Still not sure which trap to buy. looking at the mb 550 and 650 or the bridger #2 full mod or #3 full mod.

650

Any of the ones you mentioned will work fine as for the #2 size traps Id personally go with the mb-550's on the larger trap its basicly going to depend or do you perfer a dogless or a dog on trap

Sorry gotta say it Montana #3's. If you have never had the pleasure of using dogless you should give them a try. Or this fall MTP should have the Bridger dogless out.

Unless restricted to a particular size, go with a #3 sized trap for coyotes...whatever one you decide. Size matters.

#2 bridger full mods is the way to go IMO.

bridger #3 mod

What makes you think you need fully modified Bridgers or do you have a specific reason why you need them modified? Mine are fully modified and maybe a little beyond but they are that way for a reason, NOT that they will catch more! IMHO, there isn't a trap made today designed for catching and holding coyote that won't do as intended without modifications.



I agree!

650 and/or #3 Bridger's!

I like my #3 Montana's 2 coiled and laminated. I don't think you need full mods to catch or hold coyote. Get standard traps and buy a few more and have more traps out. 1 you will learn more 2 you have a chance of catching more fur.

Can't go wrong with the MB 650 for coyotes.

I've tried some different ones. I'm partial to the 650. But have used with no problems the 550, KB, Sterling and I'm going to buy the Bridgers for this year. It is not the trap itself most times but how and where you set. That said ... you still need a trap tough enough to do the job and take the abuse. The other thing to look at is modifications (money need to spend) to make you happy and how much you need to update and replace parts after catches or the season is done. But just getting outside and having fun it worth what ever you chose.

I often wonder when reading these threads about coyote traps why no one ever recommends the Sleepy Creek #3 Offset? I am new to trapping and realize with some minor mods may be needed on the SC #3, but it seems like a good strong trap, American made as well. I recently purchased one to see what it is like. Now the dog that comes stock I did not like and think it could bend easy, so I ordered a round dog to fit from MTP, just like the one's that come on MB 550's. Works well to me. Just wondering if there is something I don't know. Thanks.

I have over the years gone to all Bridger #2's for coyotes because I liked them and wanted to standardize my traps.

All mine are now modified; and I have also done a modification to the inside jaw spread to make them legal (by a federal court decree) here in Maine, where we have restrictions put in place because of Canadian Lynx that affects the allowable inside jaw spread.
The reason I use modified ones for coyotes is that we only have a couple of weeks of trapping before the ground starts to freeze up and the 4-coiled traps have a better chance of breaking through with sufficient speed to ensure a catch.

Amb, I've built "a couple" log homes myself. On the SC 3s, notice the pan tension gets too heavy nearer you press towards the dog. The fulcrun of pan/dog is right above the pan hinge unlike the real PIT system.
Not a big deal if you know this and trap placement and guide accordingly. Fine trap, I liked the offset model modified. I didn't run em but set up a bunch for a friend FWIW.

To anyone who this may hurt their traps feelings, go lay down.

IMO most the traps mentioned and more are fine. Buy a few of each and try em, they're just traps.

BRIDGER 3 full mods o/s

Just for coyotes you couldn't go wrong with either the 650"s or the Montana #3 specials

You've told us which traps you're looking at and now that there appears to be a general, subjective consensous that all will fill the bill, plus some others, what are YOU looking for in a coyote trap? What's your acceptance criteria?

Thanks for the info guys....This is my first year trapping coyotes and im looking for a trap that i can take out of the box and set(ready to go).6.5 is the biggest jaw spread allowed in pa. I will check out the montanas..just read alot about traps on here and everyone has there favorite trap. some likes duke and some don't,some say use the #2 and some say don't. Just looking for a trap that will hold and take the beating of a coyote.

Good, now you're getting down to it! Let's forget this subjective, favorite stuff and be objective toward helping answer your question. Your acceptance criteria consists of four requirements.

1. The trap is ready to rock & roll out of the box.
This means you don't want to dick around with closing dog eyes, adjusting pan level ness, changing dog bolts, etc. The Bridgers you will need to do some tuning. I haven't used the other two so I can't objectively comment on their readiness..

2. The trap has to hold a coyote.
I can only attest to the two Bridger traps because i use them and have no experience with the other two. The Bridgers meet that requirement modified or not.

3. The trap has to take whatever abuse a coyote gives.
Meaning you don't want to have to straighten bent dogs because that's about all the abuse that I've ever had a coyote do to a Bridger.

4. The trap has to have a 6.5" jaw spread.
Two of the traps you mention meet that requirement.