Hoops, loops and rabbits

I’ve been setting rabbit snares, but I haven't been enjoying any success. How big a loop do I need to make? And how far off the ground should the bottom wire be? Also, do I need to set them between gaps on their well-worn tracks, or where they make foot fall? Do you know of any book that explains how to do it?

Sadly, I don’t know of any books that might help you here. Most folk learn about the art of snaring from someone who has been doing it all their life, and have learned from their mistakes. Which is what I did.

The size of the loop I use is about nine inches across and forms a pear shape. I use six strand snares fitted with stops to prevent the rabbit from being strangled.

The snare is set above the middle of the smallest beat/ landing pad of a run. The smaller the pad and further apart it is means the rabbit is moving at speed with its head in the middle. This then means you can be confident where to set the snare. However, if there are droppings on the run then don’t bother, as this is where it sits to while away the time and contemplate.

The snare height will vary depending on what it is jumping over. For instance, the longer the grass, the higher the snare needs to be set.

The lowest I would set the snare on an open run would be the width of my hand.

Edward says: