Best Coyote Trapping Supplies

Trapper’s Basket or Bucket

Most trappers use a pack basket to carry their equipment, supplies and harvest. If you don’t have a pack basket, you can use a 5 gallon bucket with a tool organizer (like this one), or a pinch a burlap sack can be used.

Whatever pack or basket you use, keep in mind that any foreign odors in these containers could end up on your traps or other equipment.

Foothold Traps

A good trap to start with is a coil spring foothold trap which can be used for fox, marten, mink, muskrat and raccoon. This trap is probably the most universal trap you can have in your bag. You can also find these are garage or estate sales in the summer so keep a lookout.

Stakes or Anchors

Metal stakes and anchors are necessary to secure the trap to ensure your traps don’t run away with your catch. Stakes and anchors are great for trapping everything from raccoon to coyote.

Trap Pan Covers

Trap pan covers keep dirt from collecting underneath the trap pan ensuring the trap continues to operate when covered with dirt. When setting your trap, and before sifting dirt to cover the trap, place a pan cover over top of the trap pan to keep dirt out of the trap.

An alternative is to use wax paper that has been precut to the correct size to create a cheap pan cover. The wax paper should be folded and crumpled before being applied to the trap. The paper becomes softer, as a result, making it less noisy when an animal walks over it. Old Screens cut to size can all be used to create covers.

Dirt Sifter

A dirt sifter allows you to cover traps and bait with fine soil. The sifter removes rocks or clumps that could keep the trap from closing properly. Sifters can be purchased at most trapping suppliers. This one fits on the top of a 5 gallon bucket for easy use and transportation.

Additionally, you may create your own by using scrap wood and a piece of 1/4″ hardware cloth. Start by building a open box that roughly 10 inches long and 6 inches wide then attach the hardware cloth with staples to the box’s base.

Trowel

A trowel is a must have in every trapper’s bag. Whether you are using a a small trowel to set trap beds or a larger trowel to mimic game holes, both are extremely handy. You can buy a trowel at a trapping supplier, a home improvement store or on Amazon.

Catch Pole

While target animals are dispatched, what happens when non-target animals get caught in your trap line? In these situations, a catch pole comes in handy to hold the animals so they can be released safely.

Gloves

A good pair of long, waterproof gloves is a must if you are trapping near water. Gloves also keep human odors from contaminating your traps, stakes and bait. A good pair of animal handling gloves is also a good idea so you can safely handle the release of a non-target animal.

Bait & Lure

Once your trap is set, and depending on where you placed your trap, lure is used to get the coyotes attention and draw them into your set. Lures like Caven’s Yodel Dog are great for bringing the coyotes into your trapline. Additionally, bait is typically used near the trap, mostly in a man-made hole to mimic a small game hold. Baits such as Caven’s Predator Bait on a cotton ball work great. Drop the bait down into the hole and your set is complete.

Hunting License

Finally, ensure you have your hunting and trapping license in your gear pack, or on your person, as its required anytime you are in the field. I suggest finding a weatherproof holder for your license to protect it from the elements.