Legal coyote traps

[southernhunter12]

I know that NC law requires an offset jaw for traps over 5.5 in. So my question is are padded jaws legal and if so which is better for coyote? padded or offset?

thanks

[nccoyote]

I think most if not all rubber jaw or "soft catch" traps are offset? Someone else might know for sure?

[Ldsoldier]

If you have a padded jaw trap, or access to one, take the pad off of one side and look at it. You've got an offset trap. The Victor Soft Catches I have look like they just took their offset trap, drilled and tapped some screwholes, and added rubber pads.

[waterpossum]

A padded jaw trap is not considered offset.....the padded jaws touch therefore it is not offset.

Yes you can use padded jaws for yotes in NC. Either padded jaws or offset will work fine for coyotes - I personally don't like traps over #2 on land, but some folks use the #3s and like that size. Talk to several yote men and get their impressions.

WP

[Bottomline]

It says offset "steel jaw" trap. It is offset. The rubber pad is no issue. A good friend of mine had some #3 Victors Soft Catch traps confiscated by a Game Warden. He checked with his superiors, and it was determined they were legal traps, and they were returned to the trapper with the go ahead. They are consider a legal offset steel jaw trap. It is a great/humane tool for taking coyotes alive.

[waterpossum]

Rod- when I talked to the game warden in Wake county he told me the exact opposite. My answer to this is you better check with your game warden (correction the game warden where you are setting traps).

WP

[mountainman]

I can see having some softies in my outfit.

I believe in having the right tool for the job and although bodygrips figure in heavy at times, legholds will always be my favorite traps.