Here has been my thinking on a heavier pan tension for coyotes….and this is just me, and it works for me. Others catch coyotes with "hair" triggers, and anything in between.

#1. When I go to all the effort to make a coyote set, I want a coyote. I do not want coons, or other by catch. To me, its too much work to have another critter set the trap off, or get caught and tear up a set. I still do on occasion catch a grinner or coon on a heavier pan. But I also limit my by-catch by the locations I set in. I do not set in areas where rabbits, squirrels, coons, etc frequent. If I feel I can certainly catch a coyote in a spot, but feel there is a good possibility of a coon or grinner, I'll make a couple sets for those close by to hopefully head them off..

#2. Primarily, the reason I set a heavier pan tension on coyote sets is I want them to fully commit to the set. A coyote may pass by a set several times before he decides to investigate. Most times they approach with caution, and don't just go running in. This is especially true of the older coyotes that have a couple trapping seasons under the belts. When one approaches, they step gingerly. If you have a light pan tension, this will fire the trap before the coyote has decided its ok to put his weight on that spot. At best, you get a toe catch, and just hope it holds him. If he's really jumpy, you get a miss, and an educated coyote. With the heavier pan tension, you can get a wary coyote on the set, and if he steps lightly on the set, and is not comfortable, he will just back out, and nots suspect anything. That is why it is important to bed a trap rock solid. If he gains confidence, and continues to work a set, or comes back at a later date, he will feel safe, and likely commit. WHen they put their full weight on the pan before it breaks over, he can NOT pull out fast enough, resulting in a good above the pad catch.

#3. I typically do not start coyote trapping until the weather is at its worse for it. Freezing and thawing as everybody knows is a coyote trappers nightmare. Maybe some have noticed it, or had it happen and just thought it was a critter. But the freezing and thawing action in the ground WILL cause a trap to fire. Particularly, if the ground is really wet prior to freezing. A heavier pan tension will not eliminate this, but certainly helps a bunch.

I'll get off my soap box now!!! Hope you guys are after the coons good this week. They should be moving good!!! I was trying to sneak out of the stand last night down a cow path, with no light, and head down to avoid being seen by the deer in the field. Apparently the big 65lb coon that was coming up the path was doing the same. He didn't appreciate about being stepped on, and let me know about with a blood curdling snarl!!!! Bout pooped my pant!!!