Hang 'em high!

[macsas 0]

Just thought I'd share my rat snaring experiences with you all. The shoot of which I'm a syndicate member, had been absolutely overrun with rats. In my abscence through working abroad, I decided I'd have a go at them using whip snaring.

 

I boned up on the whys and wherefores in the pinned section, thanks Snareman, and contacted Holdaway at Trapworks. I looked on his website and found what I was looking for.

 

The next day my kit arrived. I had a couple of dry runs to make sure that I was getting the technique right and I was up to speed. I cut myself some 4-5ft hazel whips, enough for 12 snares. I'm hampered by a knee injury at the moment, so I thought too much walking is a non starter. I decided to tackle one of the release pens which was absolutely covered in rat motorways.

 

I parked up right next to the pen and set about starting to lay the snares. It was suprisingly easy once I'd got the hang of it.

 

 

This set up is Holdaway's version of the nail and peg system.

 

 

As I was setting up a large rat came out from the mass of holes and began to rummage around. I stood still and watche. As I watched this rat came to a well used run that I had just snared. Surely not, I thought. Blow me, this rat made it's way down the run and straight into the snare. The hazel whipped him clean off it's feet with an almighty squeal.

 

It was interesting to watch what happened as I'd never seen anything enter a snare before. Immediately it was caught it curled up on itself and was extremely cross to say the least. Within a few moments it had stopped curling up and adopted the classic hanged man position.

 

 

As I was present I thought only humane to dispatch it with a rap on the head. I couldn't believe it, I'd witnessed the actual moment of capture.

 

I set the other snares and felt quietly pleased withmyself.

 

 

The next morning dawned and I was off to check my handywork. I got there early morning and remembering the advice I'd read, I came equiped with a pair of gloves, side nips and fresh snares. I'm not going to take the chance of going down with rat flu or something!

 

This is what greeted me

 

 

This one was caught round the middle, though it was still dead, set too low I think Glenn.

 

 

"Junior" , the magpies had had a go at him too.

 

 

 

and finally "Say cheese..."

 

 

I also had 2 that had somehow been in the snare and managed to bite through the snare, 2ply rabbbit brass.

 

I'd like to thank Snareman for his inspiration and Holdaway/Trapworks for the kit. I'm hooked, bad pun, on rat snaring now. It's terrific fun and non toxic to boot!

 

Tight wires everyone, go on, give it a go!

[aaronpigeonplucker 32]

get some 45 pound fishing trce wire, stops large fish from chewing through http://www.seafishingsupplies.co.uk/produc...products_id=405

Edited March 13, 2009 by aaronpigeonplucker

[alimac 882]

very good, first time iv seen it done..... any chance the next time your there you could take a few pictures of the pop hole / guide system that i see in the back ground of one of the pictures, would be very greatfull if you could / would

 

thanks in advance

[Malt 379]

Nice result there!

[Holdaway 2]

Them's motorways you have there macsas! Very good going, keep it up.

 

H

[stealthy1 3,964]

Good post, dont see many people using whip traps nowadays.

[Netter 0]

Excellent bit of vermin control there.

[MR TEA POT 1,287]

Well done mate looks like your hooked now

[john b 38]

Thanks - a very good post indeed.

 

Nice clear pics too

[froese11 1]

Great post! man i am almost wishing for rats now...

[auld salmon 28]

i very good first time ive seeen post on them snare

[Marty O Hare 3]

Cheers for the post and pics, bet you were well happy with the results

[Squirrel_Basher 17,102]

Excellent mate .Well done on your achievement

[dogs-n-natives 1,182]

Good stuff

[jayjay 264]

excellent bit of snareing there,well done i wouldnt mind having a go at that myself,just out of curiosity what size loops do you use to snare them and how high are they set of the ground,thanks.