Are you wondering how to make a rabbit or hare snare? It is critical for every prepper to know how to make a snare trap for a rabbit and small game. Regardless of whether you are wondering how to make a rabbit snare out of fishing line or something else, there are a few types of rabbit snares available. Best of all, you only need three tools to make them! Let’s get to prepping!
In this post, we will review how to make several types of rabbit snares for survival situations along with their benefits and drawbacks. That way, you can make a rabbit snare if you are lost in the woods, facing a doomsday scenario, or if you go camping!
Tools You Need To Build a Rabbit Snare
In general, there are only three tools you need to build a rabbit snare. They include:
- Sturdy wire (such as steel or aluminum), fishing line, snare wire, or some other durable string
- A sharp knife
- Strong branches
Once you have collected these tools, it is time to build your trap and start setting snares.
Things To Keep in Mind When Building a Rabbit Snare
As you put together your rabbit snare, there are a few important points to keep in mind. They include:
- Think about how big of a rabbit you would like to catch. For example, if the animal trap is too small, it may close completely before you actually get a firm grip on the rabbit. On the other hand, if the snare is too large, the rabbit may pass through it before the trap can close.
- You should consider the thickness of the branches as well. You need a branch that is strong enough to anchor the rest of the snare. You do not want the branch to break too easily.
- Think carefully about where you put your rabbit snare. You need to think about where the rabbit is going to go. For example, if you already see a rabbit hole or rabbit trails through a bush, you may want to put the rabbit snare there. That way, you can catch the next one that passes through it.
- Do you want to use bait? Even though carrots, greens, and apples can attract rabbits, you run the risk of trapping other small game as well like raccoons.
As long as you keep these important points in mind, you should construct the best possible rabbit snare for snaring rabbits.
Two Types of Rabbit Snare Bases
You need to think about the type of base you use for your rabbit snare. There are two broad categories of bases. They include:
- The Basic Snare Base: This rabbit snare has a wire noose loop attached to a surrounding branch. As you establish this snare, twist the string leading to the snare loop. This will give your snare the snap it needs to trap the rabbit when it passes through the game trail. Take a look at this video to learn more about the basic snare base.
- The Whip Pole Snare Base: If you want to trap larger rabbits, you should consider the whip pole snare base. This is a stronger base with a sturdier anchor. When the snare is triggered, it will close quickly, making it useful for larger rabbits. Here is a video discussing this type of snare.
Once you decide what type of base you want to use, you can fill out the rest of the trap.
Best Types of Rabbit Snare Traps
As you figure out what type of rabbit snare trap you want to use, there are three specific options from which to choose. They include:
- The Hangman’s Noose: This is a good option for your first rabbit snare trap because it is fast and easy to make. It is also the least expensive option. Basically, you are creating a hangman’s noose that will hang your rabbit. You can attach your loot to a tree, pole, or nearby branch. As the rabbit struggles to get out of the slip-knot, it will tighten, keeping the rabbit in place.
- The Supported Loop Snare: If you are looking for a trap you can leave up for a while, you may want to try this option. It can draw rabbits into the trap using a funnel, limiting the options available to the rabbit. Eventually, your rabbit will have no other option but to wander into the trap. While it can take longer to make, it is more durable than other options. Furthermore, you don’t need to measure the size of your rabbit as precisely if you use this trap.
- The Hidden Hoop Snare Ground Trap: If you want to target younger rabbits, you may want to consider this option. This trap is hidden on the ground instead of having to hang it up in the tree. Even though it is harder to make, this can be a good option if you are having a difficult time catching other rabbits. In addition, younger rabbit meat is usually more tender.
Think carefully about the benefits and drawbacks of each option before you decide what free-standing trap you want to use for your rabbits.
Final Thoughts on Rabbit Snares
These are a few of the top rabbit snares available. A hangman’s noose is the fastest rabbit snare to make, but you might want to go with a supported loop snare if you want a trap you can leave up for a long time. If you are targeting younger rabbits, you could make a hidden hoop snare trap, but this is a bit more challenging.
Remember that it takes practice and patience, but if you can master these rabbit snares, you can catch just about any rabbit in the wild. Try building these rabbit snares at home to practice your survival skills before you need them in the wild!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbit Snares
Some of the most common questions trappers ask about rabbit snares include:
What kind of wire do you use for a rabbit snare?
There are plenty of options available, but you want to choose wire that is durable. For example, you might want to go with stainless steel wire or aluminum wire. Or, you may want to use fishing line. The most important thing to remember is that you do not want the string to break when you catch a rabbit.
How do you rig a rabbit snare?
There are plenty of ways to rig a rabbit snare depending on the type of snare you use. In general, you want to catch the rabbit mid-hop so the snare is tightened when the rabbit tries to return to the ground. If you hang your snare in the air, try to put it approximately six inches off the ground.
How do you make homemade snares?
There are plenty of ways to make homemade rabbit snares, but you will need a sturdy branch from a sapling or grown tree, a wire, and a sharp knife or wire cutters. Then, think about the size of the rabbit you want to catch, where you want to put the snare, and whether you want to use bait.
How do you make a homemade rabbit trap?
There are a few options available if you want to make a homemade rabbit trap. The Hangman’s noose is the simplest one, but you may want to go with the supported loop snare if you want the snare to stay up for a long time.
