Bird Hunting & Cable Devices

[Rick Tischaefer]

Upland Bird Hunting and Cable Device Users​

My name is Rick Tischaefer and I am the President of the North Dakota Fur Hunters and Trappers Association. I also serve as a coordinator for the North Dakota Cooperative Fur Harvester Education Program, a joint outdoor education program with our association and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Many of you may remember this post from previous years. I don't think it will hurt anyone too much if I post it again – not only as a reminder but to share the information with your friends or fellow hunters. For the most part, we are experiencing above normal temperatures and conditions in North Dakota, allowing for extended upland bird hunting opportunities (where birds may exist). Many trappers began building their trap lines through November, and with the close of the deer gun season, will begin targeting coyotes with cable devices (e.g. snares).

WPA's and WMA's do not allow the use of cable devices until after the close of the upland bird season. The ability to use cable devices on private land began on Monday, November 25, 2024. Using cable devices on private land requires written permission from the landowner or operator, including PLOTS. Make the time to visit with the landowner or operator so you know what other activities may now be occurring on those lands.

The intent of this information is to raise the level of awareness and reduce the potential for an unnecessary problem. No trapper that I know of makes a set to catch someone's dog, but it can happen if circumstances permit. Knowledge of each other’s activities; communicating with landowners or operators; paying attention to your four-legged hunting partner; and being prepared are key to having a safe, productive, and enjoyable day afield.

We have information brochures for safely releasing dogs; can provide needed training to dog owners; and are available to assist wherever needed – all anyone has to do is ask. This is the link to the three brochures: “www.gf.nd.gov/hunting/trapping-and-dogs”.

If you would like to know more about using cable devices in North Dakota, this is the link to our handbook: “www.gf.nd.gov/sites/default/files/publications/using-cable-devices-in-nd.pdf”.

Galvanized aircraft cable is commonly used in the construction of cable devices for coyotes. Some wire cutters or a Leatherman tool may eventually cut this cable, but it will be very difficult and time consuming. Cable cutters are used to easily cut through this type of cable. They are inexpensive and small enough to carry in a hunting vest or jacket pocket. Two links to this product are:

“www.minntrapprod.com/Cable-Cutter-and-Sheath-Save-200/productinfo/C7-COMBO”
“www.snareshop.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RC8”

The lock component of the cable device may also be manipulated to make the loop larger, allowing the loop to be removed from the dog. If you have any trouble with acquiring the publications or a pair of cable cutters; need hard copies of any printed material; have related questions; or would like to set up a future training opportunity, send a PM or contact me via e-mail through our website at “www.ndfhta.com”. Please share this information with those who you think may benefit by it and have many safe and enjoyable days experiencing all that North Dakota has to offer.

Respectfully,

Rick Tischaefer
President, North Dakota Fur Hunters and Trappers Association

 

[Allen]

Thanks for the reminder on this, Rick. I sometimes forget that not everyone I hunt with knows how to release a snare, or a foothold trap. I didn't actually use snares very often when I was young, but at least knew how they worked and it helped me help a friend a couple years ago when his lab got snared.

Anyway, for anyone with a dog in the field, I would highly recommend reading some of those links on how to release the different types of snares. You won't enjoy the crash course in snares one gets if they wait until the dog is caught. And always, ALWAYS, carry a multi-tool or cable cutter with you. The multi-tool will allow a person to pinch the lock and allow you to loosen the snare, but a cable cutter is required to cut the snare. The wire cutter on a Leatherman won't do the job in a timely manner.

Oh yeah, and don't make the mistake of thinking your dog is safe just because you are hunting private property and the owner says "nobody has permission to trap/snare here". We all know how dogs disrespect property boundaries while hunting, and those fence lines are common places to find a snare. Lastly, if you see a ribbon on a fence, there's a good chance someone put that ribbon there to warn you of a snare, or at least to remind them of where they placed a snare.

 

[risingsun]

 

[AR-15]

you have had all fall to hunt with a dog, now let the trappers have their time in the field

 

[riverview]

I have had a dog get into a snare and she just stopped before it tightened and wouldn't move. big conibears set for beaver scare me more than snares.

 

[fireone]

The conibears should be underwater sets. I had permission to hunt birds on a piece a few years back and the owners nephew "opened" snaring season a week early. My dog was snared twice in a 1/4 mile but no harm, he just stopped.

 

[Trip McNeely]

Good thread and appreciate the info. Im fairly new to the dog world so this is really good information to know. I don’t carry cable cutters but after a scare I had this year I’ll be picking a pair up to keep with. On a walk a few weeks ago my dog went down into a drainage and didnt come back up the other side. I heard her yelp so I rushed over. Looked down and I could see her struggling and jumping around wildly. My heart sunk as I thought she had found a snare and I didn’t know what to do. Well turns out the dumb shit somehow got her front legs tucked into her hunting vest and was trying to crawl up the drainage without her front legs . Shes the type that would freak out and tighten the snare so im glad I happened across this thread.