I have decided I want to try Minnesota Brand traps for trapping coyotes. I am only interested in coyotes, nothing else. I am not sure if I want the 550's or 650's. I believe either will work, I like the larger pan on the 650's. Both look to be very well built. I like the quality feel of them. So which size should I go with? Don't really want to try 6 of each, looking to buy a dozen for now.
I'm restricted to the 2 coils here in OK, I also catch several grey fox and MB recommends the 2 coil if targeting foxes. If it were legal here and I only targeted bobcats and yotes I'd go with the 4 coils.
I have decided I want to try Minnesota Brand traps for trapping coyotes. I am only interested in coyotes, nothing else. I am not sure if I want the 550's or 650's. I believe either will work, I like the larger pan on the 650's. Both look to be very well built. I like the quality feel of them. So which size should I go with? Don't really want to try 6 of each, looking to buy a dozen for now.
I run the MB-550's off-set and like one poster said , unless you got wolf sized yotes the 550 is all you need. Ive caught some nasty yotes and they will not hurt those traps. The 650 is a big trap. Here's a couple pics of the 550's in action.
"Pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick except the one that has it"
I have used both. If you will deal with hard frozen ground and snow, the 650 will break through the covering better. For specifically targeting coyotes, 650 is great.
If you are dealing with fox and non-targets, 550 is better. Also quicker to bed and punch in sets.
I am with you ol_mike. They are a big trap and they are quick coming out of the soil, like a explosion when the ground starts to get a little stiff. I run 550's also but 650's are what I like.
I vote for the 650. I ran both here in Maine when I was still trapping before all the lynx rules and after one season traded in the 550's for more 650's. I ran the cast jaw, 4 coiled and really liked them. They really shine in frozen ground. I caught some red fox in them and they never did any more damage then the 550's.
First let me say that I've never used Minnesota traps. I've heard they are really good. However, for coyotes I prefer #3 Bridger traps. They are 6 1/2" inside where the MB 650 is 6 1/8". That's probably not an issue, but a 550 at 4 3/4" will hold a coyote. The The Bridgers cost less, too.
Old Turd- Deplorable- Unrepentant Murderer- Domestic Violent Extremist
Just a question for the uneducated ( me )about the MB traps. Does the 550 or 650 quad coil require some type of setting tool?
The 550 2 coil is easy to set over knee and I think the 4 coil as well. The 650 has wire levers and I can't grip them with my palms. On solid ground I use the edge of my boot tip. That may not be possible in snow. They make a setting tool that is designed to allow you to hold the trap open with one hand. It is not difficult to use, but I don't use it because if your grip slips it would seem rather dangerous....the setting lever would be a projectile launched by a very stout spring. t
First let me say that I've never used Minnesota traps. I've heard they are really good. However, for coyotes I prefer #3 Bridger traps. They are 6 1/2" inside where the MB 650 is 6 1/8". That's probably not an issue, but a 550 at 4 3/4" will hold a coyote. The The Bridgers cost less, too.
Just a question for the uneducated ( me )about the MB traps. Does the 550 or 650 quad coil require some type of setting tool?
The 550 2 coil is easy to set over knee and I think the 4 coil as well. The 650 has wire levers and I can't grip them with my palms. On solid ground I use the edge of my boot tip. That may not be possible in snow. They make a setting tool that is designed to allow you to hold the trap open with one hand. It is not difficult to use, but I don't use it because if your grip slips it would seem rather dangerous....the setting lever would be a projectile launched by a very stout spring. t
I trap in the UP of Michigan we have some large coyotes or some could be called coywolfs never have lost one using 550 with dirt or in deep snow trail sets....do loose about 20% of the wolfs caught in trail snow sets really don't care.... hate releasing them wish we could keep at least one....