new to land trapping w/ footholds

[BUCKDUSTER]

hi everyone.  i would like to trap fox and coyote with foothold traps in new york state. i borrowed 15 victor #2 coil spring traps that were older and previously used.  i want to prepare them.  i have used a wire brush to kinda clean the old dirt and excess rust from them.  what next.  should i boil them in plain water, then use logwood dye then wax?  is waxing nesassary?  i would also like to properly adjust them as needed.  i heard the pan should be level. should it fire with only very slight movement or should it be set deep into the pan notch. should i file the pan notch and the dog square?  are the berkshire disposable stakes sufficient to hold coyotes?  and do i attach the trap chain to the cable with a swivel by just clamping the c-hook part to the cable loop?  any answers you can give me would be helpful. thank you

[wormbobskey]

Those old #2 victor traps will give you more grief than critters. The jaws and frames on those older traps aren't enough to hold a coyote and are ok for fox. If all you had was fox to catch that would be okay, but with coyotes everywhere you are better off buying some newer traps that have a proven catch record. Even if you beef up the traps there is no guarntee that a coyote won't tear it to pieces. Get yourself some MB 550's or bridgers #2's. The new 1.75's and victor #2 round jaw traps are better than those old #2's. Maybe get yourself some good old #3 double long springs to catch and hold those coyotes.

[Bogmaster]

 First ,check to see if you have a jawspread limitation in your state.That will dictate what traps you can use on land.
 I agree with worm on the old square jawed victors,better for boat anchors than for canines--also a very bad trap on coon.
 Brkshires will hold a moose,attach by using a j hook and swivel to the end of your trap chain.If you have a lot of rust on your traps,wire brush the heavy stuff off,then dye.
 Waxing sppedup and protects your trap from more rusting.The wax also locks the dye onto your trap.
 You want the shortest drop possible before your trap fires,squaring of the dog and dog notch helps a lot .
 There are a lot of good traps out there,here again it depends on jaw size,Dukes and Montanas are just a couple more,especially for more budget minded trappers.
 More questions--fire away.
 Tom

[BUCKDUSTER]

my jaw size for land is under 6 inches i believe.  that is disappionting news, as like everyone else nowadays im broke as a joke!!  i'll save up my pennies and buy better traps before i start than. thanx for the help

[Bogmaster]

 I was afraid you might run into that.You will have to go to # 1 3/4,as I stated before--on a budget,go with Dukes.
 I do not know all the regulations for every state,thats why its important for all trappers to check everything out,before they purchase or set any traps.
 Tom

[BUCKDUSTER]

i do have a good amount of gray foxes around.  is there any way to trap for them without catching coyotes?

[Bogmaster]

 Setting closer to your dirthole will avoid some coyotes--but not all.Also setting in heavier cover may avoid some coyotes--but again not all.

 Tom

[BUCKDUSTER]

thanx tom.  i appreciate your help.  when i come up with the funds( you know, stash some money away the wife dont know about) i'll call you and order what i may need.  i trust your judgement to hook me up as nessasary.