When I use rebar it is for my snares only now. I use a homemade earth anchor for trapping. Here a 24" X1/2" stake is just asking for trouble, sooner or later you will get one pumped out. The earth anchor gives you nearly 300 degrees of swiveling action, a stake will only allow it to go round and round. If the ground is hard as a rock and no rain, a stake may work better.T.20