The Poacher’s knot forms an adjustable loop (Noose) at the end of the rope.
Its origin dates back to the times when poachers used it to catch birds and other small game.
It’s tied like a Double Overhand knot around the bight of the rope.
Let’s check this knot in detail.
Poacher’s Knot Details
Type: Loop
Other Names: Double Overhand Noose, Strangle Snare
ABoK Reference: #409
How to Tie a Poacher’s Knot
The Poacher’s knot is actually a Double Overhand Noose.
To tie this knot, wrap the working end around the standing end two times and feed the tag end through the loop.
After the knot is tightened it results in a secure Noose knot.
Here’s how you can tie this knot:
- Make a bight in your rope.
- Wrap the working end of the rope around the bight.
- Wrap it one more time.
- Feed the tag end through the loops.
- Tighten the knot.
You have tied this knot correctly if you notice two parallel strands on one side and a cross-over on the other.
Common Mistakes
I have seen people make a couple of mistakes while tying the knot.
First, making only one turn around the standing part. It results in a weaker knot called the Overhand Noose knot.
Another mistake is you end up with a knot that looks identical to the Poacher’s knot but does not tighten when you pull the standing end of the rope.
It’s not a proper Poacher’s knot. It should tighten when the standing end is pulled.
Strength
The Poacher’s knot is a relatively strong Noose knot.
It’s stronger than the Overhand Noose knot, but weaker than the Scaffold knot which has a breaking strength of about 75%.
The strongest Noose knot is the Hangman’s Noose knot.
It works exceptionally well with modern slippery ropes like Dyneema and Spectra.
Poacher’s Knot vs Scaffold Knot
I have seen people use the term Scaffold knot for the Poachers knot.
But here’s the thing: both are two different knots.
The Poacher’s knot is tied with two wraps around the bight of the rope whereas the Scaffold knot has three wraps around the standing end.
It’s less secure than the Scaffold knot. It’s used in applications where a slim profile knot is required.
Scaffold knot is used when you need a strong Noose-like knot.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie
- Works well with slippery ropes
Cons
- Jams under load and difficult to untie
Application and Uses
The Poacher’s knot is used to bind a rope to an object. It functions as a Noose knot for everyday use.
Traditionally, poachers used it to trap birds like woodcock or partridge because the loop shuts down when it’s loaded.
It can be used as a loop knot with an eye at the end of the Distel hitch to connect the rope to the carabiner.
It’s also used to tie the foot loop to the hand ascender used in tree climbing.
In fishing, it’s used to attach a line to the fishing magnet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poacher’s knot and Halyard knot the same?
Not quite, but they are similar.
Both are tied like a Double overhand knot around the standing part of the rope.
The difference?
The turns are made towards the object (like ring or carabiners) in Poacher’s knot and the turns are made away from the object in the Halyard knot.
Some manufacturers recommend using the Poacher’s knot as a Halyard Hitch.
Is Poacher’s knot a Double Fisherman’s Bend?
Absolutely NO.
Yes, both knots use Double Overhand Knot structure. But Poacher’s knot creates a loop whereas the Double Fisherman’s bend joins two ropes together.
The use of the name Double Fisherman’s bend for the Poacher’s knot is just plain wrong.
If you have any questions or tips about this knot, comment down below or write to me at binod@knotspedia.com.
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