NM OKs cougar trapping

[Humptulips]

I was just reading that in NM they have a max inside jaw spread of 5 1/2 inches. I would say that lets traps out for cougar. I would stick with snares. Might want to check the regs before you buy a bunch of big traps.

[WAcoyotehunter]

Leg snares or kill snares?  I hope people know what they're doing and don't kill too many dogs...

[Humptulips]

I have never known a hound dog to be killed by a snare.

[WAcoyotehunter]

A spring snare like they're using for wolves would wipe a dog out in quick order

[Humptulips]

I'm not so sure about that. I do know it would not take a spring snare to dispatch a cat. Cats die easy in a snare. I'm not sure what the snaring regulations are in NM but it would be pretty easy to snare cougar and keep from harming domestic or hunting dogs.

[JimmyHoffa]

Leg snares or kill snares?  I hope people know what they're doing and don't kill too many dogs...

For the public lands this might be a valid concern.  For the private, I would say let the trappers use any means they want--the owner can regulate as necessary.

[jasnt]

I'm not so sure about that. I do know it would not take a spring snare to dispatch a cat. Cats die easy in a snare. I'm not sure what the snaring regulations are in NM but it would be pretty easy to snare cougar and keep from harming domestic or hunting dogs.

i agree with Bruce, no need for a power snare for cats. You can easily set up for entangle. 

[WAcoyotehunter]

Perfect.  Although the way my dogs handle on a lead might be an issue if they get caught!!

I spring snares are pretty nasty.  I had never worked with one until last winter.  They are pretty serious.

[TeacherMan]

Its been years but we caught a few back in the 90s with number 3 Northwoods when bobcat trapping coming into cubbies with beaver. If I went for them I'd use a 750 with a 3/8 OS and double lamination. Wouldn't go anywhere. If not a 750 I'd use a 3/32" or 5/64"x 12' snare with a high anchor and double swivels in a good entanglement area. Don't really think they would be much higher off the ground than my lynx snares either. Id set bottom of the snare 14" off the ground with an 10-12" loop. All dreams I guess lol.

[jasnt]

Would be pretty sweet to trap cougar in Washington!

[Hannibal]

That would be fun, wonder if turner has a problem.................