Been trapping coyotes wrong this whole time

Thought I’d share a few things that’ve seriously improved my coyote trapping success over the years. Some of these I learned the hard way, so maybe they’ll save you some time (and frustration). 1️⃣ Bed your trap tight. No wiggle, no catch. Pack dirt around the jaws so the trap feels like solid ground to the coyote. 2️⃣ Focus on quality. Two well-made sets in good spots will beat ten sloppy ones. Precision matters more than volume. 3️⃣ Use trusted sources. Old-school trapping books and certified classes > random YouTube advice. Bad info wastes seasons. 4️⃣ Avoid busy areas. Stay away from trailheads or dog-walking spots. It’s not worth the risk of catching a pet or creating conflict. 5️⃣ Check traps twice daily. If you can, check morning and late afternoon—especially during breeding season when coyotes move midday. 6️⃣ Go easy on scent. Too much lure overwhelms. Use just a small dab, buried deep, to keep coyotes curious and working your set. 7️⃣ Expect “bonus” catches. You’ll get bobcats, coons, maybe skunks. Know how to release them safely and legally. 8️⃣ Have a post-catch plan. Be ready to dispatch humanely and process or dispose of the animal properly, especially if it’s sick. These are lessons learned from the field — and I’m still learning every season. Anyone else got a favorite tip or mistake you wish you'd avoided early on? #hunting #coyotetrapping #trappingtips