I’ve been using 9 wire on snare supports and kill poles. I don’t use kill poles as much any more, leaning more on the lighter snare supports. I’ve heard some high numbers coyote guys say they feel they get less refusals with snare supports with 11 gauge versus 9 gauge. So I picked up a couple small rolls of 11 gauge and made up a snare support with a piece.

Side by side I can see enough difference that I may have to buy into the 11 gauge school of thought. I can’t say I have seen evidence of 9 gauge refusals but have to admit I haven’t payed a lot of attention to it because I only had 9 gauge snare supports. I welcome any thoughts or experiences regarding 11 gauge versus 9 gauge.

Here’s a look at both side by side. 11 on the left 9 on the right.

Marty , this is one of those age old questions ...... Ford , Chevy or Dodge - or which girl's the prettiest ! Ha ha

Make them both or which ever one you like the best and go with it .

I prefer Fords and #9 wire. I do not believe any animal is able to tell that #9 from a stick or weed like they pass a thousand times a day. It holds the snare more solidly so you get a better firing of the snare loop closed and it doesn't drag down. I set my snares so the locks actually have to go up a little over the top of the loop then fire shut fast. It's like adding pan tension to traps, you have them committed to going through before it fires closed. I don't want the support wire to move at all until the snare fires closed and I don't want the support collar pulling off the support wire before that either. I've tried #11 and even lighter wires, and IMO #9 is way better.

I think you review where you are at and where the comments come from. In Ag country, a coyote can't travel hardly a 1/2 mile w/o going under, over, or through a couple of wire fences AND the scent of humans is pretty common during the late summer and fall harvest time. Wire dimension is of little consequence to them here at this time of year. In mountain or prairie settings it MAY be a tiny factor. The "pinch point" is more of a factor. Heavily wooded or marsh cover, can't see a difference as sticks of that diameter are again the everyday cover they hunt and hide in. I have used Ram snares for over 20 years at county road trail crossings here w/o any refusals I can document AND they are a lot thicker in diameter and stand out more at a snare site than a #9 wire so you be the judge. Save your # 11 as a belt spool when having to travel and make the set a distance from the truck and continue using #9 for the ready made snare close site. My experience. ........................the mike

#9 wire over 29” of 5/16” rod, just to hang a snare, and a kill pole nearby to hang the critter. Have since painted camo rust oleum on my crappy welding. Should work.

Both.

I like 9 gauge when I need something a little more robust.

It definitely makes a difference.



I like 11 gauge when working directly off brush. Just easier to work with and I generally don’t need the extra rigidity in those situations.

I just use 11 ga. It's just easier to work with for me. I don't think it really matters in most situations, just comes down to personal preference.

11 gauge does come in a nice little roll, so it’s easier to handle,there’s a place for both sizes on my line.

I don't know what gauge I'm using but It's on the small size but it's extremely stiff. So, in my opinion it's not all about what gauge the wire is.

Both. For me also Marty.

I do slightly prefer the 11 wires when using smaller loop sizes in thick cover and less Wind!

The 11 may give the snare lock a smoother softer release. This could be an advantage on the slower moving methodical type of critter.

#9 annealed wire is the main work horse! IMHO. It works better on the larger loop sizes. Especially in the more open windy areas.

There are Many Factors that can cause refusals besides snare support wire diameter.

We hide, blend, scent control and use guiding with foothold traps. Snares can benefit from this also! I like snares!

Doubling 16 ga works pretty good, but 9 is my preference.

But, I snare beaver only. No experience with snaring other critters.