How to Make Any Kind of Snare

While the likelihood that something bad happens and turns a camping or hiking trip into a survival situation may be low, people still should be prepared for such an event. One of the best ways is to pack along a wire. Wire can be coiled and fits easily into a backpack, and it is light enough that you likely will not notice it unless you need it. But if an emergency occurs and you wind up having to catch your own food, the piece of wire can be made into a snare and be the difference between starving and surviving.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire
  • Stick
  • Rock
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Pack multiple 4-foot sections of wire.

    • 2

      Twist one end of the wire around itself six times to form a small loop.

    • 3

      Thread the free end of the wire through the small loop to create a snare loop.

    • 4

      Locate spots with animal activity. Look for the animals themselves, or for signs that they are in the area. Some examples are droppings, footprints, hair and trails. Place the snare in the spot you believe animal activity is highest.

    • 5

      Wrap the free end of the wire around an object such as a stump or tree. Wrap the wire enough times that the snare is sturdy.

    • 6

      Slide the small loop along the wire to adjust the snare loop size. The snare loop should be just larger than the head of the animal you are pursuing. A 4-inch loop works well for smaller animals, such as squirrels, while 8-inch loops are better for larger animals, such as raccoons.

    • 7

      Bend the wire to prevent the small loop from sliding and making the loop larger. Bend the wire so the large loop is 1 inch to 2 inches above the ground.

    • 8

      Create a club to kill any animals you catch. Find a sturdy stick that has a Y at one end. Place a rock in the Y, and wrap one of the snare wires around it to hold the rock to the stick.

    • 9

      Check for any snared animals at least once per day. If any animals you catch are not dead when you check, hit them with your club to kill them.