5.1 Purpose. This chapter details the procedures for the use of cannon and rocket net devices used to propel nets and entrap wildlife.

5.2 Scope. This chapter applies to all situations involving the use of cannon and rocket net devices.

5.3 Definitions.

A. Cannon and Rocket Net Devices. Devices which are widely used by wildlife agencies to propel nets through the air to quickly entrap various species of wildlife.

B. Explosives. Any chemical compound mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion, including all material classified by the Department of Transportation as Class A, B, or C explosives.

(1) Class A. High explosives possessing a detonating capability such as dynamite, nitroglycerin, picric acid, lead azide, fulminate of mercury, black powder, blasting caps, and primers also known as boosters.

(2) Class B. Low explosives possessing a flammable capability such as propellant explosives, including some smokeless propellants.

(3) Class C. Certain types of manufactured articles which contain Class A or B explosives, or both, but in restricted quantities, such as fireworks.

5.4 Responsibilities. Those personnel involved in the use of cannon or rocket net devices shall follow the procedures in this chapter. Although the procedures are written to apply to rocket net devices, similar precautions apply to use of the older projected propulsion systems such as cannons. Any directions provided by the manufacturer for the loading of their equipment shall take precedence over the procedures provided herein.

5.5 Description and References.

A. Cannon Net Devices. The original devices were actually large bore cannons that fired a loosely fitting weighted shell with shock cords and line to the perimeter of the net. Explosives used in these devices were largely Class B explosives (smokeless powder) but were usually treated by most operators as Class C explosives for safety purposes because the material was packaged in small single-charge quantities and detonated with separately stored electric squibs.

B. Rocket Net Devices. The newer devices propel the net directly instead of with a propelled shell, and functionally resemble a nonaerodynamic rocket. They have a blunt nosecone, a hollow tube body, a stabilizing fin (usually a long steel rod counterweight), and exhaust ports in the base. These devices have on occasion been referred to as recoilless cannons, but they are more correctly referred to as rockets because the entire chamber enclosing the explosion is lofted by the detonation of the charge contained within. These internal combustion rockets are connected to the nets with shock cords and ropes, and are propelled by electrically fired Class B explosives.

C. References. The following is a listing of references pertinent to rocket-netting techniques for various species.

Dill, H. H. 1969. A field guide to cannon net trapping. USDI. Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife. 18 pp.

Grieb, J. R. and M. G. Sheldon. 1956. Radio-controlled firing device for the cannon-net trap. J. Wildl. Manage. 20:203-205.

Hawkins, R. E., L. D. Martogilo and G. G. Montgomery. 1968.

Cannon-netting deer. J. Wildl. Manage. 32(l):191-195.

Peterle, T. J. 1952. The cannon projected net trap for capturing sharp-tailed grouse. Paper presented at 14th Midwest Wild. Conf., Des Moines, Iowa. 5 pp mimeo.

Sharp, D. E. and J. T. Lokemoen. 1980. A remote-controlled firing device for cannon-net traps. J. Wildl. Manage. 44(4):896-898.

Webb, P. M. 1960. Turkey trapping and transplanting in Arizona. Proc. Ann. Conf. Western Assoc. State Game & Fish Commissioners. 40:182-187.

Wheeler, R. H. and J. C. Lewis. 1972. Trapping techniques for sandhill crane studies in the Platte River Valley. USDI Res. Publ. 107. 19 pp.

5.6 Procedures.

A. Loading the Rocket.

(1) Unscrew nozzle from rocket body.

(2) Remove any debris from inside the rocket body; be certain rocket nozzles are clear of melted plastic and powder residues.

(3) Insert rocket charge into rocket body.

(4) Pass lead wire through one of the nozzle holes and take up slack lead wire.

(5) Replace the nozzle on the rocket body and tighten securely (a minimum of three complete turns). Threads should be periodically cleaned with a steel brush and greased during storage.

(6) Inspect connection with net, keeping attachment chord clear of the rocket.

B. Hook-up to Power Supply and Firing.

(1) Blasting machines are a preferred power source, but may not be practicable in some situations.

(2) Connect charges in series with the firing lines after making sure firing lines are disconnected from power supply and shunted.

(3) Check electrical circuit for continuity with a blasting galvanometer after hook-up is complete.

(4) Re-check electrical continuity just prior to each trapping attempt.

(5) Firing is accomplished by completing the circuit to the power source with the firing lines.

C. Safety Requirements.

(1) Rockets and rocket charges must be matched to type. Wildlife Material Incorporated, (WMI) type rockets have exhaust ports of 6.35 millimeters (.250 inch) or larger and will be used only with WMI-type charges. Rockets or charges that cannot be identified as to type cannot be used.

(2) Employees should never stand or work in front of a rocket during arming or in front of a armed rocket net. This applies to all testing of circuit continuity, net re-arrangement work, etc.

(3) The crank for the firing source (hellbox) must be carried on the person doing the arming of the rocket. If a blasting machine is used, keep it with you while loading. This prevents accidental discharge of firing source energies during loading.

(4) Check all firing-circuit continuity with a blasting galvanometer. Some commercial ohm meters can conceivably fire explosive devices. Several large explosive companies make explosive circuit galvanometers. For example, the Atlas Powder Co. manufactures a Model No. 2 or equivalent.

(5) All electrical connections must be of a firm and secure quality. Never skimp on the quality of electrical connections or firing cables.

(6) Firing lines will always remain shunted until the area is cleared of personnel. Maintain a shunt at the lead wires of the cartridge and the ends of the firing cable. Immediately after firing, shunt the ends of the firing cable. If open (unshunted) lead wires are brushed against synthetic fiber clothing, especially in cold air, residual static electricity could be of such intensity to fire unshunted cartridges.

(7) Remote-controlled sites shall be at least .80 kilometers (one-half mile) minimum distance from live circuits. Wattage outputs, climatic conditions, and energy requirements are so variable that it is impossible to establish a safe minimum area. Consideration must be given to the danger of an accidental radio frequency-caused firing. Low-flying aircraft and high-voltage transmission lines under ideal conditions can also emit enough energy to trigger electrical explosive devices.

(8) In the event of an undetermined misfire, a minimum of 30 minutes will be allowed before proceeding to disarm the rocket.

(9) Never expose explosive device cartridges to unnecessary heat or abuse.

(10) Do not handle charges or get in front of an armed trap during an electrical or dust storm.

(11) Only the number of charges necessary to perform the planned work will be carried to the netting site.

(12) All charges should be stored in the shunted position with lead wires.