One question I have is, When making improvised snares, how do you make the snare loop, the one that cinches on the running loop wire. Is it a figure eight loop? a basic two half hitches type loop? I am used to using the washer type slider. I could make a bunch of rabbit weight snares and put them in the bag (and have) but I want to know how to improvise should i get caught without my bag.
Next question is, do you use or have you used #3 or #4 picture hanging wire? Have heard it works well (Canterbury recommends it in his vids), but have never tried it.
I have used picture wire and it worked well. Just make sure it is secured tightly to something. I don't do this all the time, but when I have I used them I did the two half hitch knot loop.
Questions!
#1. Have you guys tested these out? Do you practice making them often even if you don't use them?
#2. What is your average catch rate? I had friends who ran fur traplines up north in the Yukon and upper BC and they ran 150 mile ones. They did not feed themselves from the trapline, but did feed beaver to the sleddogs at times when they caught them.
I also read that it takes 100 traps such as these to feed EACH person full time.
3. What tools do you carry with you in your BOB for making them?
Cedar
1) As often as I can, but not often enough. Most of my trapping experience comes from garden pests such as squirrels, rats, mice, chipmunks, rabbits and possums. You can practice one or two snares and have that down pat, but to master a figure 4 it will take a LOT of practice
2) I have never tried to feed myself just through trapping, but yes I'd imagine many would be needed. The cool thing about traps though is they are "set and forget". So, you can set up 5 or 10 and let them do their thing while you are somewhere else picking berries, fishing or something like that. Make sure to set up near game trails or near their homes(but not right outside as they will be wary)
3) As far as tools, I carry a couple knives, a multi-tool with a wire-cutter on it, picture hanging wire, paracord as well as some rat traps. Specifically, I use the
Victor Power Kill Rat Trap. It is sturdier than some of the cheap wooden ones, has a stronger spring than most, not likely to rust, sets very easily and also has a convenient cup that keeps the bait from falling out.
Also, while not in my BOB, I do sometimes use this
Catch and Release Live Animal Trap. It can be tricky to set, but it has worked for me more than once. My favorite part about it is that it can be folded up pretty flat for easy storage. It also allows one to delay killing an animal for when you need it or to release it, which can be important if you trap the neighbor's cat, lol.
