How to Prepare New Coyote Traps: Ensuring Success in the Field
How do you prepare new traps for coyotes? The key to successful coyote trapping lies in meticulous trap preparation, which involves removing factory oils, neutralizing human scent, and creating a trap that blends seamlessly with the environment, significantly increasing your chances of a catch.
Introduction: The Importance of Preparedness
Coyote trapping, whether for predator control, fur harvesting, or wildlife management, demands expertise and attention to detail. One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, aspects of successful trapping is the thorough preparation of new traps. Untreated traps reek of factory oils, retain human scent, and appear unnatural to cautious coyotes, greatly reducing your chances of a successful set. Knowing how do you prepare new traps for coyotes correctly can be the difference between a full fur shed and an empty one.
Why Trap Preparation Matters
- Scent Elimination: Manufacturing processes leave traps coated in oils and lubricants containing human scent. Coyotes have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell; they can detect these foreign odors and will avoid sets tainted by them.
- Rust Prevention: Boiling or waxing traps creates a protective layer that helps prevent rust and corrosion, extending the life of your equipment.
- Concealment: Treated traps can be dyed or colored to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, further reducing the coyote’s suspicion.
- Improved Trigger Action: Preparing a trap can include smoothing out any rough edges on the trigger and dog, leading to a faster and more reliable catch.
The Process of Preparing New Coyote Traps
The process of preparing new traps for coyotes typically involves several key steps:
- Cleaning: Removing factory oils and grime.
- Degreasing: Ensuring all oils are completely gone.
- Rusting/Weathering: Allowing a light layer of rust to form naturally.
- Dyeing: Changing the color of the trap to blend in with the surrounding soil.
- Waxing (Optional): Adding a layer of wax for rust protection and smoother operation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Trap Preparation
- Initial Cleaning: Use a strong degreasing soap (like dish soap) and hot water to scrub the traps thoroughly. Remove all visible oils and grease. Rinse well.
- Boiling (or Pressure Washing): Submerge the traps in a large pot of water and boil for at least 30 minutes. Adding washing soda (sodium carbonate) to the water will further degrease the traps. A pressure washer can also be used as an alternative.
- Rusting (Natural Process): Hang the traps outside in the elements to allow them to rust naturally. This creates a dull, earthy appearance and helps remove remaining factory odors. Monitor progress to ensure only light surface rust forms.
- Dyeing: Use a commercial trap dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Logwood crystals are a popular natural dye. Follow safety precautions when working with dyes. Common dye colors include brown, black, and reddish-brown, depending on your region’s soil.
- Waxing (Optional but Recommended): Heat trap wax in a double boiler or dedicated wax melting pot. Dip the dyed traps into the melted wax, ensuring they are fully coated. Hang the traps to allow the wax to cool and harden. Consider using a blended wax for added durability.
Dyeing Trap Best Practices
| Dye Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| —————- | ———————————————————– | —————————————————————– | ———————————- |
| Commercial Dye | Consistent color, relatively easy to use, fast drying | Can be expensive, some may contain harsh chemicals | Beginners, large quantities of traps |
| Logwood Crystals | Natural, inexpensive, creates a good earthy color | More labor-intensive, requires careful monitoring of the dye bath | Experienced trappers |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Cleaning Phase: Failure to remove factory oils is the biggest mistake. Coyotes will avoid traps with foreign scents.
- Over-Dyeing: Traps that are too dark or too uniform in color can appear unnatural.
- Using Scented Detergents: Only use unscented detergents for cleaning.
- Handling Traps with Bare Hands: After preparation, always wear clean gloves when handling traps to avoid transferring human scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just use the traps straight out of the box?
New traps are coated in factory oils and lubricants. These oils contain human scent and other unnatural odors that coyotes can easily detect. A coyote is far less likely to commit to a set where there’s a strong, foreign smell. Therefore, preparation is absolutely crucial for success.
What type of detergent should I use for cleaning?
Use an unscented, biodegradable dish soap or laundry detergent. Avoid anything with added fragrances or brighteners, as these can alert coyotes to the trap’s presence.
Is boiling my traps really necessary?
Boiling your traps with washing soda is a highly effective way to degrease them and remove residual oils. While pressure washing can be an alternative, boiling is generally preferred for its thoroughness.
How long should I let my traps rust?
Allow the traps to rust naturally until a light layer of surface rust forms. This usually takes a few days to a week, depending on the humidity and weather conditions. Avoid allowing the traps to rust excessively, as this can weaken the metal and make them more difficult to dye.
Can I use steel wool to remove rust?
Yes, but use it sparingly. Steel wool can leave behind fine metal particles that can interfere with the dyeing process. If you use steel wool, be sure to rinse the traps thoroughly afterward.
What is logwood dye and where can I get it?
Logwood dye is a natural dye derived from the heartwood of the logwood tree. It produces a dark, earthy brown color that is ideal for camouflaging traps. Logwood crystals can be purchased online from trapping supply stores and some craft stores.
How do I use logwood dye?
To use logwood dye, simmer the crystals in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add the traps to the dye bath and simmer them for several hours, or until they reach the desired color. Rinse the traps thoroughly after dyeing and allow them to dry completely.
What kind of wax should I use?
Use a paraffin wax or a blended trap wax specifically designed for trapping. Avoid using household waxes or petroleum-based waxes, as these can contain scents that coyotes will detect.
How often should I wax my traps?
Wax your traps annually, or as needed. If the wax coating becomes damaged or worn, re-wax the traps to ensure continued rust protection and smooth operation.
Is it safe to use gasoline to clean my traps?
Never use gasoline or other flammable solvents to clean your traps. These substances are highly dangerous and can pose a serious fire hazard. Use only safe, non-flammable cleaning agents.
How do you prepare new traps for coyotes if you only trap one or two a year?
Even if you only trap a few coyotes, the preparation process is the same. While you might feel it is overkill, every precaution matters. Thorough trap preparation will still significantly increase your chances of success, regardless of how often you trap. Properly stored, traps can last for years.
How long will properly prepared traps last?
With proper care, a well-prepared trap can last for many years. Regular waxing and proper storage (in a dry, scent-free environment) will extend the life of your traps. Inspect your traps regularly for rust, damage, or wear and tear, and address any issues promptly.
Conclusion
Knowing how do you prepare new traps for coyotes is an essential skill for any trapper hoping to find success. By meticulously cleaning, degreasing, rusting, dyeing, and waxing your traps, you eliminate foreign odors, improve concealment, and ensure smooth operation. This increased attention to detail greatly elevates your chances of outsmarting even the wariest of coyotes, allowing for more ethical and effective trapping practices. Remember, preparation is key to success in the field.