Cole's Critter Gitters and Paracord Accessories for DIY Wildlife Control

What Cole's Critter Gitters Offers

Cole's Critter Gitters is a South Carolina-based business that makes and sells wildlife control tools and paracord accessories designed for people managing animal problems on their own property. The company specializes in handmade traps, snares, and restraint systems built from paracord—a strong, lightweight rope originally used by military parachutists. If you're dealing with raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, or other nuisance wildlife, Cole's products give you a way to capture and contain animals without calling a professional service.

The business operates out of South Carolina and sells directly to homeowners, property managers, and people who trap for food or fur. Their paracord accessories include pre-made snares, drag lines, and restraint systems that are ready to use or customize. Unlike mass-produced traps from big retailers, Cole's products are built by hand, which means they're often stronger and more durable than factory alternatives. The paracord itself is weather-resistant and holds up in wet conditions better than rope or twine.

Key Takeaways

• Cole's Critter Gitters makes handmade traps and paracord restraint systems designed for capturing nuisance wildlife on your property.
• Paracord is stronger and more weather-resistant than standard rope, making it a reliable choice for outdoor animal control.
• Products are sold directly by the business and are customizable for different animal sizes and situations.
• Using any trap or snare requires understanding local wildlife laws—South Carolina has specific rules about which animals you can trap and when.

Types of Products Cole's Offers

Cole's Critter Gitters sells several categories of products. Snares and drag lines are the most common—these are loops of paracord designed to catch and hold an animal's leg or body. Snares come in different sizes depending on whether you're targeting a small raccoon or a larger groundhog. Drag lines are longer restraint systems that let a trapped animal move a limited distance without escaping entirely.

Custom traps are another option. These are box or cage-style traps made with paracord frames and hardware, built to your specifications. If you have a specific animal problem—say, a possum getting into your shed—you can work with Cole's to design a trap that fits your space and target animal. The paracord construction makes these traps lighter and easier to move than metal cages, while still being strong enough to hold a struggling animal.

Restraint and transport accessories round out the product line. These include lead lines (for guiding a trapped animal), quick-release systems, and storage bags. If you're trapping an animal to relocate it rather than remove it permanently, these accessories make the process safer for both you and the animal.

How Paracord Works for Wildlife Control

Paracord is effective for animal control because of its strength and construction. A single strand of paracord can hold several hundred pounds of weight, which is far more than any nuisance animal will exert. The rope is also resistant to fraying and rotting, so it holds up through rain, sun, and repeated use. Unlike natural fiber ropes, paracord doesn't absorb water and weaken over time.

The material is also quiet. Metal traps clang and rattle, which can spook animals or alert neighbors. Paracord systems are nearly silent, making them useful if you're trying to trap an animal without disturbing the rest of your property. The rope is also flexible, so it can be tied into different configurations depending on what you're trying to catch and where you're setting the trap.

South Carolina Wildlife Laws You Need to Know

Before you buy or use any trap from Cole's Critter Gitters, you must understand South Carolina's wildlife control rules. The state has specific laws about which animals you can trap, when you can trap them, and what you must do with a trapped animal. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources enforces these rules, and violations can result in fines.

Some animals—like raccoons, opossums, and groundhogs—can be trapped year-round on your own property without a permit, but you cannot relocate them to another location without permission from the state. Other animals, like deer or wild turkeys, have closed seasons when trapping is illegal. Endangered species cannot be trapped under any circumstances. The rules also specify how you must humanely kill or release a trapped animal, and some methods are prohibited.

Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources or your local wildlife officer before setting any trap. They can tell you exactly what's legal for your situation and what paperwork, if any, you need. Many people assume they can trap and relocate an animal freely, but that assumption often violates state law and can result in a citation.

Where to Find Cole's Critter Gitters

Cole's Critter Gitters operates primarily through direct sales and word-of-mouth referrals within South Carolina. The business does not maintain a large retail presence, so you'll typically order directly from the owner. You can reach out through local wildlife control networks, hunting and trapping forums, or by asking at feed stores and outdoor retailers in your area—many of them know Cole's and can provide contact information.

Because products are handmade, there may be a wait time between ordering and receiving your trap or paracord system. This is normal for custom or semi-custom work. If you need something urgently, call ahead to ask about current availability and turnaround time.

Cost and Customization Options

Handmade paracord traps and systems typically cost more than mass-produced metal traps from big-box retailers, but they often last longer and perform better in specific situations. Prices vary depending on the size and complexity of what you're ordering. A simple snare might cost significantly less than a custom-built cage trap, and materials like reinforced paracord or specialized hardware add to the price.

The main advantage of working with Cole's is customization. If you have a specific problem—an animal entering through a particular gap, or a trap that needs to fit a tight space—you can describe the situation and get a product built to solve it. That level of tailoring isn't available from standard retail traps, and it often means the difference between a trap that works and one that sits unused.

Alternatives to Cole's Critter Gitters

If you can't reach Cole's or prefer a different approach, you have other options. Large retailers like Tractor Supply and Lowe's sell mass-produced live traps and snares, though these are often less durable than handmade systems. Professional wildlife removal services in South Carolina will trap and remove animals for you, which eliminates the legal and safety concerns of doing it yourself—they handle the paperwork and relocation.

Some people hire a licensed pest control company instead of trapping on their own. This costs more upfront but removes the responsibility of understanding state law and handling a trapped animal. If you're uncomfortable with trapping or unsure whether you're following the law correctly, this is often the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to trap animals on my own property in South Carolina?

It depends on the animal and what you plan to do with it. You can trap most nuisance animals like raccoons and opossums on your property without a permit, but you cannot relocate them without state permission. Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to confirm the rules for your specific situation before you set any trap.

What's the difference between a snare and a live trap?

A snare is a loop that catches and holds an animal's leg or body—it's simpler and lighter than a live trap. A live trap is an enclosed cage that the animal enters and then cannot exit. Snares are faster to set and easier to transport, but live traps are often more humane because the animal is fully contained and protected from weather and predators while you decide what to do next.

Can I relocate a trapped animal to a different location?

Not without permission from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Relocating wildlife is illegal in most cases because it spreads disease, disrupts existing animal populations, and often results in the animal's death in an unfamiliar area. If you trap an animal, you typically must release it on your property or euthanize it humanely according to state guidelines.

How do I contact Cole's Critter Gitters to place an order?

Cole's operates through direct sales and doesn't have a large online presence. Ask at local feed stores, outdoor retailers, or hunting and trapping groups in South Carolina for contact information. You can also reach out through wildlife control networks in your area—people who trap regularly usually know how to find Cole's.

Is paracord stronger than regular rope for trapping?

Yes. Paracord is significantly stronger than standard rope or twine and resists rotting and fraying. It also doesn't absorb water, so it holds its strength in wet conditions. For outdoor animal control, paracord is more reliable and longer-lasting than natural fiber ropes.