I'm hoping to try out snaring next year for beaver, otter and muskrat. (Not sure how well the muskrat snaring will go but I suppose it's worth a shot.) Is there one size of aircraft cable that would work for all three of those critters?

I mean you can definitely take beaver and otter in the same snare size, but for muscrat a wire snare would probably work better.

I think 1/16 or 3/32 are both considered beaver compatable cables, but I'm sure there's more opinions.

Yeah, but in Wisconsin snares have to be made of aircraft cable. Would 1/16 be too big for muskrat?

You could use 1/16" for all them but it's certainly not ideal IMO. I'd choose 3/32 for beaver and otter (with lots of swivels) and 3/64 for rats and mink. https://www.snareshop.com/aboutus.asp that link should help you understand more about the cables and their uses.

5/64th 1x19 barrel swivels ask the Louisiana guys. Aix and airport trapper

1/16 is fine for just about everything except hogs with good swiveling and no entanglement.

Otter snaring can benefit from a smaller loop size. Too big of a loop and you will catch the otter mid-body. And yes, extra swivels and make sure there is no underwater entanglement to keep the swivels from working.

I would get in contact with Newt Sterling of Snare One on otter snaring advice. That’s a whole different ballgame there(imho).

All right, thanks guys!

I construct my own beavers snares.

36" of 1/16 1x9 micro lock #6 barrel swivel 36" 5/64 7x7 #9 end swivel. Extensions 36" 5/64 7x7 loop one end #9 swivel the other. Daisy chain as needed to reach tie off point.

The key to successfully using 1/16 is keep it as short as possible, just the snare loop, and a good swivel. Barring entanglement only the loop is sacrificed and the swivel back can be reused. I make up extra loops and can replace them in the field as I have a small 1/16 only swager.

If I had to go back to one piece without the mid swivel I'd step up to 3/32 7x7 and probably use 5' of cable so I'd get the end swivel with extension. I won't be without at least one swivel between catch and anchor point on any sort of snare or trap.

My Dad always went with 3/32 for beaver. It would probably work well with otter if you have the potential of both species in the same area. 3/64 on the muskrat snares would work nicely.