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Animal Trapping Techniques in the Wild

People try to catch animals for different reasons and by using different methods. Some hunters snare animals solely for food, while others do it to sell their meat, bones or hides. With the advent of urban expansion, homeowners use traps to get rid of unwanted vermin. By learning about the different types of traps and the techniques for using them, you can decide which is right for you.

Before Trapping
- Before you begin setting traps, ascertain the purpose you want the trap to serve. Catch and-release traps function well for humanely disposing of nuisance animals and for pelt hunting. Wilderness survival experts use snares and deadfall traps for sustenance. If you trap for sustenance, make sure to set an array of traps; look for key areas in which to set them. According to Wilderness-Survival-Skills.com, "The presence of wild animals can often be determined by their tracks in the snow, sand or soft mud."
Cage Traps
- Cage traps are humane, but use caution when releasing the animal.
  
  Cage traps attempt to ensnare animals without inflicting harm. Pelt hunters prefer this method. The trap lures the animal into the cage with a bait. Once inside, the animal triggers a mechanism that closes the cage door behind them. Cage trapping is a kind method for getting rid of unwanted squirrels, raccoons and opossum.
Snap Traps
- Snap traps work by catching an animal's leg.
  
  Snap traps, or "leg traps," work via a trigger mechanism that forces two metal jaws to close together. This type of trap is not as humane as other types and can ruin pelts. One common technique for setting snap traps is to place the bait on a nearby log or rock and bury the trap beneath leaves, dirt, sticks and small stones.
Deadfalls
- Deadfall traps use a large weight to crush animals going for a baited stick. Prop up a large rock with a stick so the two objects make an upside-down V-shape. Bait one end of another stick, and wedge the other end between the rock and first stick. Steady the baited stick by wedging a small stick between the baited end and the ground. When the animal takes the bait, the contraption will come apart and the weight of the rock will crush the animal.
Animal Snares
- Snare traps catch animals by tightening a small noose around their necks. Tie one end of a string or wire around a stationary, vertical stick and make a loop in the other end. Tie off the end of the loop with a noose or slip knot. Adjust the diameter of the loop so it will easily go over the animal's head, and use twigs to set it at the same height as the animal's head.

Animals & Science