Bushcraft pics part 3... an alternative to the fig 4 deadfall trigger...

[jeff_c]

Figure 4 deadfalls make a classic and effective trap. But they require some pretty decent notching / knife-work skills.

This toggle trigger is my preferred method. Toggle triggers can take a LOT of weight because the weight is supported on the little toggle release.

Of course here you would want to make a flatter heavier deadfall. Maybe a rock, or 3 logs about this size lashed together.

you would bait the long horizontal trigger piece. Two trigger assemblies are show. the one with the longer trigger that extends to the deadfall wood is preferred. Its way more sensitive.

This is WAY easier than a fig 4 trigger!

And of course, the RC-4 in action!

 

[kgd]

Interesting, but I can't figure out what is keeping the bait stick afloat?? I can see how the toggle trigger works, but what is holding the bait stick to keep the toggle from releasing??? Maybe a diagram will help...

 

[jeff_c]

Magic! LOL

Friction and force. The toggle is riding in a notched groove on the support stick. Its pressure is pointing right back at the deadfall log.

This one was actually strong enough to snap a brittle stick when I released it...

COOL!

 

[phuphyter]

Magic! LOL

Friction and force. The toggle is riding in a notched groove on the support stick. Its pressure is pointing right back at the deadfall log.

This one was actually strong enough to snap a brittle stick when I released it...

COOL!

Very cool deadfall!
I'm trying to understand this as well so I made a basic illustration. Correct me if I'm wrong in my assumption of how this works. I've never tried to make a deadfall before. the arrows represent the forces/tension and the red thing is the toggle.

 

[hwpaintballer]

Yep the string is pulling on the trigger and the long bait stick is pushing on it keeping it stuck from wrapping around the main support.

 

[phuphyter]

Another thing to add... what have you guys caught with these types of traps? And have you eaten them? What do they taste like? How do you prep and cook them? I'm very curious.

 

[jeff_c]

I think thats it... LOL... I didnt mean to stump you all. Sure is easier to set than the fig 4!

 

[hwpaintballer]

I have never actually went trapping so I haven't caught anything with one, I will occasional go out and smash my fingers trying to put one up though. You can catch small animals, like squirrels, rats, and anything else that crawls under the heavy object to nibble on the bait. Depending on what you catch also depends on how you go about prepping it, sort of.

 

[jeff_c]

Yeah, there you go... I guess what you cant see is that once you wrap that toggle around the support stick all that pressure (weight from the log) is no on that little cammed toggle. any movement on the trigger stick dislodges the toggle and it will whip around the support stick and the whole thing comes loose.

I can rig it up again and take different angles pics I guess. What I really need is a video! Go on out and try one. This one took only about 10-15 minutes to prep and set.

 

[hwpaintballer]

Yeah, there you go... I guess what you cant see is that once you wrap that toggle around the support stick all that pressure (weight from the log) is no on that little cammed toggle. any movement on the trigger stick dislodges the toggle and it will whip around the support stick and the whole thing comes loose.

I can rig it up again and take different angles pics I guess. What I really need is a video! Go on out and try one. This one took only about 10-15 minutes to prep and set.

About a year ago I found a video on youtube showing how to make one, if you don't mind I might be able to hunt it down and post it here.

 

[jeff_c]

Another thing to add... what have you guys caught with these types of traps? And have you eaten them? What do they taste like? How do you prep and cook them? I'm very curious.

Just like HWpaintballer said... Ive never actually used one. Never been lost in the woods either. But thats kind of the thought with bushcraft. We practice so should we ever HAVE to we dont have to sit there with a book in one hand and an RC4 in the other LOL.

I just enjoy practicing.

This winter I plan to do some solo trekking, but I will pack some basic food. I wont be killing any critters. The idea here is if you were in "survival" mode and could spot some ground critters these may work for you. Snares and dead falls are great for anything from rats and squirrels to possum and raccoon.

As for dressing small game, all that I have done are squirrels. I remove the head and skin them. You just pinch up their skin on their back and then slice it. It will peel off like they are taking off a little furry sweater. Then gut them out and the are DELICIOUS!!! I assume I would dress out any other small game in the same way. Then I would put them on a stick and roast them over a fire.

I hope I never need them. I hope I never need to light a fire with a stick. I hope I never need to build a shelter... but I practice..and enjoy it!

 

[jeff_c]

Oh sure thing... This isnt my design!!!! not by a long shot.

its a simple toggle release deadfall.

Those toggle releases are the bomb. They allow an amazing weight on the snare or deadfall and are WAY easy to set!

And they can be used with a trip wire too!

Here is a toggle release snare trap.

 

[hwpaintballer]

instead of roasting there is always cutting up the meat and bones and throwing them in a stew.

 

[jeff_c]

Another thing to add... what have you guys caught with these types of traps? And have you eaten them? What do they taste like? How do you prep and cook them? I'm very curious.

instead of roasting there is always cutting up the meat and bones and throwing them in a stew.

Man, my pals grandma made the all time GREATEST squirrel dumplin soup. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Squirrel is VERY tasty as is rabbit!

 

[hwpaintballer]

phuphyter, if you ever do make one and decide you want to see if it works use a stick to set the trap off, don't use your hands.

 

[hwpaintballer]

Paiute deadfall is the name of the trap, but it is very similar to a figure 4

[youtube]MrHTxsm_qrs&feature=channel_page[/youtube]

 

[phuphyter]

Haha I was just about to ask for a video, but I was thinking it would be asking a bit too much.

I take it that the last two steps are to place the log on the top stick while holding the toggle in place with your free hand, and then you set the horizontal bait stick?

 

[phuphyter]

phuphyter, if you ever do make one and decide you want to see if it works use a stick to set the trap off, don't use your hands.

Yeah. I hear right hands don't taste too good and are a bitch to dress anyway.

 

[hwpaintballer]

Yep, the long stick that is stuck between the weight and the toggle gets put on last, it is one of the key part to that trap, also thats not my video I just remember watching it on youtube a looooooong time ago.

 

[hwpaintballer]

Yeah. I hear right hands don't taste too good and are a bitch to dress anyway.

I've stuck an Izula through a knuckle on my left hand and I didn't find much meat so I wouldn't recommend them for a good refreshing meal.