My Figure 4 Deadfall trap prototype

[KT_Cobra]

Okay, so I've never actually made this trap. I wanted to give it a try because it looked like a lot of fun. This is just a practice run with really thin and oblong sticks to see if I could make it happen. It worked.

My choice of sticks were somewhat small because I did this at my in-laws' place while I was there for the weekend. They had just cleaned up the lawn/yard. I didn't feel like making the trek to the woods because I was currently on call for the hospital I work at.

The horizontal stick was the hardest to make for some reason. I kept having balancing and notch issues (again, it's my first try). These aren't the best pics but it shows what needs to be seen. It took me about an hour or so to make it while taking my time.

Let me know what you think. Again, it's just more of an extremely downsized prototype, really.
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[KT_Cobra]

Oh, and the chunks chopped out of the wood was no-doubtedly my little brother-in-law's doing.

[Sourdough]

It needs two slices of semi-crisp bacon, or a Twinkie on the trigger.....

[Ken]

It needs two slices of semi-crisp bacon, or a Twinkie on the trigger.....

Hopeak, you're not deceased anymore?

[crashdive123]

KT - I'm no expert with figure 4 deadfalls, but IMO it appears that the log has a bit to far to travel (fall) which could allow the intended prey to escape once the trigger has been fired.

[Rick]

Gaining an understanding of any outdoor skill is good stuff. The fact that you took the time to make it and it works is a plus in my book. The more you make the better you will become. Deadfalls have been around for a long time and it's one more tool in the brain basket. Good job.

[marberry]

logs in general (atleast in my experience) are bad for deadfalls because the natural curve of the log provides room for rodents to scurry out of, and , as said by crashdive, its a little high to be catching anything smaller then a chipmunk. good work though , deadfall sets are always hard to make and you did a great job of it.

[crashdive123]

KT - wasn't meaning to be critical - if that's how it sounded, sorry. The hardest part is setting the trigger, and you did a nice job with that. As you said, it's a prototype for you so I'm sure you will make whatever changes you need to suit your needs. Overall good job.

[RobertRogers]

Yeah, deadfalls can be tough - you don't want to just bonk the critter on the head and have him go on his way (perhaps with a concussion but does you or him little good).

[KT_Cobra]

Actually, Crash, I didn't find that you came off critical at all. I need a little bit of the all-around opinion (faults, compliments, suggestions, and especially inspiration). I'm enjoying hearing what you guys have to say about it. Thanks.

About the trap, though. I understand now that the sticks have to be shorter, a little thicker and there should be a stone used or a large flatter piece of wood (maybe an oblong piece). I don't know of any stones of good size around that are at least easily accesible to me, though. I guess cement blocks with leaves on top wouldn't be too bad. Maybe a little hard to put the leaves up, but not too bad.

[Ridge Wolf]

KT - I'm no expert with figure 4 deadfalls, but IMO it appears that the log has a bit to far to travel (fall) which could allow the intended prey to escape once the trigger has been fired.

I agree with Crash.. could try a slightly longer log and shallower angle. the Fall log looks like it could fall the other way or off to one side instead of straight down. Also, maybe a little heavier log, at least on the noggin thump end. (raised end).

Peanut butter for bait.

[Ridge Wolf]

Actually, Crash, I didn't find that you came off critical at all. I need a little bit of the all-around opinion (faults, compliments, suggestions, and especially inspiration). I'm enjoying hearing what you guys have to say about it. Thanks.

About the trap, though. I understand now that the sticks have to be shorter, a little thicker and there should be a stone used or a large flatter piece of wood (maybe an oblong piece). I don't know of any stones of good size around that are at least easily accesible to me, though. I guess cement blocks with leaves on top wouldn't be too bad. Maybe a little hard to put the leaves up, but not too bad.

Is there any black basalt in your area? Black Basalt is the heaviest rock there is. If you can find a flat piece of it that is half the battle. River rock is also good. flat and long. You can notch (chip a depression in the rock) on the down side for the support on the 4.

[crashdive123]

One thing you can try if you can't find anything flat is to split the log (of course you have to have something to do that with you). I've seen smaller logs used that had been split with "the other half" lashed to it with bark cordage for sufficient weight.

[flandersander]

Or maybe just tie two logs together. Twice as heavy.

[Ole WV Coot]

No criticism intended but I could maybe give you a couple of pointers if you don't mind. First It's way too high, log is way too small, center support should be squared off where your notch goes, trigger arm is a little long and unless you have a big flat sawed off chunk of a log I would recommend a nice big kinda flat rock maybe the back end on a small rock or stick so it falls level. Don't except to gain any weight with what you catch, my Grandpa showed me how to make them well over 55yrs ago and he told me then they weren't the greatest trap in the world. I hope you catch something, I haven't had enough luck to mention with them.

[RCKCRWLER]

Nice job on the trigger part. I made one before and it was pretty tricky to get it to work right.

A class at my school was learning about Native Americans in Nevada. I brought in a bunch of sticks and helped them make a pyramid trap and the figure 4. Then I took my rabbit, class pet, put a yogurt treat on the end of the trigger stick, formed a circle of kids on the carpet and waited for him to set the trap. Within a few minutes he found the treat and was trapped. It was pretty cool and the kids loved it. I think we trapped him about four times before he figured out what was up.

[crashdive123]

Thought for a minute there you were going to use a deadfall on your pet rabbit.

[Rick]

Yeah, I had this vision of a sail rabbit under the rock and little kids screaming and crying as they run from the class room.

[Beo]

Now that would have been funny: "Hey kids this is what happens to bugs bunny when he goes under my figure4 dead fall

[Rick]

Then you'd have parents calling the school and psychologists would have to be brought in. Then the next thing you know, the end of a holiday....

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