Using Paracord to Trap and Catch Small Game and Fish

Published by Leach K. J. on Sunday, December 04, 2011 Comment(s): 0

How to make a small trap/snare

You will need

• 10-12 inches of snare wire
• A length of paracord with the inner strands wtill intact. (see below for length*)
• A multipurpose tool
• A lighter (to melt end of paracord)

Make a small loop at the end of the snare wire about 2 inches in. Wrap the extra around so the loop is at the very end of the wire. Take the other end of the 10 in snare wire, and run it through the loop making a sort of noose.

ILLISTRATION #1 (snare wire noose)

Burn the end of your length of paracord. Then tie a simple knot at the end of it. This knot is to ensure the wire does not slip off the paracord if you snare a live animal. Wrap the end of the wire once around the paracord at the base of the knot, twisting the ends together.

ILLISTRATION #2 (paracord attached to snare wire)

Remember, It is very important that the wire be strongly attached to the paracord to prevent the animal from getting loose.

Setting the Trap

Now you have a simple small game trap. You must then set the snare in a good location to get the best odds of catching a meal. Look for a low branch/fallen log. An area a small squirrel might see as a “tunnel” would look like a path under a fallen branch. Also, putting a few snares around a source of natural water or along a natural game path would be a very good idea.

You can use a low branch or a sturdy stick in the ground (like a stake) to anchor your snare. *The length of paracord you will need to use to make your trap depends on how far you away you are anchoring it. Wrap around several times and securely tie the opposite end of the paracord to the anchor. Set the noose of wire at the other end so it is about 4-6 inches in diameter (depending on what size game you are trapping) and set the noose raised a few inches off the ground. You can use a small forked stick to prop up the noose.

You snared small game!

It would help to set several snares in an area around water or any signs of animals you see. Be sure to come back the next morning and check all the traps you set. If you caught an animal, it will most likely be alive and you will have to dispatch it before you can eat.

Animal Snare Ethics

Only use animal snares/traps if you are in an emergency situation. The snares are used to trap the animals, not to kill them. If you catch a small game animal, it will most likely be alive in your snare and you will have to dispatch it yourself. There are several things you can do to be sure an animal does not suffer needlessly. Always remember to disassemble snares before you leave. This will avoid an animal being caught in a snare you are not going back to check. Also, when attaching a length of snare wire to paracord, it is important to be sure they are tied strongly together to avoid an animal freeing itself with the noose of wire still stuck on them.  (See How to use your Juggerknots Paracord to trap your own food .)

How to Catch Fish Using Juggerknots-True Survival Gear

Another way to catch food in an emergency situation is to fish. What if you dont have a fishing pole or a net? Remember if you disassemble a length of paracord, you can use the inner strands (7-14 depending on how many pieces you separate) to make an improvised fishing line. Do this by tying them securely end to end. Think about what size fish you are trying to catch, and how far down you want your lure to go when deciding how thick your line should be.

Paracord also can be made into a fishing net if you prefer. If you know anything about knitting your own net, you can simply use your skills to make the net from the cord. You can also cut your length of paracord into smaller pieces and knot them together one by one until you have a big enough net to fish with.