The Complete Coyote Trapping Gear Guide: What You Need to Catch More Coyotes

Introduction

Coyote trapping is one of the most rewarding and challenging pursuits in the trapping world. Whether you're managing predator populations on your property or running a serious trapline, having the right gear makes all the difference. This guide breaks down the essential equipment every coyote trapper should have — from traps and lures to tools and accessories.

1. Choosing the Right Trap

The foothold trap is the gold standard for coyote trapping. Coyotes are smart, wary animals, and a well-placed foothold gives you the best combination of holding power and selectivity.

• Duke #3 Coil Spring — A workhorse trap for coyote. The coil spring design offers fast, reliable closure and is easy to set in the field. Ideal for dirt holes, flat sets, and trail sets.
• Duke #4 Coil Spring 4X — When you need maximum holding power for large coyotes or in areas with heavy predator pressure, the #4 steps up with a wide jaw spread and strong spring tension.
• Duke #3 Coil Spring Offset Jaw — The offset jaw maintains excellent holding power while keeping the animal secure. A great choice for trappers who prioritize catch condition.
• Bridger #3 Coil Spring — The Bridger is a favorite among serious coyote trappers for its smooth, fast action and solid construction. Known for its tight tolerances and consistent pan tension, the Bridger #3 is a reliable performer in all weather conditions and terrain types.
• MB-550 Coil Spring — The MB-550 is a premium professional-grade trap built to exacting standards. With a wide jaw spread, strong spring tension, and smooth trigger, it's a top choice for trappers targeting large coyotes and wolves. The MB-550 is built to last a lifetime of hard use on the trapline.

2. Lures and Baits

Coyotes rely heavily on their nose. The right lure or bait can mean the difference between a blank check and a full trapline.

• Gland Lures — Coyote gland lures mimic territorial scent markings and trigger a coyote's natural curiosity and dominance instincts. Apply a few drops at the backing of a dirt hole set or on a scent post.
• Food Baits — Meat-based baits like aged beaver, muskrat, or commercial coyote bait work well in cold weather when coyotes are focused on food. Place bait deep in the hole to draw the coyote's foot over the trap pan.
• Urine — Coyote urine used as a trailing scent or post scent adds realism to any set. Red fox urine can also be effective, triggering territorial responses from coyotes.
• Call Lures — Long-distance call lures with a strong, pungent odor draw coyotes from a distance. Use sparingly — a little goes a long way.

3. Trap Preparation

Raw, shiny traps are a red flag to wary coyotes. Proper trap preparation is non-negotiable.

• Degreasing — Boil new traps in a solution of water and logwood crystals or walnut hulls to remove factory grease and begin the dyeing process.
• Dyeing and Waxing — Dye traps dark brown or black, then wax them to prevent rust and reduce odor. Waxed traps also set more smoothly in cold weather.
• Scent Control — Handle prepared traps with rubber gloves. Store them in a clean container away from gasoline, food, or other foreign odors.

4. Digging and Bedding Tools

A solid trap bed is critical. A trap that rocks, tips, or freezes in place will cost you catches.

• Trapping Trowel — A narrow, sturdy trowel for digging dirt holes and bedding traps. Look for one with a comfortable grip and sturdy build.
• Sifter — A dirt sifter lets you cover the trap with fine, loose soil that won't interfere with the pan or jaws. Fine-sifted dirt also looks natural and doesn't alarm coyotes.
• Kneeling Pad — Keep your scent off the ground around your set. A piece of old carpet or a dedicated kneeling pad works well.

5. Dispatch and Handling Tools

Once you've made a catch, you need the right tools to dispatch and handle the animal safely and efficiently.

• Dispatch Tool — A .22 caliber firearm or a dedicated dispatch tool is the most humane and efficient option.
• Catch Pole — Useful for controlling a live animal before dispatch, especially in areas where you may catch non-target animals that need to be released.
• Heavy Gloves — Protect your hands during handling and help control scent contamination on your equipment.

6. Fur Handling Gear

If you're trapping for fur, proper handling from the field to the stretcher determines the value of your pelt.

• Fur Stretchers — Use the correct size stretcher for coyote. A properly stretched and dried pelt commands a significantly better price than a poorly handled one.
• Fleshing Beam and Tool — Remove all fat and membrane from the hide before stretching. A clean, well-fleshed pelt dries faster and resists spoilage.

Final Thoughts

Successful coyote trapping comes down to preparation, quality gear, and attention to detail. Invest in well-made traps, use proven lures and baits, and take the time to prepare your equipment properly. The coyote is one of the most adaptable and intelligent animals on the continent — but with the right setup, you'll have the edge.

Browse our full selection of coyote traps, lures and baits, and fur handling equipment to gear up for your next season.