Trapping 101


a hunter holding an animal trap out of the water

Trapping rabbits and other small animals to protect vegetable gardens might be what first comes to mind; however, trapping is much more than simply setting a trap to prevent an animal from spoiling your garden. Some people have made a career of trapping while others make it a family outing. Ultimately, trapping is all about the outdoors and anticipation of the hunt—much like waiting for a big buck to walk by or a fish to bite. 

For those looking to learn trapping basics, our ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN Hunting Experts along with Trapping Experts, Mark Steck and Dwaine Knouse, share their trapping knowledge and explain the trapping supplies beginners need to get started.

What Is Trapping?

Trapping is the practice of using a device to catch a specific species in order to manage wildlife populations, fur production, or for obtaining food. Trapping is the most highly regulated way to harvest animals.

What Are the Benefits of Trapping?

There are several benefits of trapping. Dwaine shares one main benefit is to help maintain healthy wildlife populations in order to keep diseases in check and reduce unwanted human or domestic animal interactions. The second benefit of trapping is to help control animal populations in order to sustain a well balanced ecosystem.

How to Start Trapping?

alan, a hunter, setting a trap in a field

Trapping animals is not complex, so with little effort, those new to trapping can become successful very quickly. To start trapping, Dwaine suggests beginner hunters identify the targeted species, invest in the proper trapping supplies, and apply our trapping tips for a successful outing. 

Trapping Supplies

Compared to other outdoor hobbies like fishing and hunting, trapping is relatively inexpensive to get started. You’ll want to gather the following trapping supplies to get started:

a variety of trapping supplies needed to get started

1. A Proper Trap

With your targeted species in mind, you’ll want to invest in the correct type and size of the trap. Mark explains more about each type of trap to help you decide which is your best choice.


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  • Foothold Traps: These traps simply grab the foot and hold the animal. If you’re land trapping, the animal will live, giving you the option of releasing it. These can be used on land or in water for a range of different animals including muskrats, beavers, otters, foxes, and more. Please reference your state’s regulations for all restrictions.
  • Body Grip (Conibear) Traps: Most commonly referred to as Conibears, these traps are designed to have the animal walk through them causing the jaws to close tightly on the neck of the animal. These traps are effective on most species aside from canines and are deadly. Trappers need to use caution when setting them. Please reference your state’s regulations for all restrictions.
  • Snares: Like body grip traps, snares are designed for animals to walk through them. This type of trap is really lightweight and inexpensive while still being effective in trapping a range of species from rabbits to wolves. Please reference your state’s regulations for all restrictions.

2. Attractant

To draw more animals closer to the set traps, trappers use attractants to trigger a desire within the animal. There are two types of attractants: bait and lure. Bait is meant to spur hunger, while a lure attractant stirs a desire for the animal to mark their territory.

3. Stakes / Staking System

Stakes or a staking system are necessary to hold your trap in place. The most common options you’ll find are wood stakes or rebar stakes. 

4. Hammer

To secure the stakes, you’ll want a hammer with you. There are specific hammers for trapping that can double as a shovel to dig trap beds or dirt holes.

5. Shovel or Trowel

If you don’t invest in a trapper’s hammer, you’ll also want a small shovel to make digging the trap bed or hole easier and faster.

Today, trapping equipment features improved designs and manufacturing processes making them more efficient and human than ever before. If you’re interested in learning more about how to start trapping, call or stop into your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN to speak with a Hunting Expert.