DEFINITIONS - CONFUSION

After spending several months attempting to find current regulations in various states we have discovered many different definitions among states regarding neck locks, snare cable and, in some cases, "deer stops".

NECK LOCKS
Neck locks are defined as either Mechanical locks, Relaxing locks, or Release locks. Most states define a Mechanical lock as one which doesn't use a spring, or other devise, to help it close. Other states define a Relaxing lock as the same. However, some states also define a Relaxing lock as one which allows the noose to open up slightly when the snare is in a relaxed state. This creates two separate definitions for a Relaxing lock. To further complicate matters, some states apply a definition of a Release neck lock (or Break away lock). The lock itself does not release - it's the addition of other devices such as "S" hooks, "J" hooks" or release ferrules that allow the "noose" to open (or break away), not the neck lock itself.
Because of the confusion created by multiple definitions we have concluded there must be a uniform definition for neck locks. The following definitions can easily be adopted as a standard for all state agencies and are presented as a suggestion for uniformity.

NECK LOCK DEFINITIONS
1: Neck Lock
Any metal devise used for creating a noose on a snare or cable restraint.
1: Assisted Neck Lock
A neck lock which uses any spring or other device to assist or aid in its' closing a noose. This lock will allow for continued noose closure when the snare is in a relaxed state. The use of natural materials such as saplings, spring poles, logs, dead weights, and similar objects are not allowed.
2: Mechanical Neck Lock
A neck lock that will stop closing when the snare or cable restraint is in a relaxed state. This lock will not continue to close when the snare is in a relaxed state. (No springs or other devices to aid its
closure.)
3: Relaxing Neck Lock
A neck lock which allows the snare noose to release pressure from a captured animal when the snare or cable restraint is in a relaxed state. This lock will allow the noose to "relax" or open slightly when the snare is in a relaxed state.
4: Release Neck Lock
A neck lock, either by itself or with applied modifications, that will allow the noose to break open and allow an animal to escape a snare or restraint at a specified weight.

SNARE CABLE
After discovering several states have specified the use of "Multi Strand" cable only, and/or galvanized, we contacted these states for verification. We were told that 1x19 cable is considered a multi strand cable. We informed them it was not. After explaining the difference between multi and single strand cable we were assured that single strand (1x19) cable is accepted. However, this also causes confusion between knowledgeable snaremen due to their awareness of the differences. A new snareman taking a course may concur 1x19 cable is illegal. You can not assume that everyone understands what you mean! Proper cable definitions are imperative! Without proper definitions we leave ourselves open to, not only to confusion, but possible law suits from unfriendly sources.

Definitions for Cable components
(for clarification of terms)
Wire: A single piece of I.P.S. or Stainless wire used in constructing snare cable.
Core: A series of wires twisted in a tight fashion forming the inside center of a cable or strand.
Strand: A series of wires twisted in a tight fashion either in Alternate or Regular Lay.
Alternate Lay: A pattern consisting of an inside core twisted in one direction and an outer layer of wires twisted in the opposite direction.
Regular Lay: A pattern consisting of an inside core of several wires twisted in one direction and an outer layer of several strands twisted in the opposite direction.
Lang Lay: A pattern consisting of all wires twisted in one direction either in a single strand or multi strand construction.
Cable Types: STRANDS = (1 X 19 ), ( 7 X &7), ( 7 X 19) WIRES = (1 X 19 ), ( 7 X &7), ( 7 X 19)

SNARE Cable Definitions
(This allows for use of all current snare cables and restricts the use of improper wire/cable types)

Snare and Restraint Cable:(Long version shows complete definitions of cable types)
Single Strand or Multi Strand cable constructed with wires of Improved Plow Steel (I.P.S.) either galvanized, non galvanized or stainless steel material. All Single Strand cable must have an inner core of at least 7 wires twisted tight in one direction and an outer layer of at least 12 wires twisted in the opposite direction forming a single cable strand (1X19 Alternate lay cable). All Multi Strand cable must be constructed of 7 strands, each strand consisting of 7 wires (7X7 cable) or 19 wires (7X19 cable) with one strand forming an inner core and six strands forming the outer layer in a Regular Lay pattern. No Lang Lay cable is allowed.

Snare and Restraint Cable: (Short version)
Either 1X19 Alternate Lay I.P.S. single strand cable or 7X7, and 7X19 multi strand cable is permissible. Cable may be galvanized, non galvanized or Stainless Steel material.

Note: The term "Aircraft Cable" should not be included because Aircraft Cable has special graphite and other lubricants applied for its' use in the aircraft industry. This term "Aircraft Cable" is very loosely used and most cable called this is NOT AIRCRAFT CABLE. This term could possibly result in disqualifying some 7X7 or 7X19 cable. 90% of all stranded cable (1X19, 7X7, 7X19) is made of I.P.S. Galvanized cable is I.P.S. cable with a zinc coating. Stainless Steel cable is made with different metal chemistry and is not a coated cable.

DEER STOPS
As silly as it sounds the term "deer stop" is inadequate. This term was applied when the prevention of deer capture was the only concern. Some states now require deer stops both inside and outside the noose. Because of this, new definitions should also apply. The terms interior and exterior noose stop would do well to clarify stop requirements and relieve the assumptions of "deer only".

Suggested NOOSE STOP DEFINITIONS

Historically speaking the name "Deer Stops" has been used for a device within the snare noose area to prevent the noose from closing beyond a specified diameter. With the modern concerns of other uses of the "Deer Stop" and the addition of another "Deer Stop" to prevent the noose from opening to a larger than required dimension I believe it is necessary to apply specific definition to this item for complete clarity. The following definitions are suggested.

NOOSE STOPS
1: Interior Noose Stop: A device incorporated within the snare noose area to prevent the snare noose from closing beyond a specified dimension.
2: Exterior Noose Stop:
A device incorporated between the snare neck lock and the tie off end to prevent the snare noose from opening beyond a specified dimension
Thompson Snares