Dirt Hole Set - Ticket to Canine Success
The dirt hole set has probably caught more fox and coyote than all other sets
combined. A properly made dirt hole set can catch every canine that
passes, but the secret is learning how to make a good one.
The first step is to put your set location in an area inhabited by fox or
coyote. In wooded areas, look for your set location near trails that
cross. In farm country, locate where fence rows meet, near rock piles and old
farms. Anywhere mice and other rodents are abundant or an open area is
nearby will work also. The set location should be in an area that's open at
least 20 or 30 yards in all directions and relatively flat. Gray fox don't
mind sets in thickets, but red fox and coyote are too suspicious if set is not
in the open.
Clean equipment is a necessity. At a very minimum, clean traps and
equipment free of factory oil, rust and dirt. Preferably, dye and wax your
traps and understand it's best to get your traps out before the deep freezes and
heavy snows.
Have two pairs of gloves with you in case one gets contaminated. Wear
rubber boots as they do not hold odors and can be rinsed off. Keep bait
and lures away from traps and tools, either in a coat pocket or strapped to your
packbasket.
The following dirt hole set described is targeted for red fox, but it can and
will catch raccoon, gray fox, coyote, bobcat, etc. If coyote are your
target use larger traps with coyote scent. Place the trap several inches from the
dirt hole. Under normal conditions the 1 1/2 Coilspring trap works fine;
however, in Michigan during fox season, we have plenty of rain, freezing weather
and snow, so I use a lot of 1 3/4" and 2" coilspring traps. The larger
traps have the strength needed to push through ground under adverse conditions.
Set your trap before moving to the set location and take large steps so the
area is disturbed as little as possible. Place a 3' x 3' piece of canvas
or tarp to one side and your packbasket on the other. Using your
trowel, cut out your trap bed approximately 1" larger than your trap. Place the sod and dirt removed on the canvas. Dig the trap bed
approximately 4 or 5 inches deep. Dig a hole 1" in front of the trap
bed, 3 to 6 inches in diameter approximately 8 to 10 inches deep at a 45 degree
angle. I vary the size of the dirt hole I make from a mouse size to gopher
sized hole.
Decide if you want to use a stake or drag to fasten the trap. For stakes use
re-rod between 15 and 24 inches depending on the soil with a short 6"
chain. If you use a drag make sure to have 4 to 6 feet of chain, plus dig
your trap bed deeper to accommodate the drag in the bed. Sift 1" of
dirt over the stake or drag. Push the trap firmly into the sifted
dirt and pack sifted dirt all around the jaws and springs. Having the trap
firmly bedded is one of the most important steps to a good dirt hole set.
It will be less likely to tip or spring when the animal steps on the outer area
of the trap bed. The trap should spring only when the fox steps on the
trap pan.
Place a trap cover over the trap and sift 1/2" of dirt over the entire
trap and trap bed area. Be careful to make sure there are no small rocks
or other debris that could get stuck in the trap jaws when the trap
springs. The covering over your trap should be flush to slightly elevated
compared to the surrounding ground.
The final step is placing the lure, bait and urine. I perform this step
last so as not to get any odors on the trap or bedding material which would
cause the canine to dig and scratch at trap resulting in a sprung and empty
trap.
A good gland lure is a must. Put several drops on some fur and deposit
in the bottom of the hole. Place a natural backing about 4 to 6 inches
high behind the dirt hole and spray urine over backing. Use anything from
the natural surroundings, such as a piece of wood or rock. If you use bait
try to use something slightly tainted, as rotten bait seems to attract more
possum and skunks.
Your set is ready and only needs to have lure added weekly or after
rains. Try making several sets in one location, especially if a lot of
sign is present. When you catch a canine, be sure to remake the set even if
the area is all torn up. Just use a different clean trap and bedding
material. As soon as the weather starts freezing, mix trap anti-freeze
with your dirt or use dry dirt that you saved during the dry summer months.
The last several winters have been pretty mild, which has provided us with
some excellent weather for canine trapping. Be patient if your line gets
covered with snow, because having sets out during a thaw is one of the most
productive times and could result in your best catch of the season.
Article By John S. Chagnon Visit www.outdoor-catalog.com/trapping
for good tips on Fur Trapping!