lenght of stakes for foot holds

[DCRthe3rd]

I have gathered a pile of foot hold traps , I have no stakes , was thinking of using rebar with something on the end , question is about how long should I make the stakes for coyote? I realize the ground type will make some difference , I am not a soil specialist , so lets just say whats the general rule of thumb for normal dirt in the woods? not to soft not to hard

[Bogmaster]

 You can weld a washer or nut on the end of the rebar, best bet is to double stake.I hope the rebar is half inch. 24 inches is the most common of lengths.
 Tom
 

[trappnman]

if you want to single stake coyotes- long chains- 24" plus, long stakes 24" minimum and shock springs.

and even then- double stake. I've lost yotes on 36" single stakes before I learned you cannot trust single stakes. Only exception is frozen ground.

since you don't have rebar now- you might want to look at any of the many disposibles- many old rebar men such as myself, have gone over to them-

[blakdog]

I started using Berkshire stakes. Cheap! Light! Rig any cable lenght you need! I like to keep the load as light as possible! They are SOLID as any rebar crossstaking ! At a fraction of the weight!
Troy

[DCRthe3rd]

Thanks  , gave me alot more to think on , double stakes , no rebar and long chains/cables , thanks , I had been planning on driving a single piece of rebar threw the loop on the short chain attached to the trap itself ,this probably saved me from some cussin'
shock springs? you make or buy those , I don't even know what they are , my trapping has been limited to pests in the yard with box traps

[blakdog]

 With a short chain ( 8")  on the trap there's no need to use shock springs. They are restricted from lunging or getting up a head of steam! IMO If going after coon use a longer chain on the trap. It lets them think that they can  get away and just not sit there and focus on that trap! We know what happens then.
Troy

[DCRthe3rd]

what about double staked coyotes? long or short chain?
the one fella said for single stakes use long chains , so does that apply for double stakes?
At 1st the long chain made sense , stake harder to pull out since the dog won't be lifting straight up on it , but then you mentioned them getting a running start , so now I'm not sure which to use and why

[Bogmaster]

Like most things in trapping , everyone has a different opinion. Long versus short chain ,is one of them. With double staking, or Berkshire, you can short chain.
 Make sure,which ever way you go, use plenty of swivels.
 Tom

[trappnman]

I like short chains, on 24 hour check, for 1 reason only- you don't get the big lunging "bangs" at the end of a chain. If using small traps, short chains are a must IMHO.

if you have long chains, shock springs come into play more as stated. I see no reason to use them on short chains.

[DCRthe3rd]

Thanks , understand everyone has their own opinion , in my case , I have none since I am new to this