The new rules tighten up regulations and aim to stop animals suffering from snares being set badly.

The minister told TheSouthern: "There are cowboys and criminals out there who do things very badly and we have to stop them."

Earlier this year the Scottish Government decided it would not ban snaring, to the disappointment of animal welfare campaigners.

Mr Russell told us one of the main reasons he decided to retain snaring was for biodiversity but added that practical issues for grouse shooting and other country interests played a part.

"It was not an easy choice but we felt it would be far better to improve practice rather than get rid of snaring entirely. Snares should not kill animals. If an animal is harmed in a snare, that's bad practice but if they are properly set, animals should not be harmed."

The new Scottish Government measures limit the use of snares and make crimped safety stops compulsory to prevent nooses closing too far and harming trapped animals.

The guidelines suggest snares should be anchored so they cannot drag; setting snares on posts, over water, or on planks or fences is banned; and areas where snaring is taking place have to be marked with signs. Daily records of snaring should be kept and snares have to be inspected at least once a day.

Mr Russell said: "We are determined that those who use snares illegally and indiscriminately will be vigorously pursued and punished, and will bring forward new legal regulations shortly.

"Education and best practice are both vital to achieving a proper balance in rural Scotland and this guide should be welcomed as a step in that direction.

"Taken together these measures will, I hope, drive the cowboys and criminals out of interfering in the countryside."

The guidelines leaflet says snaring is a "vital tool" to control fox and rabbit numbers, necessary to ensure damage to crops, livestock, trees, game and other wildlife and their habitats is reduced to "acceptable levels".

The guide was drawn up by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (Scotland).

SGA chairman Peeblesshire gamekeeper Alex Hogg was at Tuesday's launch at Borders College, Newtown St Boswells, along with gamekeeping students and representatives from country organisations.

He said: "For generations farmers and gamekeepers have taken it for granted that we can protect our crops and livestock from pests and predators. Snaring is the simplest, most efficient and practical tool we have for doing it."

Farmers and gamekeepers were traditionally seen as the "good guys" but the campaign to ban snares earlier this year showed that had changed, he said.

"We had to fight long and hard to retain the right to use this simple device.