I have a Canadian brother-in-law that taught me how to trap rabbits while visiting him once up in Quebec. He uses snares which frankly are easy to make, light in weight and easy to set up. Whether putting meat on the table or protecting a garden, knowing how to make and set snares is worthwhile knowledge. For people that like to be prepared – survivalists, being able to trap is a must. Anyway, the following is a step by step:

Making a snare:

1. Cut a piece of 22 – 24 gauge steel wire about 21 inches long. For those of us that don’t carry rulers – I measure from my fingertips to ½ between my elbow and shoulder.

2. Bend the wire into a small loop about ¼” in diameter on one end of the wire. Using pliers, twist the wire until the loop is formed and tight enough not to come loose.

3. Bring the other end of the wire through the loop. This will form the larger loop. It should be 4” in diameter - about the size of a tight fist.

4. Form another small loop on the other end of the wire. This will be used to stake the snare to a branch/rock or whatever.  

5. Whatever you do - do not kink the wire. You want the slip to move smoothly.

Setting the snare:

The picture to the left is a rabbit run. During winter spotting the runs are easy. Rabbits will use the same paths time and again often wearing trails in the snow. Even when there is no snow, look for likely paths – pushed aside brambles and grasses. Look for small paths in tall grass, near blow-downs in the woods.

Pick a spot that is narrow. If necessary, you can push some sticks in the ground to help direct the rabbit into the snare. Set the snare about 2 to 3 finger widths above the ground in the path. Often times the rabbit will strangle itself in short order after getting snared. Check the snare at least one each day. Doing so more times is a waste while doing less frankly is not ethical.