snares

[Fishaholic]

I carry snares in my hunnting pack just in case. I have a question about them  Will snares freeze up and not function correcty in extreme cold?

Thanks
ddjj

[X-Force]

Are snares legal in a lod situation (emergency pack)?

I know if they we legal for trapping I would have gone through the trapping class.

[rtspring]

Legality? If im stuck in the woods fighting for my life. Legality is out the window! Im doing anything I can to survive!

As for the question, I would say no. They should work just fine, provided they are set up correctly.

Rtspring

[h2ofowlr]

I carry snares in my hunnting pack just in case. I have a question about them  Will snares freeze up and not function correcty in extreme cold?

Thanks
ddjj

Only until the animal starts pulling real hard.  I would say no, but that depends on the type use.  Even if the cable was coated in ice I am sure with tension it would break the ice loose.   

[Limhangerslayer]

How far from the road do you hunt?  Snares don't seam feasible or legal

[X-Force]

For the guys who have trapped for small game with snares what's an expectable success rate? 1 in 5 1 in 10 1 in 15?

[Machias]

I have snared rabbits quite a bit in Northern Maine back in the early 80s.  On a well used rabbit trail I have gone 3 for 5 quite a few times.  I have had snares for coyotes freeze solid and not work.

[boneaddict]

For the guys who have trapped for small game with snares what's an expectable success rate? 1 in 5 1 in 10 1 in 15?

Just like hunting, depends on what and how many your quarry are.  You can be very successful if in the right local, or your snare could eventually dissolve in rust without touching hair.

[Fishaholic]

They are Thompson snares 5/64 dia. The package says for fox wildcat large coon ect.    I think they will work in a pinch.

[Humptulips]

5/64ths is pretty big for "survival trapping". A lot of guys are using that size for cats,coyotes with kill springs now outside WA. Definetly illegal in WA. Thompsons snares are stiff and I would say more prone to freexe up but you're going to have to get a silver thaw or rain and hard feeze to put them out of commission. I have my doubts about the whole "survival trapping" thing but I would probably using 1/16th or smaller. The bigger the snare the harder it closes. You will catch bunnies with them but you will likely get more misses.

Another thing you should think about if you think you are going to need this is loop height and diameter for your intended target. Figue it out now instead of when you need it.
Snaremen usually figure to set a lot of snares because they are low percentage. Set three snares in a trail instead of one.

[Fishaholic]

Okay I may get smaller ones. I have never used snares before. I know how to set them up but thats it. I am going to have to do some research on how to use them.

[TheNoob]

You might get talked to from the game department but just to have them in your pack would not against the law. That would be if they had any reason to go through you stuff, don't think they would ever do it.

[Humptulips]

Okay I may get smaller ones. I have never used snares before. I know how to set them up but thats it. I am going to have to do some research on how to use them.

I have never used snares on smaller animals. Mostly cats and coyotes, a few beaver and otter. Most guys now use a whammy on their snare and a hanging wire to position it. OK so what's a whammy? What I used is a short piece (1") of air line tubing threaded on the snare begind the lock. You twist a stiff piece of wire on a tree or stake and the end sticks out where the snare will hang. You just force the wire inside the air line against the cable. Then you can bend the wire to the desired position for the snare to hang right. For small animals like bunnies I would use a short snare with some wire on the end. That way you have an easy attachment and it doubles as a snare hanger.

If you want I have a bunch of 1/64ths 1x19 that I will never use you could have. Easy to make your own snares. It should be plenty for bunnies or the like.

[castor gitter]

Just as said above,smaller snares are more practical in survival situations. Picture hanging wire and piano wire can work well, make your own out of it. You should be thinking what all can I catch with a survival snare and animal densities. Think rabbits, squirrels, ground squirrels, birds, etc.... Depending on the area. Bigger critters are more food yes, but you more than likely would be checking alot more empty snares plus unless you have practiced with them larger animals tend to be smarter at avoiding sets. Go small and catch more, more often. Definitely study up on animal tracks, habits, habitat, etc- that will all help you to survive. Research the recommended heights and loop diameter for various animals. A handful of rabbit sized snares takes up very little room vs larger ones, another thing to think over. Hope you never need to use em, but prepared is good.

[whitey]

I have a ton of snares 3/32 with support wammies and support wires #9 soft plus rebar stakes if you guys need any for your bug out bags.
I have caught everything from pheasant, otter, bob cats you name it (Small Game and Problem wildlife when it was legal to use them of course  Disclaimer). Snare placement is key, the size of the loop and distance from the ground are key. I love cable and are quick to lay out and light to carry.