Coyote stepdown sets, different variations??

[Getrz]

I've heard and or read about the stepdown set for coyotes, but never have used it. My question for Steve, or anyone else, is: Are there different variations of the stepdown set for coyotes using different sized traps? ie: 1.75, #2, #3 or specialty coyote traps?

Different patterns, holes, etc??

Thanks,

Getrz

[17kiss]

Unlimited. alot depends on personal preference. I like Steve's version. But , mine is different. Legget's have one that alot of people swear by, but it is not for me. O'Gorman has pics of several different style stepdowns in High Rolling Fox Trapping and Hoofbeats. Should check them out.

[Steve Gappa]

I started using stepdowns after watching the Leggetts video several years ago. When I would come to a "foxy" area- I would set it. I would have maybe 3 or 4 on the line. And I did catch a few fox- but more importantly, I started catching coyotes at a time when flat sets were my standard set. And I started catching multiple coyotes in stepdowns. So I started to take notice- and the stepdown soon became my #1 set in sod or tall grass.

After a messing a round with a few methods- I settles on a basic equallateral triangle about 18" on a side. I would mark out the triangle, dig it out to a depth of 5-6 inches, set the trap in the corner, dig a horizontal lurehole at the point and that was it. A good coyote taker.

Then I started to hear about more variations- so this fall experimented with a bunch of variations. The only one that I was happy with was a trench type of stepdown- and that was for special locations where it fit in. But overall- I was disappointed.

I had problems. Mostly problems with the smaller patterns. Most problems stemming from the fact the coyote didn't NEED to go in the stepdown to see into the hole- he would crouch down in front......so...

noticed a track or two right at holes edge- so started trying to crowd traps tight, tight... and then that became a guessing game. My solution was in most cases to enlarge the pattern area wherever I could.

Seems like that 18" pattern was about righht after all.

Lesson learned? If it ain't broke- don't fix it.....trappnman