How to Set Steel Traps for Rabbits
Rabbits are prolific animals found in most parts of the country. They often become pests in backyards and gardens. Some people hunt them for food. Rabbits aren't crafty or "trap-wise," so they're easy to capture with steel traps. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Choose small traps for rabbits. A size 1, in longspring or underspring, is the best choice. Killer traps-- or "Conibears"--will also work using the 110 size.
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Find rabbit trails by looking for ground that's being worn smooth or grass that's matted down. Rabbit droppings, small dark pellets, are a sure indication of rabbit activity on a trail. If they are coming under a fence you will find the entrance through the fence worn down and tufts of rabbit fur stuck on the fence.
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Traps can be set on rabbit trails by digging out a hollow in the trail just big enough for the trap to sit in and be level with the ground. Cover the trap lightly with whatever material is natural to the trail, such as grass or leaves. A killer trap can be set upright in the trail or a hole in a fence so the rabbit will pass through it as it moves along the trail. Twist one end of a length of wire to the trap chain ring and the other to a heavy anchor, bush, tree or fence.
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Using bait, particularly vegetables, can entice rabbits when no trails are visible. Make an open-ended, three-sided or V-shaped pen using sticks, rocks or other material. Make the sides of the pen 1-2 feet long and high enough so the rabbit cannot see over it. Place the vegetables inside the back of the pen and set the trap in front of the pen as you would on a trail.
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Check the traps at least once a day. Rabbits are a dietary staple for many predatory birds and animals. It is possible to find only a foot in the trap where a predator chewed the rabbit free and made off with it.
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Tips & Warnings
Rabbits do not run or walk--they shuffle and hop. Catching a rabbit by a back leg is preferable to a foot leg as it is a surer hold. Place a one-inch diameter stick an inch in front of and parallel to the trap. The rabbit will hop over the stick and land its back foot in the trap. Put a stick on both sides of the trap if it is set on a trail.
Set leg hold traps so that the rabbit steps between the jaws and not over them.
Do not use steel traps in an area where neighbors' pets could wander into your yard or garden and be caught.
Do not use killer traps except in rural areas or in the woods where there are no pets.
Be careful in setting traps. Killer traps can break fingers.
