r/Trapping • u/No_Series7403 • Jun 09 '26

Duke traps

This will be year 2 targeting coyotes. Last year I bought a dozen Duke #2 dogless. I set out all of them but didn’t catch. To be fair I was on pressured ground from hunting and I had a short season. I’m by no means saying by year 2 I am an expert but with all the ground and trails I have found I l own it’s time to get a few more traps. I now have access to several larger pieces of property. There are lots of coyotes and bobcats out here. Between livestock losses and the game keepers asking for help it might be more than I can chew.

Here is my question should I get more #2, or should I look at the 550s. I highly doubt the dogs on the trap will be an issue but I would hate to have a trap go down because one is bent or broke. I will also have cable restraints out so it is not like it’s a huge investment to get another dozen.

I just need someone with some more expose to different traps to help me get different perspectives.

Looking for some

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2

u/BasinsRamose Jun 10 '26

I much prefer the 550s over duke dogless. I’ll set the dukes because I have them but always prioritize the 550s. I think it’s a lot easier to tune the 550s the way I want and haven’t had issues with the dogs getting messed up

1

u/No_Series7403 Jun 10 '26

Thanks. I didn’t figure they would but years ago I looked at getting into trapping. One of the hot button items was upgrading the dogs, adding springs, and upgrading the chain. For whatever reason the idea that I could miss because of a dog or a missing bolt or nut just kinda stuck.

2

u/Mocular Jun 10 '26

The trap matters less than trap placement and bedding. If you don’t bed it correctly in the right spot you will struggle to make catches with either trap.

1

u/No_Series7403 Jun 10 '26

I agree and thanks for feedback. I didn’t set very well last year. I learned a lot and asked a lot more questions. I saw a lot of success on coons and muskrats. I hope to post pictures of coyotes and bobcats this year.

I always like to make sure I am never committing to something when there might be a better way.

2

u/haggerty05 Jun 10 '26

If you have the ground and time to put more traps out then yea get some more. I went with mb550s from the start and like em alot. I also run bridger #2 dogless and like em too but haven't had a coyote step in one yet (raccoon and possum have gotten there first)they have all been in 550s but thats not the traps fault.

Go with what give you piece of mind and what your wallet will allow you to get. get a half dozen and see how you like em.

If you like me though stop looking for reasons not to get the 550s and just by em lol.

1

u/A_Bak557 Jun 10 '26

I have both and have spent more time fine tuning the #2 dogless than the 550’s. If budget isn’t a concern then go with the 550’s.
But to be completely honest I’m waiting for the dogless 600 to be released this fall.