Deer Trap !

pitdog

pitdog

Joined
Apr 13, 2007
Messages
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I decided to have a go at a deer trap today, this trap is quite basic in nature and uses a spring snare which traps the deer by the neck. I think this method is better than those which trap the deer by their legs as there would be a good chance of a crazed struggling deer pulling it's leg free.

The hardest part to this trap is finding the right location, it has to be in a deer trail and you have to either have a tree either side with another close by for the spring mechanism or drive two poles into the ground either side. As I was just practicing the trip mechanism today I didn't concern myself too much with the location etc.

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I just used to Cedar roots to lash the cross piece in, this doesn't have to be super strong, just strong enough to hold the trigger stick down !

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In a real situation my noose should have been a little lower and larger. You would also add sticks to guide the deer to this point so he can't veer off to the side of the noose.

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I caught a large stick which Maisy immediately attacked !

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Knife used today ~

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It also makes some decent shavings !

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Couple of other pics from today ~

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Oh , You got the Tracker out today did you. Still like mine and oh does it make shavings. Cool trap thanks Pit.
 
Neat. Deer are pretty tough buggers when it comes down to it. I only ever heard of IA having snared one while he was in the SERE training program and then having to dispatch the thing with a manual implement. Personally, I'd prefer to snack on the little critters then facing a pissed of dear with a laso around his neck :)
 
I have live caught 100+ deer over the years with the Parks & Wildlife relo program. Trust me when I say it takes 2 full grown men to hold a 100lb doe down to ear tag, weigh, and carry her to a trailer and it is work. Plan on being kicked, bit, punched, and pissed on. When they are in a large heavy net they still jump like they are on fire. The large bucks it takes 4 of us - 3 to hold and 1 to cut off the antlers. If you ever manage to get one in a trap, bring a big long stick and smack them in the head to stun them. Then you need to plunge a blade into their heart and lungs. Cutting the throat is a longer than expected method and you have to hear them gasp. It is gut wrenching, horrible experience that I only did it once and will never again. Anything I need to kill deserves the quickest most humane death possible. I owe the animal that much.

I've given this some thought over the years and instead of a trap I may try a bolo set up with paracord. I bow hunt so getting into range is nto the problem, the movement of the swing and throw is. Very interesting trap though. I woudl imagine you have to drive the deer into it as the human smell would cause them to flee. Best bet is once they are on this trail, com ei behind them with wind in your favor and push them towards the trap. just not at full speed.
 
RWT said:
I have live caught 100+ deer over the years with the Parks & Wildlife relo program. Trust me when I say it takes 2 full grown men to hold a 100lb doe down to ear tag, weigh, and carry her to a trailer and it is work. Plan on being kicked, bit, punched, and pissed on. When they are in a large heavy net they still jump like they are on fire. The large bucks it takes 4 of us - 3 to hold and 1 to cut off the antlers. If you ever manage to get one in a trap, bring a big long stick and smack them in the head to stun them. Then you need to plunge a blade into their heart and lungs. Cutting the throat is a longer than expected method and you have to hear them gasp. It is gut wrenching, horrible experience that I only did it once and will never again. Anything I need to kill deserves the quickest most humane death possible. I owe the animal that much.

I've given this some thought over the years and instead of a trap I may try a bolo set up with paracord. I bow hunt so getting into range is nto the problem, the movement of the swing and throw is. Very interesting trap though. I woudl imagine you have to drive the deer into it as the human smell would cause them to flee. Best bet is once they are on this trail, com ei behind them with wind in your favor and push them towards the trap. just not at full speed.
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Some great points buddy. As you rightly said Deer are very aware of scent and very skittish, becoming spooked very easily. For these reasons trapping a Deer is going to be as much about luck as it is about skill !
 
I am impressed with the carving ability on the trap. This would take me 3 or 4 attempts to get it right. These are the topics we should discuss over a fire and cold beer.
 
Pit & Mistwalker always take the best pics.

Pit - I remember reading somewhere you had a book on trap makign you recommended. Could you share the title & author? I could use a new book for deer season.
 
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