How to Trap Animals in Snares

Primitive cultures across the globe employed a variety of techniques when hunting for food. One method used was snare trapping. Snares are generally used to trap small game animals, though some large game such as deer also can be caught by a snare. A snare is a simple trap involving the use of a strategically placed looped cord. Snares can be made out of any available cordage. In a survival situation in the wilderness, a well-placed snare can be used to provide food until help arrives or a path out is found.

Things You'll Need

  • Cordage
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Scout out your surrounding area to see what kind of animals are present. Look for burrows, nests, foraging trails, tracks, feces and available food sources that the animals may exploit.

    • 2

      Select a narrow area along a foraging trail to place the snare. An area between two trees spaced closely apart or between closely spaced ground shrubs is ideal to place the snare.

    • 3

      Stake a thick stick into the ground about 5 feet away from the foraging trail. Ensure that the stick is staked 8 inches into the ground or more, with about 4 inches protruding. Tie the cord to the stake securely. If a tree is available, you can tie the cord to the tree.

    • 4

      Tie a loop in the other end of the cord. Ensure that you make the loop large enough for the target animal's head to slip into. Generally, small game animals such as rabbits and ground squirrels only need a loop about the size of your fist.

    • 5

      Stake two twigs into the ground on the foraging trail. If trying to catch small game, ensure that the twigs are protruding 3 to 4 inches out of the ground, and spaced about 4 inches apart. Set the looped end of the cord onto the twigs. If trying to snare a larger animal, set the looped end up higher off of the ground -- at estimated head level -- with longer twigs.

    • 6

      Pile leaves under the loop to help conceal the the snare, and make the area appear natural to any animal that may be foraging. Place a trail of bait leading up to the snare on both sides of the loop.