Pennsylvania Specifications

Cable devices used in Pennsylvania must meet these specifications.

Cable Restraints

• Components
  • Swivel: Must have at least one swivel device between the loop and the anchor that allows 360° rotation.
  • Stops: Must have a stop affixed such that the loop circumference cannot be greater than 38 inches when fully open or less than 8 inches when fully closed.
  • Lock: Must have a Game Commission–approved, non-powered, relaxing-type lock.
  • Breakaway Device: Must be included and rated for 375 pounds or less.
  • Anchors: Must prevent the captive animal from moving the device from the point where it was originally anchored; therefore, drags are not allowed. Anchors also must be set to allow the captured animal to move freely in a 360° arc for the entire length of the cable restraint without the risk of becoming entangled.
• Other Requirements
  • Cable Length: Cannot exceed 7 feet in length from the anchor to the lock when fully closed with the lock contacting the minimum loop stop.
  • Loop Position: Must be set so that bottom of loop is no less than 6 inches and no greater than 12 inches above the first hard surface beneath the cable restraint (ground, ice crusted or packed snow, or other hard material).
  • Maintenance: Must be maintained good condition so that all components operate properly.

Snares

• Components
  • Swivel: Is recommended but is not required.
  • Stops: Must have a stop affixed such that the loop circumference cannot be less than 7 inches when fully closed. No maximum loop stop is required.
  • Lock: May have any mechanical sliding metal release lock, but relaxing locks are recommended.
  • Breakaway Device: Not required
  • Anchors: Must prevent the captive animal from moving the device from the point where it was originally anchored; therefore, drags are not allowed. Underwater entanglement is allowed.
• Other Requirements
  • Cable Length: No maximum
  • Loop Position: Must be set so that the cable is either submerged or partially submerged in water.
  • Maintenance: Must be maintained good condition so that all components operate properly.