How to Hunt Pigs With a Snare

Study the habits of the pigs you want to snare. Look for rooted-up ground with gnawed and uprooted plants. Search out the pig's established trails for a place to set snares. Distinguish pig tracks with rounded hoofs from pointed-toe deer tracks. Look for muddy, low spots where the pigs wallow. Find signs of rubbing or tusking on tree trunks, fence posts, utility poles or large rocks.

Obtain a large-size animal snare from sporting goods or hunting stores. Use a snare constructed of heavy-duty flexible wire cable, a sliding lock and a large swivel. The cable wire must be at least 1/8 inch in diameter and about 4 feet long. A neck snare should have a 12- to 18-inch diameter and a smaller loop for a leg snare. Make your own snare if you prefer.

Survey the pig's habitat area for a good place to set a snare. Scout their main trails and look for established trees. Wrap the snare cable around the tree and anchor it securely. Suspend the loop above the ground with lightweight wire and wire clips. Locate an opening in or under a fence where the pigs pass through. Look for tufts of hair hanging on the wire to indicate recent activity. Set the loop in the opening and attach the snare cable to a fence post with wire.

Take advantage of the pig's poor eyesight and set the snares where they won't be easily seen. Use brush or foliage to camouflage the snare. Avoid setting up snares in areas frequented by other animals such as dogs, deer or farm animals. Check your snares frequently to capture or kill the pigs. Promptly release any other animals caught in the traps.

Place leg snares with a 6- to 8-inch loop in a main pig trail, or highway. Secure the snare to a stationary object or a heavy drag, such as a large tree limb. Use the pig's keen sense of smell against them by offering bait to lure them into stepping on the snare loop. Dig a deep, narrow hole and fill it with dry oats, corn or other grain. Prebait the area to get the pigs to feel at ease before setting the snares.