Video review: Coyote Trapping 101: The simple, effective basics with Bob Noonan. 2014 Canaan Maine: Trapper’s Post.

Bob Noonan, editor and publisher of the Trapper’s Post, brings his years of trapping and teaching experience to the subject of beginning coyote trapping. Noonan’s purpose is straightforward, he wishes to help new trappers cut through the apparent contradictions about coyote trapping and help them with the fundamentals. Bob is uniquely qualified to do this because he is not only an experienced coyote trapper on his own but he is also knowledgeable of the techniques and methods used by other coyote trappers around the US.

The video begins by discussing proper terminology namely Bob wants viewers to understand that the proper term is foothold and not leghold. He demonstrates how the coyote’s foot is best caught in footholds and details the minimum and maximum sizes of traps that should be used. This section of the video is quite informative about different types and sizes of foothold traps. Bob does not delve into the use of snares but focuses his attention on footholds specifically coil springs.

He briefly discusses adjusting traps and quickly moves into discussion of the dirt whole set. Bob demonstrates the setting of the trap using the foothold in carefully describes and demonstrates the importance of track bedding. The majority of the video shows Bob in the field with actual captures accompanied with his beautiful line drawings showing his set locations in relationship to the geography and habitat conditions.

Unlike many trapping videos, Noonan shows how to kill a coyote and actually demonstrates it. While it doesn’t fulfill euthanasia criteria, his method does meet the standard of humane killing. The video concludes with a brief comment by Jerry Levine a former state of Maine wildlife biologist who now consults with the US Sportsmens Alliance. Mr. Levine explains the impact coyotes have on deer populations in the importance that their management has been improving deer herds in the Northeast.

Bob has created a very important video for beginning trappers. He is clear, detailed, and true to his word regarding the fundamentals. He is not dogmatic or arrogant. For the most part the video and audio are clear and easy to understand. On occasion wind and an open door signal do distract from the content but this occurs only for short periods. This video is must viewing for anyone trying to catch their first coyote.

Stephen M. Vantassel, Owns Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.