Snares.

puddle jumper · 10-31-2010, 01:22 AM

I've watched a few survival programs where people are stranded in the wilderness with minimal training and they always try and set up snares to catch little critters for food. I have yet to see anyone catch anything with one. Is this really an optimal way to catch a meal?

Bobby · 10-31-2010, 12:26 PM

If you know how to rig them, they work well. Most of those shows involve people who have been left without supplies, so they don't have the option of fancier traps or weapons. Personally, I think I'd try to make a spear.

BigBear · 10-31-2010, 08:34 PM

I know what you're saying about those shows. The latest one that I watched was The Colony and they were left in a deserted part of the Louisiana bayou. They set up some snares and couldn't catch a thing. I can't imagine it being the most efficient method of catching game.

dinosaur · 11-02-2010, 06:48 AM

True, snares will work on heavily traveled game paths but are not that efficient. Small game is the easiest to catch using deadfalls or a simple noose.

Drewglynn · 11-06-2010, 12:26 PM

A good light and cheap thing to pack to trap some meat is a 50 cent rat trap.... Be surprised what u can catch in those things tied off to a tree..

sh4d0wm4573ri7 · 12-05-2010, 08:19 AM

Is all about location and yes they really work

oldsarge · 03-29-2011, 03:39 AM

Never thought of using a rat trap before, nice to know when preparing for those "what if's"! I would think that when using snares, the key would be to saturate an area to increase your odds of hitting something. Which may be difficult when your limited on materials.

Grandpa · 03-29-2011, 08:44 AM

How to catch a bear; cut a hole in the ice, puts some peas in the hole.....when the bear goes to take a pea, kick him in the ice hole.

Fish traps out of willows has worked for me, but never caught anything with a snare. However, the fishtraps take too long to fashion if your on the move. I've had better luck with tickleing a fish out of the water.

I like the rat trap idea though, thanks for that one.

GROUNDpounder · 03-29-2011, 11:14 AM

Les Stroud caught a snow shoe hair with one on the show 'survivorman'. Its possible you just need a bit of luck and a dash of skill. Personally the first thing I would make is a shelter then scout out the area for game trails and make a snare or dead fall.

Michael · 03-29-2011, 11:24 AM

I have no clue how to fashion a trap to catch animals. I mean, I have a very basic idea of using sticks to make a trigger for either a snare or a dead fall, but I have no clue how to make it effective.

I think I'd be better off sharpening a stick into a spear.