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A loop is made out of a piece of cordage that is about 12 inches in diameter. One end of the loop is tied about 3 inches above the spring end of a spring pole. A catch stick measuring 3.5 inches long and 1/4-inch in diameter has a 4 - 6 inches length of cordage tied 3/4-inch down from one end. The other end of this piece of cordage is secured to the spring pole below the loop. A trip stick measuring about 6 inches long and 1/4-inch in diameter is also selected. (Each snare set is different so all measurements are approximate.)

Traps are one of the hallmarks of primitive mans cognitive powers. Traps with intricate to simple trigger systems are nothing short of genius. Just the thought of designing an implement that will do all the work for you is a ground breaking technical culture in itself. Besides being demonstrative of primitive mans' inspirational intelligence, trapping technology is a necessity in any survival or primitive setting. Traps are important because they supplement the lack of strength, endurance, and agility in a person. In short, trapping is more of an intellectual challenge than a physical challenge. To meet this challenge, the native people of New Guinea and Polynesia developed a trap that is not only unique, but is also applicable to a wide variety of circumstances.

The pin snare (not its native name) was used extensively by the Polynesians to trap rats. The Kiore rat or Polynesian rat is really a large mouse that weighs about one-third of a pound. This rat was brought to New Zealand by the Maori and became the island's first land mammal. The Maori used a variety of pin snare ground sets to catch it.

The original people of New Guinea also utilized the pin snare on the ground around their gardens. However, they found another use for it. They took it to the treetops. The main prey for the pin snare in the tree canopy is the Cuscus. The Cuscus is a type of possum that stands up to twenty-six inches long (measured without its two-foot tail) and weighs about nine pounds. That is a relatively large animal to snare in a tree!

In the southeastern United States, there is a relative of the Cuscus that could probably be easily caught with pin snare set in a tree, but the "southern tree rat set" is what is described in this text. This variation of the pin snare is great for catching squirrels in trees, on the ground, on leaning logs, or on logs set in between two trees. This set can also be used to catch fish. But, that is another story...
  
Two long sticks (about 20 inches) are bent into two arcs. Each end of one arc is then pushed securely down into the ground about 5 inches. The other arc is pushed down parallel to the first and to the same depth. There should be 3/4 to 1-inch gap between the two arcs.  
  
 
 The spring pole end hangs directly above and to one side of the arched sticks.

To set the trap trigger, the spring pole is bent down and the loop is spread out in between the arches with the lower end of the loop just above the ground. The catch stick, on its cord, is brought over the front of the first arch, and its short upper end above the tie is caught behind the arch. The trip stick is placed horizontally behind the inner uprights a little above the ground, and the lower end of the vertical catch stick is caught behind it. The strain of the spring pole on the catch stick keeps the trip stick in position and sets the trap.

The gap between the arches with the loop cord in between them. Part of the trip stick is visible.

The animal passes through the opening and presses down on the trip stick releasing the catch. It is caught around the body by the rising loop that pins it securely against the top of the arches.

A bait bark basket is place on the backside of the trap and is secured to the ground with another arched stick. (This step is optional.) The trap can be left as is on a trail. The completed trap set with a bark bait basket.

The ground set complete with "ammo." Black walnuts are used as bait in one photo. The other photo shows a view from further back.

A squirrel set on a leaning tree. The bait basket is made of flexible material so that it molds to the tree trunk. The arches legs are tied to create a friction hold on the trunk. A stick spacer is placed or tied between the trigger arches to keep them apart and to make their grip on the tree trunk tighter.

  The trap is set and ready to go.