Introduction
Building a Feather Spear Trap for wild hogs is a strategic survival skill that combines ancient hunting techniques with modern safety considerations. This trap is designed to be set up in areas where wild hogs are known to travel, ensuring a safe and effective method for managing hog populations. This guide will walk you through the process of creating this trap, ensuring you understand each step thoroughly.
Materials and Tools
Before you begin, gather the necessary materials and tools:
– A 6-foot thin wooden pole for the spring
– A sharpened pole (arm’s length) for the support pole
– Two 7.5-inch sticks for the spear points
– A flexible ring made from greenwood (bark removed)
– Cordage for attaching the trigger mechanism
– Additional stakes for funneling animals toward the trap
Tools you will need include:
– A knife or saw for cutting wood
– A hammer or mallet for driving stakes into the ground
– A rope or cord for securing the trigger mechanism
Step-by-Step Construction
Spring Setup
Start by selecting a sturdy tree and a 6-foot thin wooden pole. Secure one end of the pole to the tree using a strong cord or rope. Ensure the pole is taut and secure, as this will act as the spring for your trap. Place the other end of the pole on the ground, creating a slight angle that allows for tension.
Support Pole
Next, insert a sharpened pole into the ground, positioning it parallel to the spring pole. This pole should be about arm’s length and serve as the support for the trigger mechanism. Ensure it is firmly embedded in the ground to provide stability.
Spear Points
Sharpen two sticks to a point, each measuring 7.5 inches. Tie these sticks to the bottom of the spring pole, ensuring they point inward toward the tree. These will serve as the spear points that will be released when the trap is triggered.
Trigger Mechanism
Create a flexible ring from a piece of greenwood, ensuring the bark is removed to prevent it from splitting. Attach a shorter stick to the ground pole with cordage, and connect another stick to the tree with a longer cord. The cords should be adjusted so that the sticks can meet when the ring is in place, holding the trigger mechanism together.
Activation
Position the flexible ring so that it holds the sticks together, creating tension in the trigger mechanism. When an animal triggers the mechanism, the cord will pull the ring free, releasing the spear points and impaling the hog.
Placement
Choose a location where wild hogs frequently travel, such as a game trail or a known feeding area. Position the trap at a chokepoint where the hogs must pass through. Use additional stakes to funnel the animals toward the trap, ensuring they have no way to avoid it. This setup increases the effectiveness of the trap by reducing the chance of the hogs bypassing it.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Before setting up your Feather Spear Trap, ensure you are familiar with local wildlife regulations and laws regarding trapping. Obtain any necessary permits and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent accidental injury to non-target animals or humans. Always check the trap regularly and remove any animals that may have been caught.
Summary
Constructing a Feather Spear Trap for wild hogs involves setting up a spring pole, securing a support pole, attaching spear points, and creating a trigger mechanism. Position the trap strategically in areas where hogs are known to travel, and ensure you comply with local laws and safety guidelines. This trap is an effective method for managing hog populations in a controlled and safe manner.