I'm seeking feral cat help

Okay as many of you know, I have 17 indoor cats. We also have One, just one, feral  outdoor cat. we've been feeding him for almost 2 years now and he sleeps on our back porch in a covered cat bed we fashioned for him. Last year it looked like he broke his leg running back and forth the road to our house we tried to trap him to get him to the vet but he's a smart one that guy, we instead trapped a raccoon! Now, Today, I've noticed that he has a completely scrapped up head all the fur is missing. I just know he's going to break my heart one day. I just don't know what to do to keep him safe. We've tried  to invite him in the house for the very harsh midwestern winters we have here, but he wasn't having it. ( We know it's a he because after two years he stretched in front of us and there  it was!)

So, after all of that, what can I do to help him? We have our vet on standby to patch him up and get him fixed up. He's just too smart for  a trap.

What about a drop trap?  Also have you tried feeding him in a unset trap or luring him into the set trap by dropping a trail of tuna? 

For the trap savvy, I usually start by feeding them in the unset trap.  I make sure that the trap is lined with puppy pees pads so they cannot see the trip plate.  After a day or two or up to a week they are usually comfortable with it and go inside.  You can also do an internet search for a drop trap.

In extreme cases a net can be used, but then you have to ease him into a carrier or trap.  This can be difficult.

If you do trap him for vet care, please consider getting him neutered.  This will cut down on the wandering.  He also will not have the urge to go and constantly look for a mate. 

Thank you for caring for him.  I hope that you are able to trap him.  It can take patience and determination.  Be sure that he is really hungry.  Withholding food for 24 hours usually helps.

I, too, had a feral tomcat I cared for, who was trap savvy because he'd been trapped before. When he became seriously ill,  I was finally able to catch him with the help of a friend whom he also trusted and allowed to get close to him. I set my medium sized pet carrier upright on my porch, with the opening side facing up. We sat beside him, and after a while, my friend threw a blanket over him. She was able to scoop him right into the carrier from the top and we closed the door, and  I got him to the vet that way. After his initial surprise, he did not protest at all. Eventually your cat will feel so miserable that he will allow himself to get caught, but it may take him a while  to get to that point. 

Some people will recommend drop traps, but the problem with trap savvy cats is that once they're under the large part of the trap, they may not go into the humane trap part, and then you're at a stalemate. Has your cat been trapped before in a humane trap? It's hard to use one if he's been trapped before. If not, then it may just take patience and the right kind of food to lure him in.

If you try any method and are not successful, he will be skittish around you for a while and it will be harder the next time, so plan your strategy well.    

I understand your struggle well--and these cats do break our hearts sometimes. Good luck. Lots of people will respond shortly with great ideas.    

Oh Thank you! Those solutions are Very very helpful!  Oh Yes! Getting him in neutered is the definitely a top priority!