TrapWorks Fox snaring guide
Setting Fox Snares
Ensure that only foxes are using the site where fox snares are to be set.
The presence of foxes will be indicated by:
- Fox tracks (footprints)
- Long reddish brown hairs caught on bramble, twigs or wire.
- Strong musty smell.
If you are in any doubt do not set a snare, seek expert advice or read the articles of such trappers as Glenn S Waters
To snare foxes humanely, adhere to the following rules.
- Only free running snares which contain a 'permanent stop', 10 " (26cm) from the eye of the snare should be used.
- Use good quality snares which incorporate a strong swivel. The wire must not be less that 460lbs (208 kilos) breaking strain.
- Snares should be supported by a suitable 'tealer' and set firmly in the ground. Tealers made from fence-wire are easy to conceal, set and make.
- Snares must be firmly anchored.
- Ensure that snares run freely and are free of 'kinks'. Snares which are frayed or damaged should be discarded.
- Snares should be set so that the bottom of the loop is at least 10 " (26cm) off the ground under normal conditions and up to a height of 12" (30cm) or more, on open ground. When setting snares at these heights the loop should measure 10 " (26cm) across.
- The law requires that snares should be checked at least once a day. Inspection at least twice a day and as soon after dawn as is practical is recommended.
- Foxes should be dispatched quickly and humanely by a shot from a rifle, shotgun or pistol and the body disposed of responsibly e.g. by burying.
- The use of permanent stops and breakaway devices is advised in all conditions.
Do NOT use any of the following methods
Do Not snare on fence lines where an animal may become entangled.
Do Not use drags, (it is now illegal in Scotland to do so) snares must be firmly anchored at all times.
Do Not set snares below 9" in height, this only invites the capture of non target species.
Do Not set snares in any situation where entanglement may become an issue.
Do Not use tension relieving devices such as shock springs on breakaway snares, these reduce the effectiveness of the animal to break free and can in effect cause an animal to become exhausted to the point of death.
Snares should now be viewed as a means of capturing rather than killing its intended target, in fact 'cable restraint' would now be a better term for them. Animals dead or alive should be treated with respect and humanity at all times.
Fox Snaring Provides Efficient Vermin Control
At all times snaring and other forms of vermin/pest control are under strict scrutiny by both the government and animal welfare groups, to give ammunition to these people who disregard the need for population control in pest species would be disadvantageous at best. Remember, snaring as a form of pest control is in your hands, stick to the law, wherever possible show due diligence above that which is required and treat all captive animals with care and humanity.
