How To Make Coyote Bait

How to Make Effective Coyote Bait: A Guide for Experienced Trappers

Coyotes are intelligent and wary animals, making them a challenging target for trapping. Successfully trapping coyotes often hinges on using highly appealing and effective bait. This guide provides information on creating enticing coyote bait, emphasizing ethical and responsible trapping practices. Remember: Always check and comply with your local regulations and laws regarding trapping before attempting any trapping activities.

Understanding Coyote Behavior and Diet

Before delving into bait recipes, understanding coyote behavior is crucial. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, with diets varying based on location and season. Their diet can include:

• Small mammals: Rabbits, mice, voles
• Birds: Ground-nesting birds and their eggs
• Reptiles and amphibians: Lizards, snakes, frogs
• Fruits and vegetables: Berries, melons, apples
• Carrion: Dead animals

This dietary diversity influences bait choices. A successful bait will often mimic natural prey or incorporate alluring scents.

Effective Coyote Bait Ingredients and Recipes

Several ingredients can be used to create effective coyote bait. These can be combined in various ways to maximize appeal. Remember that experimenting to find what works best in your specific area is crucial.

1. The Classic Scent-Based Bait:

This bait relies on strong scents to attract coyotes.

• Ingredients: 1 can tuna (in oil), 1/4 cup fish oil, 1/4 cup sardines (oil packed), a few drops of coyote lure (optional, but highly recommended), a small amount of strong-smelling cheese (like limburger).
• Instructions: Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a sealable container. Let the mixture sit for a few days to blend the scents.
• Application: Apply the bait sparingly to lure sets or directly to trapping areas. Less is often more.

2. The Meat-Based Bait:

This bait focuses on the protein aspect of the coyote's diet.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground meat (beef, lamb, or venison are preferable), 1/4 cup fish oil, 1 tbsp anise oil (optional – strong attractant).
• Instructions: Mix ingredients thoroughly. You can add a small amount of water to improve consistency.
• Application: Place bait in a secure container or directly on the ground in your trapping area.

3. The Sweet and Savory Combination:

This option blends sweet and savory flavors to broaden appeal.

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup canned peaches or pears (in syrup), 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp fish oil.
• Instructions: Mix all ingredients until a paste-like consistency is achieved.
• Application: Use similarly to the meat-based bait.

Placement and Considerations

• Location is Key: Place your bait in areas showing signs of coyote activity – tracks, scat, or sightings.
• Scent Control: Wear gloves when handling bait to avoid leaving human scent.
• Bait Stations: Consider using bait stations to prevent unwanted animals from accessing the bait and to protect the environment.
• Ethical Considerations: Always prioritize humane and ethical trapping methods. Only use traps designed for coyotes and check them regularly.
• Persistence and Patience: Trapping coyotes takes time and patience. Experiment with different baits and locations until you find what works best.

This guide offers some starting points. Remember that experimentation and observation are key to success in coyote trapping. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of both yourself and the animals. Always respect wildlife and adhere to all local regulations and laws.