Is the conibear trap your best friend or just an outdated relic?
When it comes to old-school trapping methods that still hold a place in modern prepping and survival, the Conibear trap stands out. Known for its power and efficiency, this trap has earned a reputation in the hunting and trapping world that’s hard to ignore. But is it still the best choice today? And how much do you really know about it?
What Is a Conibear Trap?
The Conibear trap, also known as a body-gripping trap, is a square-shaped metal trap designed to deliver a quick, humane kill by clamping down on an animal’s neck or body. It’s most commonly used for small to medium-sized game such as muskrat, beaver, raccoon, and mink. The trap is triggered when the animal pushes through it, releasing the spring-loaded mechanism that snaps shut instantly. You can easily get one for under $40 on Amazon.
Who Invented It?
The Conibear trap was invented by Frank Conibear, a Canadian trapper, in the 1950s. Conibear was frustrated by the cruelty and inefficiency of the traps available at the time. He wanted something that would provide a more humane and effective kill. His invention revolutionized trapping by offering a quicker, more reliable method.
Advantages of the Conibear Trap
- Quick and Humane: When set properly, it results in a fast kill, minimizing the animal’s suffering.
- Effective: It’s highly efficient for catching target animals and is less likely to let them escape.
- Compact and Portable: Easy to carry into the field.
- Low Maintenance: No baiting is required in many cases, just proper placement.
Related: Six Primitive Traps For Catching Game In The Woods
Disadvantages to Consider
- Not Selective: The trap doesn’t discriminate between species, which means non-target animals, including pets or endangered species, can be at risk.
- Dangerous to Handle: Mishandling can cause serious injury to the trapper.
- Legality: Some states and countries have regulations or outright bans on Conibear traps due to concerns about non-target kills.
Common Uses for the Conibear Trap
The trap is ideal for use in water trapping setups, particularly for semi-aquatic animals like beavers and muskrats. It’s often placed in runways, dens, or underwater paths where animals are likely to pass. In some cases, it’s used in boxes or cubbies for land trapping of raccoons and similar animals.
Are There Better Options?
Whether a Conibear is the best trap depends on your goals. For quick kills and water trapping, it remains hard to beat. However, if you’re looking to relocate animals or want to avoid accidental kills, live traps or foothold traps may be better suited. For preppers, the key is to match the tool to the job; sometimes a Conibear is perfect; sometimes it’s overkill.
Related: 3 Non Lethal Booby Traps From An Army Vet
Go Beyond Trapping: Master the Wilderness
If you’re already using tools like the Conibear trap, chances are you’re serious about self-reliance. But trapping is just one part of the bigger survival picture. Understanding shelter-building, food foraging, navigation, and emergency signaling can make all the difference in a real-world scenario.
That’s why I highly recommend grabbing a copy of the Wilderness Survival Guide. It’s packed with practical, field-tested knowledge that goes way beyond hunting and trapping. Whether you’re bugging out or just spending more time in the woods, this guide gives you the skills you need to thrive, not just survive.
Click here to get your copy of the Wilderness Survival Guide and take your survival skills to the next level. Think of it as the perfect companion to your trapline, because once the animal’s in the bag, you still need to know what to do next.
Final Thoughts
The Conibear trap is a time-tested tool that still has a place in a prepper’s toolkit, if used responsibly. Its efficiency, compact size, and lethal power make it a strong choice for certain game and scenarios. But it’s not without its downsides, and it’s certainly not the only option on the table.
Have you used Conibear traps? What’s your experience been like? Share your thoughts, tips, and stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow preppers who’ve walked the trapline and lived to tell the tale.
You may also like:
Why You Should Never Put A Tall Fence Around Your House? (Video)
Easy DIY Light Trap For Insect Pests
