Mink Snaring in Water

[msgret]

Well, like all hobby trappers I like to experiment with new stuff, new sets, and other trapping trials to keep my enthusiasm high. Some work out and some don't. My question is whether or not anyone snares mink in the water. Here in Wisc we have to use snares in water only except for cable restraints for fox and yotes.
The set I am formulating in my mind is under water filled bridges and culverts. I visualize a set up with a stiff support wire tied to a cement block on the bottom and the mink snare loaded and set snug against the abutment with the loop 3/4 under the water which takes advantage of the mink's instinct to "hug" bridge and culvert edges. I would think that this setup would look even less conspicuous than a conibear. Has anyone ever tried this? Do you think it would work?

[Snareman]

Has anyone ever tried this? Do you think it would work?

I've tried it and "YES", it works! Think of a snare much like a conibear that it needs to be set in line with where a mink has or will travel and manipulating any spot to make the mink go through an area is the objective if a natural spot can't be found.

As for a "stiff" support wire, since the snare will be loaded, you could very easily get away with 14 gauge wire. I've used #11 many times, but when working with short little lengths, the added pliability and convenience of working with #14 is better for me.

I would also have the snare 1/2 in the water, not 3/4. Anything you could do to funnel the set is to your benefit. I love this post! Whenever I'm asked what is my favorite animal to snare, it often comes down to mink, but after thinking about it, it's fox... no wait, it's definitely otter.... no wait... LOL! They're all fun for me!

Another tidbit is to have inline swivels very close to the open loop. The closer the swivel is to the loop end, the better it helps prevent twist offs and binding... overall keeps the swiveling action going on longer.

Good Luck,

Snareman

[ADC]

I'll bet they would make good bottom edge sets too the way you describe. I wish we didn't have a deer stop on all snares law in Iowa so I could try them.

[savage17]

Snareman, would you use one of them over size fishing swivels that I see dealers have now and if not What? Jeff

[ADC]

savage17 said:

Snareman, would you use one of them over size fishing swivels that I see dealers have now and if not What? Jeff

Snareman has a unique swivel see it here... www.prosnares.com/minkrat.html

[Snareman]

savage17,

Very good question. At first I didn't really see the need for a double-action inline swivel, but after some thought and getting feedback from others who use them, I concede they are slightly better than just a normal single-action inline swivel. I do not like the swivel you mention though. I believe it to be a good swivel... up to the point where you start mixing in mud, freezing conditions, snow and ice, as I think it would be much more prone to freezing up and getting clogged. This is speculation on my part though, as I never used them. So far I have had only one single-action inline mink swivel fail to the point where the mink twisted completely off 1/16" cable... but to get caught a 140 yards away in a another set. LOL! He still had the snare on his neck. It twisted and broke because I used #11 support wire, had no support collar on the snare(forgot) and crimped it too tight to the cable to prevent the swivel from working. I say having at least one inline swivel is a big advantage to preserving cable than a typical end swivel... given entanglement situations.

Snareman

[ADC]

Hey snareman or anyone else for that matter. Have you ever used a mink snare in place of the traditional 110 in a bottom edge set?

[msgret]

Thanks for the information from everyone. I definately like this forum!
ADC-I almost exclusively use the conibear bottom edge set when the weather gets nasty because I am blessed with a lot of spring fed streams in my area that don't freeze all the way when its cold. I am still a novice snare man but I can't really say that the snare could be substituted for the conibear here. Don't you think that the mink is moving fast and rather erratic under water? I have many a male caught by the hind quarters in this set. I'm just thinking about the more rigid and staked solid conibear down that deep in proportion to the mink's body shape. Perhaps here the conibear has the advantage but I may be wrong.

[ADC]

You may very well be correct msgret. Like I said I can't use them in Iowa but I was just curious. I'm glad you like the forum, the new one will be even better. Tell your friends.

[ADC]

adc said:

Hey snareman or anyone else for that matter. Have you ever used a mink snare in place of the traditional 110 in a bottom edge set?

TTT ?