The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1907-04-15

Coyotes make their dens in the same
kinds of places as wolves, and also dig
burrows or use old badger holes, slight
ly enlarged; so a spade is often neces-
sary in getting out the young.
Ranchmen can not afford to let wolf
or coyote pups grow up on or near their
ranges when an hours ride will often
serve to locate the dens. The young
pups of both wolves and coyotes are
nearly black, but as they grow older the
color fades to dull yellowish, and when
about three months old new light gray
coat is acquired.
Trapping.
For wolves the best No. 4 double
spring trap with heavy welded or special
wolf chain should be used If the trap
is to be fastened to a stationary object,
the chain should have a swivel at each
end If to drag, one swivel next to
the trap is enough. Always use a drag
if possible.
When possible, place the trap be-
tween two tufts of grass or weeds, so
it can be readily approached from one
side only. Bury the. stone, chain, and
trap out of sight, with the trap nearest
to the runway where the wolves follow
a trail or road cross narrow path, or
visit a carcass. The trap should be
flush with the surface of the ground
and the jaws and pan covered with
piece of paper to keep the earth from
clogging under the pan. Fine earth
should then be sprinkled over the paper
until all traces of trap and paper are
concealed. The surface of the ground
and surroundings should appear as near
ly as possible undisturbed. The dust
may be given natural appearance by
sprinkling it with water. Touching
the ground or other objects with the
hands, splitting near the trap, or in any
way leaving trace of human doors
near by should be avoided. Old, we'll
scented gloves should be worn, and a
little of the scent used for the traps
should be rubbed on the shoe soles.
piece of old cowhide may be used to
stand on and to pile the loose earth on
while burying the drag and trap.
For coyotes use the best No double
spring trap, unless in a wolf country,
where it is better to use a trap strong
enough to hold a wolf. In setting the
trap use the same method and bait as
for wolves, but the traps may be staked
or fastened to a stationary object with
more safety.
Success in trapping depends largely
on the use Of a scent that will attract
wolves and coyotes to the traps and
keep them tramping and paving there
until caught. Meat bait alone is of lit
tie use and often, indeed, scares the ami
mails away. Of the many scents and
combinations tested the fetid bait has
proved most successful. To make the
fetid bait, place half a pound of raw
beef or venison in wide-mouthed bot
tie and let it stand in a warm place
(but not in the SUM for two to six
weeks, or until it is thoroughly decayed
and the odor has become as offensive as
possible When decomposition has
reached the proper stage add a quart of
sperm oil or any liquid animal oil. Lard
oil may be used, but prairie dog oil is
better. Then add one ounce Of tincture
Of Siberian musk or Tonquin musk. Ii
this can not be procured, use in its
place one ounce Of dry, pulverized cas-
toreum (beaver castor) or one ounce of
the common musk sold for perfumery.
Mix we'll and bottle securely until used.
After setting the trap apply the scent
with a stick or straw or by pouring
from the bottle to the grass, weeds, or
ground on the side of the trap opposite
that from which the wolf would natur-
ally approach. Never put scent on the
trap, as the first impulse of the wolf
after shifting the scent is to roll on it.
This bait is very attractive also to
cattle and horses, which are sure to
tramp over and paw out the traps If
set where they can get at them.
Running wolves with horses is an ex-
pensive method Of capture, though occa-
sionally successful. With coyotes it is
more common and more generally sue
cessfu, and in either case affords thrill
ing sport.