This is one subject that may cause some controversy among snaremen, as to which one is best, but may help some younger or inexperienced trappers who are just learning how to snare.

Loaded (Round) or teardrop.

Which do you use/prefer and why?

Two identical 14" snares. One is loaded,(Round) the other teardrop. Still 14" but the shape is changed !

I use loaded snare made by Rally Hess

Myself use both for different applications.
My most common and simple is the tear drop snare but I use a heavier lock and its about as quick.

Plus easier to make. I like the Berkshire lock for the tear drop.

I don't snare but would like to start sometime.

LT Grey, obviously you are a snareman, what do you prefer and why?

All mine are loaded as that is what I prefer.Never used tear drops.Do you have problems with the wind closing the loop shut on tear drop shaped snares?

I prefer teardrops for fox and round loaded snares for coon. Just what seems to work for me. Coon are usually body snared and most of the time the coon gets his front leg thru before it shuts.

I have been building my own snares for many years and caught just about every furbearer from mink on up that is legal in Minn. My snares are all teardrop shaped,for this reason only; I can not load snares worth a darn. I use 5/64 7x7 with amberg locks and also mini's

It is a very simple procedure!
Takes all but 10 seconds, if that!

i use both. i use the teardrop on beaver, i like to think it helps lessen tail catches.

ADC makes some loaded snares and them babys are WICKED FAST!

Are there any recomendation's on keeping a snare stable in the water for beaver, I'm in Missouri so they have to be fully submerged.I have been using a 10inch unloaded snare. Also I can't get the hang of the dive pole yet. Any and all advice is helpful, and thanks

I feel that people are to hung up on round. I load snares but don't care if they still have a little tear drop to them. I think the side of a snare going up and down blend in better in the grass. Not many trees or much brush here.

Good point made by a trapper in a grassy area.
Something to consider....

Me and a coon was having this discussion this morning He seemed to think it did,nt matter grass trails in marshes for me I have found 1 X 19 is easier to load then 7 X 7 and get right the fist time

Could someone show a close up of a loaded snare?

I am going to stick my neck on chopping block again. But I have never understood why anyone would want a "loaded" snare unless they have a couple serious misconceptions about snare usage.---First an animal has to start pulling on the snare to make it close. Second, once it starts to close, round or tear drop has nothing to do with speed of closing, compared to where snare is used and how it is stabalized to begin with. Yes Yes, I know playing with them in your hands the rounded seems to close faster, but only because you are holding the top of the snare level, which is not the best way to set it in the field--Wind, rain, light snow will close a snare that sets level in the field, but if a snare is set to have to climb over the top to start to close, because the snare is fastened to point up and not flat or level, so light wind, and light moisture will not close the snare, both will close at equal speed with the same style lock.

ahem.... what slim said

Round ,loaded and lock at 11 o'clock position.Works for me.

That's funny. My hero Slim stuck his neck out about snares.

I like what's been said about both having their places, but after building some loaded snares out of 1x19, I think I'll rarely use tear-drop shaped for cats.

i will bring a different perspective... i like round loops b/c i think it gives a better appearance of a "hole"

other than fence crossing for yotes... i always block my snares way down... when you get down and look at them from the critters perspective, the round loops tend to blend better and don't stick out as much..

i think we're arguing preference here......

chastise me.... LOL