How to Boil Snares

Animal snares are often made of lightweight cable; many come from the factory coated in grease to prevent rusting. The grease must be removed before the snares are set out, lest your quarry become frightened; most animals shy away from anything that looks or smells unnatural.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal pot, 5 to 10 gallons
  • Propane cooker
  • Rebar wire
  • Wooden stick, 3 feet
  • Logwood crystals, 1 lb.
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a metal pot three-quarters full of clean water. Light the cooker, and put the pot on the burner. Bring the water to a boil.

    • 2

      Run the end of a 3-foot length of rebar through the swivel on the end of a snare. Hang up to 12 snares on the wire. Twist the end of the wire into a loop around the swivels. The snares must be able to move freely.

    • 3

      Lower the snares into the boiling water until they are completely submerged. Leave the snares in the boiling water for 10 minutes. This typically melts the packing grease.

    • 4

      Lift the end of the rebar; pull the snares out of the water. Lay the snares on the ground to cool. Repeat the wiring and boiling process until all of your snares are degreased.

    • 5

      Set the wired-snare groups outside; allow them to age, acquiring a light coat of rust. Spray the snares daily with a hose if rain is not cooperative. The rusting process requires 7 to 10 days.

    • 6

      Fill the metal pot three-quarters full with clean water, and bring it to a boil. Pour in 1 lb. of logwood crystals. Stir the mixture with a stick until the crystals dissolve.

    • 7

      Lower the group of rust-coated snares into the boiling dye water. Push them completely under the water with the stick. Allow the snares to boil for 10 minutes.

    • 8

      Pull the snares out of the water. Hang them outdoors in a place free from human and petroleum odors.