Foxes can be prolific predators of gamebirds, ground nesting birds, small mammals and young livestock. They can be controlled by a number of different methods but no one method is suitable for all circumstances.
Modern fox snares (also referred to as humane cable restraints) are designed to only catch and hold. It has been illegal for more than 40 years to use any snare which is self-locking ie., those designed to kill. These modern designs correctly used exceed internationally recognised standards for restraining traps.
A strategically set snare will catch foxes at times and in locations when other methods of control either won’t work or are impractical – for instance, when the cover is too high to be able to see or shoot a fox or the presence of livestock makes it unsafe to use a rifle.
Before setting a snare, it’s important to understand and comply with the legislation and familiarise yourself with any relevant codes of practice for your area. The rules can, and often do, vary. For example, in Scotland, there is a requirement to be trained and accredited before you can use snares.
It’s your responsibility to ensure that a snare is set correctly and legally.
Please note that in Wales, from 17 October 2023, the use of all forms of snares will be illegal and therefore such devices cannot be used there.
For further information on adhering to best practice for the use of snares, watch our film (above) and see the below links:
Code of best practice on the use of snares for fox control in England
Trapping and Snaring in Scotland
Snaring in Scotland code of practice
At present we are advised the following manufacturers/stockists supply snares which are compliant with the relevant codes of practice.
Fox Snaring UK: telephone 01764 671073; web www.fox-snaring.co.uk/; email: enquiries@fox-snaring.co.uk
Solway Feeders Ltd.: Main Street, Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright. SCOTLAND. DG6 4QH; telephone 01557 500 253; web www.solwayfeeders.com/; email: mail@solwayfeeders.co.uk
Perdix Wildlife Supplies Avenue R, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2LG; telephone:02476 692 257; web www.perdixwildlifesupplies.com/; email: sales@perdixwildlifesupplies.co.uk
For more advice on snares and snaring, contact the Game and Wildlife Management team 01244 573019 or email us here.
Rice breast disease in ducks – how you can help What is sarcocystosis? Sarcocystosis, or ‘rice breast’ disease of ducks, is caused by the parasite Sarcocystis spp and seems to be on the rise in the UK. The parasite has a relatively complex life cycle using birds as an intermediate host and
Follow up of shot deer With a well-placed shot most deer will be killed quickly and retrieving the dead deer will not be an issue. However, occasionally things do go wrong and it is critical that the stalker knows how to follow-up a wounded deer correctly such that it can
First Aid in the Field It’s rare for a working gundog to get through its life without a few cuts and minor injuries. Occasionally something more serious happens. But are we prepared? In a series of articles we will look at practical first-aid for dogs in the field. Here vet
