Would a modified bridger 1.75 be enough to hold coyotes? I’m sure it’s been done, but would it be big enough for a dedicated coyote trap. Thanks for any information

Yes sir, they'll hold a coyote just fine. I'd go for an offset trap though. If I recall correctly, they'd have the same jaw spread as a MB550.

Just a note: Of course, bigger traps would hold higher up on the leg but if you have the pan tension right, you can get a good hold with a 1.75

Had a big coyote mangle a 1.75 2 years ago. now i run all 550's. I'd say for a dedicated coyote trap get the sturdiest one you can.

Replacing cheap traps can get real expensive, learned that lesson.

Its a beefed up 1.5 square jaw....so "dedicated" NO.

Dedicated coyote traps are a #3 size trap (650s NOT the 550s). Unless laws restrict in your area. Took me a lot of years to figure that one out....I'm a little slow.

Would I recommend it as a dedicated coyote trap? No
Can you hold them in one? yes
Here is a coyote in a Bridger 1.75. This set was targeting Fox but I beef then up a little just in case.


This is what I do to them.
Not looking for you should do this or that.....
Just saying what I do.

I weld the baseplate, replace the chain with either #2 or #3 American machine chain (depends on what I have on hand, but usually #3)
outside laminations, replace the springs with #2 music wire springs, 3 mb crunch proof swivels, jc connor shock spring and in most cases it is using 2 18 inch 1/2 dia rebar stakes.

the dog and the pan do take a beating that takes some work to get functional again after a coyote catch.....

That's a nice dog. Looks to be a 40+ pounder.

Get some Victor Montgomery #3 or #4 dogless and be done. They are the only traps I use on coyotes.

I appreciate all the insight, i will go with something a bit bigger!

I do alright with 2's.

The 1.75 Bridger would be a much better trap if it had a stronger pan on it. That thing is like tin. Bends very easily and sometimes even cracks.

X2^. I have had no problems holding coyotes in them, but I have to straighten the pan and sometimes the dog after every catch.

It's a decent all around trap for our area here. We have a ton of coon and most coyote traps grab coon way too high.
The pan is definitely the weakest link on the whole trap. Base plate is good, chain is good, never had a coyote pop or bend the jaws, and the swivels are good. But that pan is thin and even a coon will mangle it. The dog is thin too and often needs bending back for remakes.
Swap those out and it would be a nice little trap.
I own a couple dozen and I use them where i think i may get either coyotes or coon. I also like them where theft may be possible. At $8 a trap the loss doesn't sting as much as the bigger bridger or other models.

Has anyone tried a rod dog and PIT pans on these traps?

Had to be in that ball park, Didn't put it on the scale.
Working from memory.... I believe that it was a little over 50 inches on the board.

Completely agree with this.
I set them when targeting fox but there is always the chance for a coyote. (why I do the mods that I do)

I have not. The pan and dog really are the weak points on these. No problem with a fox catch (for the most part) yotes are a different story........

I use to run PIT stepdown pans on Bridger #1.75 and #2. They work great and had consistent pan tension. I sold all of them last winter, because I got hooked on dogless traps.

Do you recall the PIT # . I would like to try some.

Do you recall the PIT # . I would like to try some.[/quote]
Hi Mr. Ed, I don’t have a PIT # for the pan, but to get the stepdown pans you have to go directly through Ed Medvetz. He is a great person to do business with. Just tell what kind of traps you have and he will get you hooked up with the right pans and dogs. I used the pan for the 1.75 on my #2 Bridger too. He does have a bigger pans for the #2’s, but I thought the smaller pans worked fine. Just my preference.

Ed Medvetz
M-Y Enterprises (Paws-I-Trip Products)
220 S. Lincoln St.
Homer City, PA 15748
Ph# (724)479-9442
Fax#(724)479-9275
email: emedvetz@verizon.net

Do the step down pan sit a little lower than the normal PIT pans? Didn't realize there were different models. I am going to do all my Bridger #2s before next season. Got a dozen that have PIT pans and now I feel like I gotta change gets everything over lol

Yes they do sit lower and they come with a stainless steel dog. Here is a picture of a Bridger #2 with a stepdown pan.

Thanx for the reply and picture! Looks like what I'd like to have!