Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

A field study to evaluate the performance of 3 types of coyote traps (No. 3 Soft Catch® coil-spring, No. 3 NM long-spring, No. 4 Newhouse long-spring) was conducted in south Texas in January and February 1991. Tests were designed to determine capture efficiency, extent of injury and effectiveness in excluding nontarget species. Results showed a capture rate of 100% for the 3 NM and No. 4 Newhouse, and 95% for the Soft-Catch. Soft-Catch traps caused the least injury to captured coyotes. All trap types were equipped with pan tension devices and were successful in excluding most small nontarget species.