Fox Snares ( Cable Restraints)

Eddie B

Lads, after reading the thread today, I feel there's a need to clarify a few things about cable restraints. My intentions here are not to stir s**t, but just to inform those who may no little about snaring, or who are il-informed about how a cable restraint works, and it's effects on a fox etc.

First of all, a cable restraint is designed to hold a fox, and not to kill it. Therefore a relaxing lock must be used. This means that the lock tightens, and then releases a little, so's not to choke the fox. Also a swivel is required to allow for twisting. Thirdly, a deer stop to prevent deer, livestock from getting caught accidentally.

Done correctly, a cable restraint will cause very little damage or suffering to a fox. Of course a fox will try to free itself initially once caught, but after a short period, calms down, and gives up the fight. It's only when approached by humans/hunter that it fights the restraint again. Remember, a fox hasn't any fear of a snare/cable restraint, but it has got a fear of humans.

Another thing that's important when using cable restraints. If your setting a snare close to fence lines, or anywhere where a fox may get hung up and accidentally hung, resulting in choking, then you need to use what is called a one way slider system. This is a length of cable which run's from where your snare is set out maybe up to eight feet into the open. Your snare is attached to this by a lock. When caught, the fox pulls the snare out along the cable into the open. The lock won't allow him to pull back to the ditch/fence etc, therefore stopping him from getting hung up.

Obviously illegal snares/cable restraints and poor methods will not only cause excess suffering and stress to the animal, it will also show the hunter to have little respect for their quarry. But the same can be said with using the wrong shotgun ammunition, small calibre rifles at the wrong distance, and poor shot placement. All of which should be frowned upon to say the least.

One thing I can say from experience, is that snaring has come a long way in the last number of years, and is a long ways away from how it was done in the past. So for those of you who are snaring fox's, or who may try it in the future, please learn how it's done properly, through research, or get someone to show you how it's done.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this, and hopefully it'll be helpful to some of you, cheers