Just received a letter from the DNR stating we need to add break aways to out snares. I use sure locks on mine and just wonder how to go about the correct way of connecting break away hooks to the lock. Any ideas?

Very simple. Clip the end off your cable and remove your lock. Pinch your BAD onto your lock, reinstall your lock onto the cable and crimp on new end. Takes about as long to do as it did for me to type this.

Will that work on a Sure Lock. I am not using the lock in your picture. I dont know, I am still afraid if a big male coyote gets in the snare a hits the end of it like I have seen them do will the BAD hold up to that? But now its the law so we I need to put these on and make sure it is correct. Thanks 20scout. Any body use these on a sure lock snare lock.

I was given a bunch of steel wire coat hangers so last spring I made a brush swivel jig and turned out 100 Mink snares with a 3 inch loops. They turned out smooth, fast and awesome.

Thanks MN DNR now I have even less respect for you. Mink snares with BAD. What were thinking.

Use a “J” instead of the “S” hook.

Or a release ferrule.

I've caught deer in them and they hold until about the time you walk up on them with the catch pole but then I'm using 265# instead of 350#. Never lost a coyote to a BAD yet and have had so big ones for our area.

I looked at the J - hooks. They look like they might work. Going to have to get some and get at it soon. Dont like the idea of cutting all my locks off but sounds like we dont have much choice. Thanks guys!

I have no idea how the MN law is wrote, or if they even have a way to test BAD release poundage. But in ND it is the trappers responsibility to ensure the BAD releases at 350 lbs or less on snares they build. It seems like a simple process, but from the testing I have seen, adding a spring, changing the lock type, or the J/S hook type even though they say the give at the same poundage can often change the release point. I saw J and S hooks release at over twice the advertised poundage, depending on the configuration of the snare. The most inconsistent set up, was the release ferrules. There is so much that goes into how a BAD releases and when from what I saw, it was almost mind boggling.

They are going with what the dealer rating

I've been using breakaways for 30+ years. I use 270, just so there is no issue with the 290 requirement. They've been tested on a couple different occasions at The U of Wyo and and broke away right at the advertised poundage. I lose a coyote about every other year using them. When it happens, they are big, can keep all 4 feet on the ground , and have a straight away pull. I think they are a great idea as they let you snare in places that might otherwise be sketchy due to heavy deer presence (that's where the coyotes hang out too).

That is incorrect

Thanks for the input guys! I guess my main concern is that it will hinder the operation of my snares in some way. I agree that if I hook a big male coyote that there might be a good chance he will not be there when I check. My checks are done daily.

I use a 285 lb BAD on my coyote snares, haven't lost a coyote but a decent % of the deer do open it and get away. I have cut a few of them off deer to get they out of the snare. 350# shouldn't break on a coyote but like others have said snare construction and the way and where they are set will effect them.

I believe the swan's neck I put on mine at the s-hook works better.