Jeff Streeby
Walkerville, Michigan, USA

Step-down

Coyotes, they’re smart. It’s got to look like something that it’s not. It’s got to look like something else got there first, something else beat them to the good stuff, dug it up and carried it off but overlooked this one puzzling little scrap. The trick is a narrow trench with a dirt hole just below the top edge and a #4 leg hold in the bottom a foot back from the bait. Or better, on a top edge flanking the deep end for the curious ones too cagey to step down. If they get suspicious (and they get suspicious easy), they won’t feel at home, won’t stay around to work your set, and you miss. Whatever you figure on doing, it’s got to drive them nuts. Excite a hankering that won’t relent. Make them commit, against nature, to 4 pounds of pressure on the pan.

All the better angels may be led astray.

The moon’s horns

Now black frost
the feel of frozen litterfall underfoot

I was taught to use a drag, not a stake. After the catch, no fight circle. It saves the set.