Using Traps & Snares

When your in a survival situation and you don’t have the luxury of using a gun, trapping or snaring wild animals is an excellent alternative.

Several well-placed traps can actually catch more food than someone with a rifle is likely to shoot.
To get the most out of your trap or snare, you must:

• Be familiar with the type of game you want to catch.
• Be able to construct a proper trap.
• Leave no trace of your presence to the prey.

There is no one size fits all trap that you can set to catch your meal. You must first determine what species is in your area and set your traps for that type of animals. To find out what animals are in the area Look for the following:

• Runs and trails.
• Droppings.
• Chewed vegetation.
• Tracks
• Nesting sites.
• Feeding and watering areas.

You want to position your traps and snares where there are obvious signs that an animal will pass by your traps. Find out if it is a “run” or a “trail.” A trail is used by many types of animals and will be rather distinct. A run is smaller and less distinct and will only show signs of one type of animal.. Most wild animals have bedding areas, waterholes, and feeding areas with trails that lead from one to the other. To be successful you have to place your snares and traps in these areas. Even the best snare is not going to catch your meal if you haphazardly place it in the wrong area.

Some other things to consider when placing a snare:

• Mask your scent on and around the traps you set. (mud, smoke, or let the snare weather for a few days before use.)
• Feeding and watering areas.
• Build a funnel-shaped barrier from the sides of the trail going toward the trap

Check out How to make Snares and Traps