Survival Trapping Techniques: Snares, Deadfalls, and Fish Traps

Introduction

Survival trapping provides a reliable method for obtaining food in emergencies. This guide covers various trap types, including snares, deadfalls, and fish traps. Understanding animal behavior and habitat is crucial for effective trapping.

Trap Placement

Identify animal trails, watering holes, feeding sites, and signs of animal activity.
Avoid placing traps in ineffective locations to reduce success rates.
Use natural funneling techniques with branches to guide animals into traps.

Common Trap Types

Snares

Tension Trap: Constructed with spring-loaded wood to impale animals.
Survival Spear: Modified fishing spear rigged to trigger when disturbed.
Bow Trap: Uses a bow anchored to the ground with pegs and a toggle stick to launch an arrow.
Drowning Snare: Creates a noose with a heavy rock and float stick to pull the animal underwater.
Apache Foot Trap: Uses a slipknot that tightens around the animal’s foot.
Spring Snare: Places a loop 4 fingers above ground near obstacles.
Baited Snare: Uses a lightweight bait support that releases when triggered.
Leg Snare: Uses a forked stake with a toggle mechanism.
Roller Spring Snare: Suitable for rabbits/foxes using a rounded grip.
Double Spring Snare: Uses two interlocking saplings with vertical bait bars.
Ground Snare: Uses thin wire, paracord, or fishing line positioned at head height on game trails.
Spring Snare: Requires springy tree branches and heavy cord.
Spring Deadfall: Uses heavy rock or log as bait.
Spring Pole Snare: Uses spring pole, forked stake, and snare line.
Deadfall with Tripwire: Uses a horizontal bar with a tripwire.
Pine Pitch Bird Cup Trap: Coats a cup with pine pitch and attaches it to a branch.
Squirrel Snare: Creates loops on a stick and attaches multiple snares to a long pole against a tree.
Twitch-Up Snare: Uses parachute cord with a trigger mechanism to lift animals into the air.
Ojibway Bird Trap: Constructs a pole with a trigger stick and noose set in clearings for birds.
Two-Stick Deadfall Trap: Balances sticks with a trigger to collapse under slight movement.
Fixed Loop Snare: Uses braided steel cable or wire bent around a breakable twig.
Basic Snare: Requires cordage (wire or paracord), a split stick, and a heavy anchor.
Trigger Spring Trap: Uses a sapling as a spring mechanism and a two-piece trigger system.
Figure-Four Deadfall Trap: Requires a heavy object (log/rock), diagonal and base sticks with notches, and a bait stick.

Deadfall Traps

Grave’s Bait Stick Snare: Carves a V-notch in a stick, loops snare line around it, and attaches to a branch.
Figure 4 Deadfall: Ties a pole to a tree with a loop, places a small stick across it, and attaches a weight to the other end.
Spring Pole Snare: Inserts the spring pole into a forked stake, loops snare line around the pole, and anchors it to a tree.
Deadfall with Tripwire: Creates a horizontal bar with a tripwire attached.
Pine Pitch Bird Cup Trap: Coats a cup with pine pitch and attaches it to a branch.
Two-Stick Deadfall Trap: Balances sticks with a trigger to collapse under slight movement.
Balance Log Trap: Uses a forked stick and cross-bar.
Square-Face Release Trap: Uses a notched upright.

Fish Traps

Funnel Trap: Builds with stones or sticks in water to create a narrow entrance channel.
Parachute Cord Snare: Uses parachute cord with a trigger mechanism to lift animals into the air.
Net or Seine: Directs fish into a V-shaped entrance and nets them with a makeshift seine.

Baiting Techniques

Use familiar but scarce food sources to attract animals.
Apply scent to triggers to ensure proper activation.
Bait enhances trap success by luring animals into the kill zone.

Safety and Ethical Considerations

Ensure traps are safe for humans and animals.
Never leave traps unattended.
Check traps regularly to ensure humane treatment and avoid meat spoilage.
Use caution with large traps, which can be dangerous.