Bulletin 320 CONTROL OF THE COYOTE IN CALIFORNIA 



385 



WHERE TO SET TRAPS 



Coj-otes usually follow fairly well-defiiied routes on their various 

 foraging expeditions, and traps should be set, preferably to the wind- 

 ward, near the trails traveled by them. Traps set in the trail itself 

 will often be spring by cattle, rabbits or ground squirrels. The two 

 most important things to aim at in coyote trapping are to place the 

 "set" where the coyote will find it and to set the traps so they will 

 catch the coyote when he arrives. Take time to learn what trails the 

 coyotes are using before setting traps. A great number of special 

 sets used by professional trappers cannot, for lack of space, be given 

 here. Three of the most widely used and best types of sets are given 

 as follows: 



Fig. 2. — Diagram illustrating Open Set. Traps shown in position but uot 

 bedded. 



Open Set (See Fig. 2). — Select a little open place somewhere near 

 the coyote's line of travel, where the ground is loose and free from 

 stones. Secure a fiat square-edged rock weighing about fifteen pounds. 

 Take baling wire and wire together the rings of three steel traps, then 

 ivire these securely to the rock, which latter will serve as a drag 

 and marker when the coyote is caught. If the traps are fastened 

 to anything solid, which will not "give," there is danger of the coyote 

 pulling loose when he plunges about in the trap, unless securely 

 caught. If necessary to chain it to a root or stake, it is advisable 

 to substitute, in the place of two links of the chain, a stout steel coil 

 spring three-fourths of an inch in diameter and four inches long, 

 such as is used in the construction of a common type of bedspring. 

 This affords enough "give" to prevent the coyote pulling out of the 

 trap. Dig a hole deep enough to contain the drag. A prospector's 

 pick is handy for such work. Put the drag in the hole and place the 

 traps about twenty inches distant from the drag so that they will form 

 a letter Y with the drag in the center. Dig a pocket for each trap 



