Top 5 Survival Traps: Best DIY Traps For Catching Wild Animals

Consider the present and the direction our whole society is heading in. Things are fine now, sure, but for how long? You can never tell when the moment will come in which we might find ourselves in a situation similar to the dark ages. Things seem to spiraling out of control for us, both financially and politically. But we can also fall victims to natural disasters from whom our social structure might never recover. And as we find ourselves on the verge of destruction, it will all come down to surviving more than anything else. We won’t be able to get provisions from stores anymore, we’ll need to go back to “old habits”, such as hunting, fishing and growing crops for ourselves. In this case, wild game becomes our best source for protein. But rather than going hunting, we can try alternate ways of catching live prey simply by building and placing traps. Not only will this help save ammo (which could be used in more desperate situations), but setting traps doesn’t require permanent attention: just place them and return later to see whether you caught something or not. In my opinion, these are the best and easiest traps you can build.

The fixed loop snare

That type of snare should be made from solid wire, like the braided steel cable. This means the cable is strong and rigid, yet flexible enough. It’s one of my personal favorites, as it’s possibly the fastest trap you can create and set, and it gives great results. You can use a twig (or something similar) for about 1/8 or 3/16 inches in diameter, but make sure it’s breakable. You can use it in order to wrap your wire a few times around it. Once this is done, simply start twisting the twig like a propeller and watch the wire end close. After that break the twig and what you’re left with is the eye of the noose. They can be placed over small burrows and pretty much everywhere else where small game is available. It’s best to keep these kinds of traps for single use only, as the kicking and turning of the caught animal will make the trap less and less reliable.

The treadle trap

This trap can be done in more ways than one, and it works just as efficiently. It all comes down to what works best for you. The treadle snare is based on the principle that the animal triggers the trap by stepping / knocking on the treadle the stick while moving and minding their business. When the trap goes off, the nose quickly locks on the animals. To set up this trap you’ll need a spring pole, the treadle trigger stick (and a support to hold it in place), a toggle stick (pencil-sized will do) and a snare with noose and trigger line. Firstly you should tie the snare line at the end of the spring pole and the toggle stick to the end of the trigger line. Pull the spring pole down and lap the toggle over the support. But first make sure the toggle is being held in place with the treadle trigger stick. Lastly place the snare line hanging besides the treadle. This type of trap is very efficient and can secure a good meal in no time.

Squirrel pole trap

Exactly as the name suggest, this snare trap is set on trapping squirrels. The first thing you’ll need is a pole; a 4 – 6 ft pole will do and make sure it’s as naturally-looking as possible, so that it doesn’t arouse suspicion in the tiny critters you’re looking to catch. Next you should cover the pole in small wire snare loops. Make snare loops under 3 inches in diameter from gauge wire (22 – 24). Twist them around the pole and finally set them up over the pole. You can place several of these all along the length of the pole. Pin the squirrel pole against a tree that has obvious signs of squirrel activity. You’re bound to catch something in a short while.

The figure 4 deadfall trap

This type of trap can take some time to prepare and it takes a few tries before you can finally get it right. But it’s worth trying, because it requires nothing more than 3 sticks (which should perfectly straight and about the same in length and diameter), a rock (or some other weight) and a little bait. This is how you set up this trap: the first stick should be carved similar to a screwdriver hear, sharp and flat; use this as a vertical post. The next stick, which is to be the diagonal stick, is to be carved like e screwdriver at one end, and at the other a notch. The third stick (the diagonal one) should have a notch at one end, and a pointy spear head at the other. The next thing you’ll need to do is to lay the three stick down in order to make the number “4”. Square up vertical post (so that it stays firmly on the ground), cut a notch in the horizontal bait stick for the square edge carved on the post and finally set up the trap, so that all the notches fit and support the weight of the rock. If it holds, just add the bait and start playing the waiting game.

Toggle deadfall

It’s basically a motion sensitive trap which is best built with a log as weight, some string (1 – 2 ft) and a toggle (a pencil-sized stick) to hold that weight, a trigger stick and a support for the log. Place the log on the toggle stick and tie the rope or string around the toggle. The toggle should then be lapped over the support, which can be a stake that you’ll have to make yourself, or a nearby shrub. The trigger stick should be placed at the end of the toggle and in the animal’s way. Once the trigger has been hit, the toggle releases the log.

Making traps for small game is worthwhile, as they aren’t complicated to set up and don’t require constant supervision. You might find difficult to imagine eating tiny creatures, but once SHTF, your options and viewpoints are bound to change drastically as well. So learn how to survive and be prepared. Also you might want to check out experts opinion on home defense.

by Alec Deacon