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There is one critical survival tool that few have in their bug out bags but absolutely should!
That tool is small game trap. You should have a couple of these on hand. This article will specifically address the best squirrel traps for preppers. In fact, these traps can be used for most small game.
Having a good trap could mean the difference between starving or surviving. In these uncertain times, it is imperative to be prepared to bug out on foot if need be.
Your bug out bag contents could mean the difference between staying alive or not. We all know the basics one should have for survival; a knife, fire starter, means to make potable water, and some sort of shelter.
Small vs Large Game
Were you aware that small game animals outnumber large game by over 100 to 1? Small animals are abundant in nature.
Catching them with a snap trap is easy and doesn’t take up valuable time (while in survival mode) like hunting with a rifle would.
Typed Of Squirrel Traps for Preppers
There are three main types of traps:
- cage trap
- snare trap
- snap trap
Cage traps are too cumbersome to travel with on foot and snare traps are not the most efficient way to catch a meal. Your best option is a baited snap type trap.
Snap traps are a proficient form of passive hunting. You can easily carry these in a backpack and set them up a short distance from your bug out camp.
When you arrive at your chosen camp, you should immediately set up the snap traps. It only takes seconds to set them up and they’re ready to catch you dinner. This gives you precious time to do other important tasks like water collection, building a fire, and setting up a shelter.
Each snap trap is like having a full-time hunter 24/7 that never tires. The operation is also quiet, so as to not give your location away like hunting animals with a firearm would.
When bugging out, trapping small game is a better means of survival food than killing large game animals. Large game can’t be eaten in one sitting and needs to be preserved. This is not feasible for most in a bug out situation.
What Type of Snap Trap to Use
So what type of small game snap trap should you use? There are a handful of options on the market.
We have used a modified Victor Professional Rat Trap successfully. This type of modified trap is easy to use, fits in a backpack, and is safer than most.
With modification, these can be used to kill squirrels, birds, and other small game, depending on the type of bait you use.
It is not wise to use an unmodified rat trap. They are not sturdy or powerful enough to do the job right of trapping small game consistently without modification.
To see these unique-looking modified snap traps and get directions on how to make or buy them there are a ton of articles and videos on YouTube.
After you snag some squirrels or rabbits with the trap, don’t forget to try some other squirrel and rabbit recipes.
How to Set a Tree Set Trap for a Squirrel
Check out this great video on how to set a tree set trap for a squirrel which is perfect for keeping their bodies off the ground and away from other hungry critters.
I hope this information helps you better prepare for hard times, and know without a doubt which are the best squirrel traps for the situation you’re in.
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