Welcome to snaring/trapping. Today we call it "Cable Restraint". It is legal for most states but you should check your state. In PA it is only legal in the snowy season. Many states allow it IF you take a class inproper use of the wire snare/restraint. I'd encourage you to check you state regulations first. Some states have 'strange' regulations on the places you can trap with CR.

Like all hunting and fishing regulations, you must read them slow and if any doubt, call the game enforcement people.

The best source for technique on line is :
http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/file.../4157_6377.pdf
this booklet has been copied by many states that have required classes.

Some states like Pennsylvania have different regulations; snares are ok with drowning rigs for beavers, but only an improved snare (cable restraint) is legal for 'otes and foxes.

Cable restraints are not as easy as leg hold traps in my opinion, I use both for 'otes; but prefer leg hold traps for beavers.

just some thoughts, I trap in 4 states.