How to Make a Hunting Snare

The purpose of a snare trap is to help catch different types of live animals during a hunting or camping trip. These types of traps are used mostly to catch smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels, and even a few larger animals like raccoons. Snare traps come in different styles, sizes and makes. Many traps require a trigger mechanism in order for the trap to spring and catch your prey, but you can also build one that does not need a trigger.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Limbs
  • Looped snare wire
  • Peanut butter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a sharp knife to cut down a tree limb approximately 8 feet long. Remove the smaller, thin branches from the limb.

    • 2

      Take the tree trunk and lean it against the trunk of a tree at a 45-degree angle. Take the straight portion of your snare wire and wrap it around the tree limb from Step 1. Finish securing the wire in place by twisting the end of the straight section around the length of wire you wrapped around the limb.

    • 3

      Spread the loop of the snare wire open and bend it to the side of the limb. Fix the loop so that it sits about 1 1/2 to 2 two inches above the tree limb.

    • 4

      Apply a small amount of peanut butter to the bottom of the tree limb close to the snare wire. This will be the bait for luring the animal to the trap. Honey can also be used as bait, depending on the animal you are trying to trap.