What can you fit in a wide mouth Nalgene Bottle

**cntrybo2** · 03-19-2008, 08:39 PM

OK here is a question for you guys! I have never made one but have seen them cited in many survival publications THE "SQUIRREL POLE". I have used snares before to trap game but have never this method. To those that may know it by another name, this is a long branch (usually 4-6' long) that is approximately 2-3'' in diameter. A series of snares is placed along this branch and leaned against a nut bearing or "squirrely" tree. The thought behind this is that a squirrel would sooner climb the pole on a 45 degree angle rather than straight up the trunk of the tree. This is pitched as a multiple fatality trap (trap more than one per setting). Has anyone used this set before? did it work? Are there any tips?

**Rick** · 03-19-2008, 08:56 PM

Here's a link to what you described.

http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Skills...el%20Snare.htm

Squirrels are just curious. They'll investigate anything new. If you prop the pole against a tree they will have to investigate it. That's when you snare them. They are quite effective and you can just about be gauranteed of a catch if you find a tree that a squirrel is actively working. Squirrels will most active early morning and late afternoon so you want to check the snare at least twice a day or a fox of other carnivore might help themselves to your dinner. Bon Appetit!

**Rick** · 03-19-2008, 09:06 PM

You can also use a rabbit pole to catch rabbits. The pole is four or five feet long about 1 1/2 inches around. Split one end about four inches and insert a small twig just to keep the ends of the split pole open. Since most rabbits won't run down a hole very far you can usually shine a light down the hole and see the rabbit. With your light still on the rabbit, slide the pole down the hole until the split end of the pole slides underneath the hair of the hare. Then start slowly turning the pole. The split end of the pole with catch the fur of the rabbit and twist it so the rabbit can't run. Just slide the pole and rabbit out of the hole and you'll have dinner on the hook so to speak. Be advised, rabbits can scream and bite.

**canid** · 03-20-2008, 02:01 AM

the screaming and biting or the stick twirling? whohooo married life!

**mbarnatl** · 03-27-2008, 05:04 PM

@cntrybo2: have you completed your list yet? Can we see what you have put together and what you learned from it?

**crashdive123** · 03-27-2008, 05:54 PM

......and did you do your weekend outing yet? If so, how did it go?

**cntrybo2** · 03-27-2008, 09:10 PM

OK fellas, we havent done the trip yet, we are shooting for a weekend in the latter part of May due to water temps in the area (no need to add hypothermia to the equation). As far as my current list goes, it is as follows:
12 - 20'' snares (this is enough for 3 squirrel poles and 3 random settings)
2 - 70gal trash bags
1- 25' section of paracord
1- small box of strike anywhere matches w/ heads dipped in wax to waterproof
1- lighter
10- small fishing hooks
150' 12lb test fishing line (when combined with the fishing hooks this will be enough line to make a trot line as well as a cane pole to pass the time and remain mobile)

Being that i carry a leatherman supertool with me daily i will have this luxury. we have agreed that one is allowed to carry either two knives or one multitool.

Lets here the feed back!!! what do you guys think drop anything? add something?

**crashdive123** · 03-27-2008, 09:20 PM

Something for water purification tablets or a container to boil it in (cup that fits on base of bottle or tin foil) - first aid supplies - whistle - small flashlight - don't know how cool it gets at night where you're going...just something to consider.

**Rick** · 03-28-2008, 08:56 AM

I have to agree with some way to treat water. I'd also throw in a space blanket. Hypothermia can easily occur in 50-60F temps particularly if water is involved. Fall in the creek or a night time rain could be very uncomfortable or deadly.

**cntrybo2** · 03-28-2008, 10:38 PM

as far as water purification goes, we are bringing a water filter, this is noted in earlier posts. as for the space blanket, i have to agree with Remy, climb into a 70gal space blanket covered with pine boughs and leaves and you will find quickly that your body heat will definately work to aid its self in heating you up!

**awfoxden** · 03-28-2008, 11:37 PM

if you considered the two knife then you could put in a leatherman squirt and have the best of all worlds. its small but it still works prety good for moving hot items in and out of the fire while providing an extra small knife blade and a few other tools.

may consider adding some 100lb test fishing line. packs very small and can be used for many things that you may not want to use your cordage for. also plenty strong for setting a trout line in a stream or sewing up torn equipment or torn flesh. (make sure you have some kind of needle.)

a few luxury items might be nice i.e. bullion, hard candy, tea, a couple of packets of propel for electrolights ect.

- magnesium flint bar
-possibly a few exacto razor blades

**cntrybo2** · 03-30-2008, 09:43 AM

ok, my buddy mentioned he was bringing razor blades because he had been recommended to by someone else. What are your reasons for razor blades?

**Tony uk** · 03-30-2008, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by cntrybo2

ok, my buddy mentioned he was bringing razor blades because he had been recommended to by someone else. What are your reasons for razor blades?

Razor blade have lots of uses, Basicaly a small knife, They can be used as a scalpel for first aid is one use that they do well, But there are lots more

**awfoxden** · 03-30-2008, 10:44 PM

a few ideas of mine would be lashing to a stick for a handle and you would have a small very sharp knife for small camp chores, cleaning fish/small game. you could also use them as scalpel as tony yuk pointed out. i thought that you could probably attach to a stick and create a fishing spear, especially if you put a sling shot band in that bottle. now you would have a hawiian spear. plus with the size of them you could add a few and not even know they were in there until you needed them. just a few off the top of my head.

about the idea of the sling shot band, they are cheap around 2.50 and have some different uses, i.e. turnuquit (spelling?), sling shot for small game, hawiian spear, if needed for some reason, could dismantle and make one length of tubing for a staw.

neccesity is the mother of invention and if you have something that already has a few uses and an unforseable need arises you may be able to improvise your need with what extras you have.

**Rick** · 03-31-2008, 07:20 AM

Sorry, gang. You won't find a razor blade in my stuff. Too much chance of a severe injury for the benefit in my book. Just picking the stupid things up poses a risk. Sorry, not for me.

**cntrybo2** · 03-31-2008, 12:43 PM

i can appreciate ya'lls thought but i am with Rick, if you as even look at a razor blade wrong it seems it will cut you. I will stick with a sharp knife WITH A HANDLE anyday!

**crashdive123** · 03-31-2008, 01:09 PM

I agree with not carrying razor blades under normal wilderness conditions. Besides, I usually have enough knives with me to share with the neighborhood.

**Rick** · 03-31-2008, 02:53 PM

Don't get me wrong. I'm not knocking 'em. They just aren't for me. I keep my knives sharp but you won't shave with them for the same reason. I just don't need them to be that sharp. I carry a pocket knife, a folder on my belt, my straight blade and there's a multi-tool in my pack. If I loose all of those I guess I'll just have to learn how to craft a knife out of shale or sandrock or some other nice crumbly stone.