I have trapped 2.5 seasons and I have a problem when picking set locations. I pick a spot based on what I read and learned, but then its like maybe this spot would be better or here, no maybe here. Seems it takes me awhile to pick the spot. Is this just me or will one day I learn to have confindence to say I am going to set here and not second guess.
thanks

This coming season will be my 8th season and I still second guess my locations. I move them around only to find that I should have left them where I first had them becuase right where my trap was is where the animal stepped. It doesn't happen as often as the experience rolls in but I still do it. ~Dan~

Guess it depends on what animal you are trapping. When I make a set for coyotes or fox I always put in 2-3 sets so I really don't second guess my locations.

Perfect set location is an ability most trappers learn from experience. With a lifetime on the coyote line practically since the day I was born I can look at any area and pick the best spot right away. Like Huntinglonewolf stated, I also put at least three sets per location but when I pick that one particular spot as the best it turns out so 95% of the time. Once one finds these hot spots they can use them year after year with success again and again. I did my best to make a study of why the hot placement spot was always most consistent over other sets a few feet away. All of the important factors must of course be in place, set visibility, eye appeal, wind direction, preferrable type backings, etc but the most successful spots also have been most always in a position to more likely be lit up by moonlight. Ace

yep when I am in doubt, I put a trap at each spot I think looks good.

I put 2 traps per set, 1 set per location . When yall put 3 sets at a location, do yall use 1 trap per set or multible.
thanks

if i see good sign i set 3-4 traps in that location and move on,some locations are good for 1 trap some are better with 3 or more

that all depends on the location, and lets take coyotes for example. you can tell, if its a family group that hunt that particular area, or if its an old dog just marking/refreshing his territory.

a lone set of tracks makes me think its an old dog checking out his home range. those get one set, MAYBE 2.

multiple tracks going everywhich direction of variuos size and distance, tells me they hunt there, and those places get several sets, 2 up to 4-5.

If its bobcats, i NEVER have enough traps in that spot..lmao

anytime bill.

i leave my house around 3:30, done ny 8 on weekdays, and saturdays, a little longer on sundays.

5!!??? i got coyotes in the truck by then!

really though, if i forget, PM in the fall, we will go.

I'm not a pro trapper by any means, but something that comes up on here from time to time and I gotta say something.

In my area, (I'm sure others differ), I do not want more than one trap within reach of another. Yes the close double pictures are like a special badge to some.

Picture a coon in a trap, then an unattended dog comes along and wants to torment him, and gets caught in the other close trap. Now what are you picturing?

To me, that chance is not worth the close double picture. If I can not catch him with one trap at the set, I need to work on something else besides several traps per square metre.

I will set multiple traps on a good location, but not within reach of one an other.

Charles, how many coyotes do you think you scare away while checking in the dark that early in the morning? I realize it is what you have to do you have no other choice, but just wondering you know?

huh? thats overthinking it. the 2 traps close together arent for a pictures sake. one animal in a trap acts like a lure in itself, and while one critter is checking the other critter out, he finds the other set.

you have no more chance catching a dog with a critter in a set close to another one as you do with one set by itself.

come to think of it, i dont think ive ever caught a non target closeby to a trapped furbearor.

more than id like to know proabbly!

Overthinking it? You call it what you want, I think promoting setting a trap within biting distance of another trap is underthinking it. We all have our opinions, and that's mine. Have a good day.

you never set a trap where two caught animals can intermingle anyway, thast trap basics 101.

if you not setting 2 traps in good locations, your missing animals.

take this for example. best i can rememebr, there was just a couple tracks here, very little sighn. i set one trap on each side of the cut in the field the coyotes were funneling through, to cross the hedgerow.

my guess is what happened here, is there was two old dogs claiming this place as "thier" territory.

it was moslty luck i got this double. but, had i only set one trap, i doubt i woulda got the other dog.

Go back and read Archers second post question, then my first reply. Read slow because I type slow. I'm pretty sure he traps the same area as I do.

OK, but it still makes no sense notto set two traps because you might attract dogs. Do you use lure? It might attract dogs.

go back and re-read my post, or anyone elses. i dont think anyone was promoting setting traps that close together.