Trapping Supplies: How to Build Your Kit

Why use snares?

To enjoy successful, effective trapping, you must first prepare and plan. Without a properly stocked kit, you risk being unprepared for events like the catching of a non-target animal or inclement weather. With the right trapping supplies, you'll be prepared for all of the events you plan for, and unforeseen circumstances.

At The Snare Shop, we're passionate about helping our customers find the perfect products for their needs. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned trapper, being prepared is crucial to your success. Take a look at our guide to building your own kit with quality trapping supplies.

What Trapping Supplies to Include in Your Kit

The type of pack or bag you take with you is your preference. To be most effective, a pack or bag with waterproof materials and plenty of storage is ideal. Once you've got your actual pack or bag, it's time to start stocking it with the trapping supplies you'll need. There are a number of items to consider beyond your traps and snares. Here's a list of things to keep in your kit.

Identification and Accessories

Having identification and proper licenses/permits with you is crucial. Carrying your identification, hunting license, and trapping permit (if your state requires it) in a waterproof pouch or bag is ideal. Some states require traps to be tagged with identification, so make sure to do your due diligence before you set out.

Other items to include in your pack include:

• Matches or Firestarters
• Flashlight
• Compass and Area Maps
• Additional Wire and Wire Cutters
• Pliers
• Knives and a Hatchet
• Kneeling Pad

Clothing

While your wardrobe may not seem like the most important thing, being properly dressed is essential to not only your success but also your safety. When choosing items of clothing for trapping, follow these guidelines:

• Dress in layers. It's important to be prepared for cold weather, but if the weather warms up, you want to remain comfortable. Dressing in layers makes it easy to remove items of clothing if necessary.
• Make sure your clothing leaves you visible to any other hunters that might be in the area.
• Select items of clothing that do not make noise when you move. Animals can be skittish and run at unfamiliar sounds, so clothing that makes as little noise as possible is ideal.
• Wear shoes or footgear that you can wash as needed. Additionally, wear footwear with soles that will keep you steady in ice, snow, or rough terrain.
• Keep protective gloves in your kit so you can set snares without leaving traces of human scent.

As you prepare your kit, it's also a good idea to carry lightweight gear for rain. In general, you want to be sure to wear clothing that is as scent-free as possible. Using an unscented laundry detergent keeps your clothes clean without leaving a scent that animals may pick up on.

Land Trapping Equipment

Land trapping requires a number of items, including:

• A dirt sifter. Having a dirt sifter on hand helps you cover your traps, snares, and bait with fine soil. This is important because soil that is clumped together or has rocks in it can interfere with your trap and cause it to malfunction.
• Covers to be used over trap pans. As mentioned above, dirt can interfere with your traps, and trap pan covers help prevent this. Trap pan covers can be made from various materials ranging from wax paper to screen and cloth. Additionally, underalls are useful for land trapping. Underalls help keep dirt from getting under your trap pan.
• Trowels to dig beds for traps. Various sizes can be helpful, with most experts recommending 12” and 18” trowels.
• Stakes for dry land trapping. For dry land trapping, experts advise metal stakes that are at least one foot in length.
• A catchpole to release animals. Your catchpole can be used to release non-target animals safely, as well as to hold target animals prior to releasing the traps.

Preparation leads to success. If you have any questions about snaring supplies and how to find the best equipment for your needs, reach out to us. We'd love to help connect you with items that add value to your kit.