Does anyone know how...

[falconryman]

does anyone know how to make a dirt hole set in the winter with snow and frozen ground.

Or if not does anyone now how to build a efishent set that works in these conditions?

[Bogmaster]

 Winter snow and ice conditions,are one of the toughest things about late season canine trapping.You can chop out a trap bed and use dry dirt(this usually requires pre planning,and gathering and storing dirt in the summer months)Peat moss can also be used for a trap bed(bedding with peat moss is kind of tough,make your trap bed just big enough for your trap to fit into).Any set this time of year requires a lot of work,efficiency is also much lower than in your snow and ice free times of the season.
 More and more people are getting into using snares and cable restraints for winter canines.Also,with the rapid increase in the coyote population,and the problems they cause,snare states and zones are increasing.Minnesota has expanded the use of snares,if you decide to give them a try--be sure to read over the regulations.
 Tom

[Macthediver]

I Agree totally with what Bog has said. When I did the late winter thing I tried to dig my dirt holes and trap beds early and dug them deep. You should try to get as much stuff up and running before everything freezes hard. It really is way easier all the way around.
That said
You can do as Bog stated and chop out trap beds, use and axe or spud bar. Peat moss is good as are buckwheat hulls. Both should have enough dirt over them to keep the wind from blowing it off the trap bed. Dry dirt can be found this time of year. I used to get dirt from under bridges and even out of machine sheds or dirt floor farm building. Just make sure any dirt from inside a shed is not fouled with machine oil and such.
You may also want to switch from the dirt hole idea to more flat, post and trail sets. All require less digging.

Good Luck
Mac

[garoldw]

I use a heavy shop hammer with a blade welded to the head. You'll see these at the trapper conventions. Having this tool eliminates the need of carrying a spud bar. The spud bar DOES make a deeper, cleaner hole, however.
  You might consider using a flat set instead of a dirt hole set if you're after coyote. I still like calcium chloride mixed with dry dirt to keep sets working in "thaw-freeze-thaw" conditions. Finish your set off with a dusting of local set area "dry duff" to stop any wet spot looks from cal. chloride.
   It's nice to have plenty of holes dug in advance, but sometimes you need to put in a set in a new spot AFTER the big freeze. It seems there are plenty of ways to do a job. Experience will show you ways that seem to work best and are the ones that you are most comfortable with.  Good Luck, Garold

[Asa Lenon]

I never fight the elements and work to make hole sets in snow and frozen ground. Once there is enough snow to cover a trap, say 3",  I simply  wrap the trap in crumpled waxed paper and bury it along with a grapple hook in the snow. The main set becomes a scent post set by either using something natural or establishing a scent post by placing an inviting object where it will be highly visible to passing animals. I also utilize already established scent posts and place the trap underneath the track of a previous scent post visit. All of these set are deadly on fox, coyote and bobcat. Ace