Snipe Hunt- Foolproof Ways to Catch a Snipe

Know What to Look For

One of the reasons snipes are so hard to catch is because many people don’t know exactly what they are looking for. A snipe is a mid-sized rodent, about the size of a jackrabbit, but with one key difference: it has feathered wings. While no one has ever seen a snipe fly, its wings do help it catch some air when escaping predators. However, these wings are not very functional for sustained flight. Despite not being able to find an accurate photo of a snipe, we can describe it as a furry creature with feathered wings—though not to be confused with the snipe bird!

Set a Plan for Success

Many people go on snipe hunts without a solid plan, which is why they often fail. Snipes are incredibly intelligent creatures. Although they lack defensive traits like sharp teeth, claws, or speed, they have adapted to become master hiders. The key to catching them lies in luring them out of their hiding places. Here are some effective techniques:

1. Deer Urine

Just like hunting deer, you can attract a snipe using deer urine. Snipes are drawn to deer because they share the same food sources and are generally docile. If you see deer tracks, there's a good chance snipes have been in the area as well. You can find deer urine scent (like this one) and apply it to your clothes and exposed skin. Then, sit quietly and wait. This method may take a few hours, but the results are worth the wait.

2. Milk Chocolate

Snipes are reportedly attracted to milk chocolate, particularly because of the unique bluntness of their teeth. Although they tend to avoid dark chocolate, they love milk chocolate. Leaving some chocolate out during the day will attract snipes—but make sure to put it away at night, as bears also love chocolate! If you use this technique, be prepared to move quickly—snipes can jump and run with surprising speed!

3. Play John Denver Music

Snipes have an affinity for John Denver’s smooth, earthy songs. Hunters have had great success using his music to lure in snipes, particularly adult male snipes. The songs “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders” seem to be particularly effective. If you play an instrument like guitar or ukulele, that’s even better! The sound of these instruments is irresistible to snipes. Just remember: snipes *hate* songs with endless verses, like "Kumbaya." Stick to John Denver for the best results.

4. Use Docile Animal Noises

For some reason, snipes are also attracted to soft clucking or quacking sounds, similar to those made by chickens or ducks. These noises seem to put snipes at ease and make them feel safer. To attract them, you should make the sounds under your breath, moving your mouth minimally. Try a rhythmic pattern, like: “cluck, cluck, cluck, quack, quack, cluck, quack.”

How to Catch a Snipe

Now that you’ve successfully attracted a snipe, the tricky part is catching it! Snipes are skittish and will often run if startled, especially after being lured in with chocolate. But by following these simple steps, you should be able to capture that elusive creature

Steps for Catching a Snipe:

1. Crouch down: Snipes are afraid of height, so walking with bent knees will make you seem less intimidating.
2. Keep clucking or quacking: These calming noises will help soothe the snipe into submission.
3. Use a pillowcase: Approach the snipe from behind, keeping your movements slow and steady. Snipes have poor peripheral vision, so they won’t notice you coming from behind.
4. Trap the snipe: Once you’re behind the snipe, use the pillowcase to trap it. Be gentle, and avoid making sudden moves that might startle it.

Once you’ve successfully caught the snipe, bring it back to camp and prepare it for your next delicious meal. Happy hunting!