Approved Locks: Part 1

The lock is an important and integral part of the cable device. Locks come in a variety of styles and serve specific functions depending on their design. In general, a lock is a mechanical device designed to create and maintain a loop in a cable and to prevent the loop, after closure upon an animal, from re-opening to a diameter that allows the captured animal to escape.

• Certain types of locks do not allow the cable loop to release constriction pressure on the captured animal and are also not capable of applying additional closing force when the cable is not taut. In Pennsylvania:
  • The only approved use for these types of locks is when they are incorporated into snares in an aquatic environment for catching beavers and river otters.
  • Only relaxing locks can be used legally for cable restraints deployed on land.
• The relaxing lock allows the cable loop to release constriction pressure on the captured animal when the cable is not taut, such as when the animal stops pulling. In Pennsylvania:
  • Cable restraints are required to use relaxing locks that have been specifically approved by the Game Commission.
  • Relaxing locks are required for any land-based cable restraints and may also be used for water sets for beavers and river otters.
• The spring-activated lock or spring-activated mechanism is a lock that uses a built-in or external feature or mechanical device that continues to provide a closing force when the cable is not taut, even when the animal stops pulling. These types of locks are also referred to as a power-activated lock or power-assisted lock. Spring-activated locks or mechanisms are not legal for recreational trapping in Pennsylvania.