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FAQ
 

  • This unit is made of plastic, will it hold up?"
    The material used to make the SAC1000 is an ABS composite similar to a telephone box. this is a very durable product, that under normal conditions, will provide many years of service. So far, it has held up very well capturing Bears, Mountain Lions etc., as well as being run over by a pickup as demonstrated on our website. When trapping larger animals such as bears, make sure to use all 5 anchoring spikes provided.
  • Looks like it might be a little big and bulky to pack in. How hard is it to set?
    A standard steel wolf trap with drag weighs about 13 - 15 lbs. The SAC1000 weighs 10 lbs. The elevation springs can be removed and stored inside the trigger housing to make it easier to transport. Most people either use a pickup or ATV for trapping. After you set the unit a few times, they are just as easy to set as a trap depending on the soil. In many cases, it can be set on top of the ground in a low spot on the trail, using a large tote the units can be stacked alternating the pans.
  • I had a camera out and the animal seemed to know the unit was there
  • When trapping hogs, can I stake down the snare?"
    We recommend using an extension cable anchored solidly to a tree or a fence post. Under some circumstances for hogs, a drag may also be used. Hogs are powerful enough they may bend and pull a stake out of the ground. This also applies to wolves and mountain lions. If you should accidently catch a bear, it may pull straight up on a stake pulling it out of the ground before the breakaway opens. No drag should be used trapping for these animals. For wolves, lions and bears always anchor solid.
  • It got very muddy and after setting my unit, the pan tension was hard to adjust"
    Under muddy conditions, it is always best to remove and wash the unit thoroughly before resetting. In some case, it may be necessary to unscrew the bottom cover to make sure all dirt and mud is cleaned out. It is best to cover the pan area with wax paper to keep fine debris from entering especially during a rain. This will also help the pan from freezing should snow melt and water run into the crack
  • How do I keep deer out of my snare when trapping for hogs on trails?
    One of the best ways is to put something above the trail such as a piece of plastic snow fence. In most cases, the hogs will go under, but it will deter the deer. You can a peice of snow fence two or 3 feet above the trail.
  • The snare did not function as it should and twisted when fired
    This could be that the snare had been fired before and was kinked or an elevation spring was bent outward. Lighter snares will kink easier when test fired multiple times. Also, make sure when setting that the chain is straight and not twisted
  • I use a lot of drags, will the breakaway work as well?"
    No. For the breakaway to function, the snare has to be anchored solid. On the hog snare and bear snares, there are no breakaways
  • Does the trigger cover really need to be on?
    Yes – it prevents debris from entering the trigger channel, which hampers the trigger slide from operating correctly. Also, the cover should be in place when test firing to keep the red snare keeper from dis-engaging.
  • How much dirt should be used to cover the unit?
    Generally, no more than 1/2”. Dirt or fine dry leaves work best. Never cover the snare with grass.
  • Are the snares reusable?
    Generally, not, after capturing coyotes or an animal that may twist it. Dry firing the lighter snares a couple of times may distort the snare from not firing correctly. Also, once an animal is captured, the cable part of the snare is generally twisted enough to not be re-used. This will distort the snare and will not fire properly. You might possibly re-use a snare several times when trapping for hogs or on very short-term captures. By purchasing new strands of cable and sleeves, you may be able to re-use the components and rebuild your snare. We include an extra black keeper with every unit should you are able to use the snare again.
  • I covered my unit with grass and had a coyote slip out
    Never cover the snare area with grass, as the snare will gather the grass as it fires. The animal may slip his foot out of the snare if this happens. Grass may be placed over the trigger housing.
  • How do these units work in the snow?
    They function reasonably well. It is best to place a sheet of waxed paper through the 4 vertical wires and cover the base plate. This will help water from entering around the pan should there be a thaw. If it melts and re-freezes and the ice is very thick or too much snow cover, the unit will not function.
  • I have some fine rocks under the trigger slide and around the crack in the trigger plate and it’s not functioning, as it should."
    First, try placing the unit in an upright vertical position and lightly tap the trigger housing with a hammer on the side. If this does not work, remove the screws from the bottom cover to thoroughly clean the unit.
  • Will this work using a regular snare without the chain?
    Our patented snares were designed to minimize foot damage incorporating the kink less chain, which goes around the foot like a bracelet helping to maintain circulation. Also, this aids in the proper function of the breakaway S-hook connection. Without the chain and no breakaway, a smaller diameter cable may cut circulation and may also cause foot lacerations. A snare with a larger diameter cable on the bear snares is not a problem. Using any other snare with our device is not recommended.
  • How do I adjust the pan tension?
    The best way is to use a claw hammer, set the unit then place the safety nail in position, press down on the pan and fire. Turn the adjustment bolt counterclockwise to lighten, clockwise to tighten, using a claw hammer, reset and keep pressing and re-setting until a desired tension is achieved. Then remove safety nail. Tension Adjustment is done by feel or by using a fan belt tension gauge (not included) which may be used to set more accurately. It is recommended to leave the hammer in place, press on the trigger plate and let the trigger back slowly go back when finished. Q?
  • My snare is sprung and wrapped around one of the elevation wires. What’s the problem?
    This can be caused by a couple of different things. A short-legged animal such as a badger or porcupine may be heavy enough to spring the unit and the snare will not clear all of the elevation wires or you may have two animals going over it at the same time (such as little pigs) and the snare will not function as it should. Another cause may be a larger-footed animal stepping on the snare and pan at the same time. Many short narrow-legged animals such as skunks may not be captured as the chain will not tighten enough to catch them.
  • What is the best method to de-scent the units for trapping wolves and coyotes?
    Make sure after a capture to wash thoroughly, one of the best ways is to have a container filled with sagebrush or pine boughs depending on where you are trapping. Leave the units in the container until they are ready for use. Never use scented soap or paint. Watch our video on cleaning
  • I try pulling the trigger block to set with the hammer, but it comes part way then fires back."
    Always use two hands, one is on top of the hammer head pushing slightly down as you pull the trigger toward you in one fluid motion until it engages. Make sure your hand and fingers are never in the trigger housing as serious injury may occur
  • My red keeper broke in half when the unit fired
    This would happen when the red keeper was not fully depressed into the hole. Make sure the red keeper is fully inserted after settting the unit.
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