A coyote snare is a specialized cable restraint device, typically consisting of a wire cable, a lock, and an anchor system. This method is utilized in wildlife management to control predator populations or for the commercial fur harvest of the species. Unlike traditional foothold traps, snaring utilizes the animal’s natural movement patterns by placing a loop directly in its path of travel. Setting a snare is a highly technical and regulated activity that requires a precise understanding of the device mechanics and the coyote’s behavior.
Regulatory Requirements and Necessary Gear
Before any cable device is deployed, the operator must first verify all state and local regulations, as snaring is a highly restricted activity. These laws often dictate the required cable diameter, the maximum loop size, and the mandated safety features to protect non-target species. Many jurisdictions require the cable itself to be a specific length, often not exceeding 7 to 10 feet, and made from a material like 3/32-inch stranded steel cable, which provides the necessary strength for a coyote.
Safety features are a major regulatory focus, often requiring the use of breakaway devices like S-hooks or J-hooks. These are designed to break or release at a specific tension, typically around 350 pounds, allowing larger animals like deer to escape. A non-target stop is also commonly required, which is a metal ferrule crimped onto the cable to prevent the loop from closing smaller than 2.5 to 3.5 inches in diameter. Necessary gear includes the cable and components, proper swaging tools for crimping ferrules, wire cutters, support wire (often 9-gauge), and earth anchors or solid stakes for securing the device. Handling all gear with clean gloves is advised to minimize the transfer of human scent to the trap site.
Constructing the Snare Loop and Anchor System
The construction of the snare begins with forming the cable into a loop of an appropriate size for a coyote, generally 10 to 12 inches in diameter. This loop must be secured using metal ferrules, or swages, crimped onto the cable ends to create a permanent, strong connection. The cable itself should be “loaded,” which involves slightly bending the cable to give the loop a uniform, round shape that holds its form and closes more quickly when triggered.
The snare lock is then attached to the cable, and it must be correctly sized to the cable’s diameter to ensure it slides freely but locks securely. Non-relaxing locks, such as a cam lock, are often chosen when a quick dispatch is the goal because they tighten as the animal pulls and will not loosen when tension is briefly released. The opposite end of the snare must be connected to an anchor system strong enough to withstand the force of a captured coyote. This can include driving a solid rebar stake deep into the ground or securing the cable to a fixed object like a large tree or a specialized earth anchor.
A support system is also incorporated to hold the loop in its precise, vertical position over the trail. This is typically done using a length of support wire, often 9-gauge, attached to the snare cable via a support collar. The support wire allows the operator to precisely adjust the loop’s height and angle, ensuring the snare is perfectly centered in the coyote’s expected line of travel. The anchor point should also include a swivel to prevent the cable from kinking or twisting as the animal struggles.
Identifying Coyote Travel Ways and Snare Placement
Effective snaring relies on identifying and utilizing the coyote’s natural tendencies to follow the path of least resistance. Prime locations include narrow travel corridors such as fence lines, dry creek beds, game trails, and breaks in dense brush or vegetation. Coyotes are highly efficient travelers and will consistently use these natural funnels when moving between feeding, resting, and watering areas.
The precise placement of the snare loop on the trail is the most critical factor for a successful set. The bottom of the 10- to 12-inch diameter loop must be positioned 10 to 12 inches above the ground. This height corresponds to the height of a coyote’s chest and neck when it is moving naturally. This design ensures the animal is caught around the neck as it travels, while simultaneously allowing smaller, non-target animals to pass safely underneath.
The loop should be oriented perpendicular to the trail and centered directly in the animal’s line of travel. To increase the effectiveness of the set, the trapper must often create artificial funnels by placing brush, sticks, or logs on either side of the trail. This narrows the opening to just slightly wider than the snare loop, forcing the coyote to step directly through the snare opening rather than attempting to walk around it.
Minimizing human presence is achieved by approaching the set from the side of the trail. The support wire and anchor should also be concealed with natural materials to ensure the coyote does not perceive the set as an unnatural obstruction.