They use field roads, fence lines, and cattle trails as highways.

Field Sign

Scat left on trail intersections and high spots, direct-register tracks in dirt roads, and scent-post scratching near set locations.

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

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Cable Restraint

When: On trails through fences and brush (where legal)

Trap: Coyote-rated cable restraint / snare

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Bait & Lure

Gland lure and coyote urine at a dirt hole, plus a small amount of aged meat bait deep in the hole. Cleanliness and scent control matter more than the lure itself.

Fur Handling

Skin cased, flesh, and stretch on a coyote-sized stretcher. Brush the fur out; prime western coyotes bring premium prices.

Ready to run a line for coyote?

Mark your sets and trap line on the map and track every check.

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