First boil

[TBark]

I'll be boiling my snare material tomorrow.
Do I start with a soap or degreaser of some type, then rinse then baking soda boil, or just one boil of baking soda ?
And whats the baking soda mix, a pound to a 2 gal pot ?

Thanks,
TBark

[HunterDave]

I just boil in baking soda but if they are oily you can always put them in the dishwasher on sanitize first and that'll clean them up. Half of a box in 2 gallons of water is plenty. You don't want them too powdery.

What do you mean by boiling your snare material? I boil my snares after I make them.

[Bushmaster]

Don't boil the material (snare wire) unless you intend to use it this year. It will start to rust on you if you do.

[Lerrooy]

If it does start to rust is a snare only good for one season then?

[TBark]

We have 30 snares ready and 1/19 cable and locks etc to make 30 more.
Plan was to set out the first 30 and build more in the cabin in the evening.
Only able to boil tomorrow before we head out on Sunday, so plan was to boil all cable etc at once.
But I hear what you are saying, only boil what we will use this year.
Good info, Thanks.

TBark

[Frank90]

Originally Posted by Lerrooy

If it does start to rust is a snare only good for one season then?

Last year I had lost a ram power snare after a snow storm and found it in fall again. I just stood it back up, and caught a fox a couple days later. The 1/16" wire was a bit rusty but it held up just fine.

I also reuse my previous year's snares the next year with no issues.

[Gboe8]

I just boil mine with baking powder. I don't have an exact amount but you don't need half a pound per two gallons way less.

[Bushmaster]

I don' think it ruins a snare but it can make them a bit slower. And they continue to rust as years go by....

[husky hunter]

Originally Posted by TBark

I'll be boiling my snare material tomorrow.
Do I start with a soap or degreaser of some type, then rinse then baking soda boil, or just one boil of baking soda ?
And whats the baking soda mix, a pound to a 2 gal pot ?

Thanks,
TBark

Hey Tbark---I build my snares and then soak them in vinegar over night. If the snare locks are very shiney I soak them over night in vinegar before I build the snares. Wash everything in hot water and dish soap before boiling in Spruce, Pine or what ever you are setting in. Wolf snares cannot have any shine. And don't laugh....I have been doing this along time and have caught many Wolves.---good luck (I hate Wolves)