1/16th just too small for our big brush wolves

[JLDakota]

Steve C, FWIW, Larry Wittman, in his book referenced that he snared mostly red fox, some coon and a few coyotes starting in the late 60's and into the early 70's. His favorite snares were made by peeling out the center core and one other strand from 1/8th Korean aircraft cable and disgarding it. He used the remaining 5 strands which measured "about" 3/32 to make his snares. The third printing of his book in '82 made no reference to him having gone to either 1/8 or 3/32 as we know it but instead staying with his "5" strands. As he was a fellow North Dakota guy, his was the first snare book I ever bought. ;D JL

[SteveCraig]

JL,
Larry got me started on 3/32 cable back in 1978, I believe. You are correct about what he put in his book. In later years, he used 3/32 almost exclusively. I was using 1/8 cable up to that time, as that is all I could get in my area. 1/8 is what I learned to snare with after switching to galvanized cable from the old 1x19 steel that Raymond Thompson sold. I always thought that the steel cable was too stiff, plus it rusted like crazy unless waxed. Pain in the neck to work with. Larry sent me my very first 500 foot roll of 3/32 Galvanized cable that I ever used. Larry was a very nice man and we had many conversations over the years of the "boom". I still have several letters he wrote me as well. After coming to AZ 20 years ago, i lost touch with him. Do you know if he is still around or not?
Steve

[NEPISIGUIT]

MANY snaremen in N.B. Canada are now using the method that 17 HMR mentioned. With very few reported losses. Most do not know yet what a stinger is,so as yet do not use them. With the 10 foot extensions yokes are usually well hung up. We no longer have the yokes to record large catches . If we did we may see more losses. RIGHT OR WRONG just stating what we have happening here.IT MAY be that once the coyote realizes it is held that initial lunge and distance it can travel before comming to a very sudden stop may be enough to really set that 50# spring thus setting its demise. I AM SURE IT WILL NOT WORK THE SAME IN ALL AREAS AS MENTIONED BY BOB, STEFF AND OTHERS. this is a very informative post.

[BadDog]

Heavy Cable vs Light Cable...

If I had to use 3/32" cable I would still get the job done, just not as fun nor as easy as with light cable. More work, more snares, more refusals, actually lots more refusals, less cats, less fun.

In thick brush choked environments the heavy cable disappears much easier than in the open. Use 3/32" in the open and the number of refusals will be incredible... actually ignorant. Can still snare with 3/32 in the open but far greater effort expended for the same catch.

[JLDakota]

Steve C,
Yes, he's still around in fact I talked to him not that long ago. He's still on the home place and his wife died this past year. No children so he works the farm by himself. He quit snaring in about '92 when his dad got ill so he could run the farm. No time to do both. He loved to snare those fox though and still gets excited talking about it. I aim to stop and see him next time I go up home. JL

[SteveCraig]

JL,
Please tell him that Steve Craig from Indiana said hello. I know he will remember me. I could use his phone number too if he doesnt mind. thanks
Steve