This article is part of
Wilderness Way
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2.
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by Dean Johnson
It was March and the days were getting warmer, but there was still two feet of snow in the woods. This was the beginning of the wet season. The next few months would bring cold rains, fog, and endless, gray days.
Most of the dried food stored last fall had been used and the People were looking forward to maple sugaring, fresh fish, and fiddleheads. But, today, most were inside working on various projects and telling stories by the fire.
Jean-um and his cousin had just returned from their trap line and took their moccasins off to dry. As they did, cattail down and shreds of rabbit fur fell to the floor. The three snowshoe rabbits that they had caught in their snares would be a welcome addition to the stew pot. Each morning for the last two moons they would check their traps. This was the best time because the snow had frozen over from the night's low temperature, forming a crust that made walking easier. By noon, the snow would be wet and stick to their snowshoes.
As they sat by the fire, they watched grandmother twist strips of white rabbit fur together with cordage, rolling it into a large ball. This would later be hung from a loom and woven into a warm blanket. Jean-um and his cousin were also twisting cordage but theirs was for a different purpose. They were twisting milkweed into a strong, flexible cord, perfect for rabbit snares.
The milkweed had been collected earlier that fall and hung from the lodge poles where it was dry. Now, all they had to do was break it in their hands and separate the silky strands from the hollow, woody stalks. This was something they both enjoyed doing.
The snare was one of the first traps they were taught to make and for obvious reasons. It's fairly easy to make and very effective. Jean-um's uncle had instructed them in the proper use and placement of the snares. He showed them what to look for: gnawed saplings, chewed buds and evergreen tips, trails, and droppings. From then on they were on their own.
That was many years ago, but the lesson is still worth learning today. The biggest part of learning traps is learning how and where to place them. To do this one must study animal behavior and habitat, something I believe we can all benefit from. I, myself, am not a trapper to speak of, but I do enjoy learning and teaching these ancient methods. I might add, there's comfort in knowing that, if a time ever comes when I may have to depend on what I know and not on what I have, I'll be ready.
The following illustrations and photos show some basic snare sets. You may even invent one yourself. Just remember, snares are illegal to use except in a survival situation in most states. Another word of caution: Be careful when setting and triggering the spring pole snares; you wouldn't want to lose an eye over this. So, have fun and pass on the tradition.
