Setting Snares and Traps: Increasing Your Chances of Catching Food

In the wild, finding food is essential for survival, and having the right skills can make all the difference. While hunting may be one approach, setting snares and traps is often a more efficient method for capturing small game. This technique allows you to conserve energy while increasing your odds of success. If you're looking to sharpen your survival skills, it’s crucial to learn how to effectively set snares and traps. Here's a detailed guide to help you with this critical aspect of wilderness survival.

# Understanding Snare and Trap Types

In survival situations, choosing the right snare or trap depends on the available resources and target species. For effective trapping, knowledge of the terrain and wildlife behaviour is essential. The most common types of traps include:

1. **Simple Snares:** These are basic traps made using a noose of wire or string. Simple snares are ideal for capturing small animals such as rabbits and squirrels. They function by closing tightly around the animal when triggered.

2. **Deadfall Traps:** Built using heavy objects to crush or pin the animal, deadfalls are often reserved for larger game such as raccoons or porcupines. The classic figure-4 deadfall is a popular choice due to its simplicity and effectiveness.

3. **Pitfall Traps:** These involve digging a hole in the ground to trap larger animals. Often camouflaged with foliage or debris, pitfall traps require more effort but can be fruitful near animal trails.

# Selecting the Right Location

For your snares and traps to be successful, placement is crucial. Target areas where animals frequent, such as water sources, feeding grounds, or well-used trails. Signs of recent activity, such as tracks and droppings, are clear indicators of good locations. Terrain features like natural funnels or choke points increase the likelihood of animals crossing paths with your traps.

# Materials and Construction

The materials used in constructing snares and traps often depend on your environment and available resources. Heavy-duty wire or strong cordage is ideal for snares as it provides the necessary strength to hold captured prey. For deadfall traps, seek out sturdy sticks and rocks. Ensure that your traps are well constructed and securely set, as poorly made traps may fail or injure but not capture the target.

# Baiting Techniques

While not always necessary, baiting can significantly increase your success rate. Use bait native to the area that the target species are already familiar with. Small game is often attracted to nuts, fruits, or vegetables, while carnivorous animals may respond well to scraps of meat or fish. Ensure bait is placed strategically to lure the animal towards the trap.

# Legal and Ethical Considerations

It's important to bear in mind that setting snares and traps is subject to legal regulations, which can vary depending on location. Ensure that you understand and comply with any relevant laws and check the legality of using traps in your region. Consider the ethical implications of trapping, aiming for humane practices that minimise stress and suffering for the animal.

# Safety First

While setting snares and traps, always prioritise safety. Avoid areas with high human traffic, and ensure your traps do not pose a risk to other people or unintended animals. Regularly check them to ensure they remain in working order and address any caught animals promptly.

Incorporating these strategies into your survival repertoire can significantly increase your chances of securing food in the wild. Remember, practice makes perfect – refining your skill by regularly setting and practising with traps will ensure you're ready for real survival scenarios.