Figure 4 trap question

[bonee]

Use your local library's Interlibrary book loans system, and get ragnar Bensons's books on trapping and poaching. He's written at least 6-7 books that you definitely want to read. google for Paladin Press's book site, get the ISBN #'s of Ragnars books there. you'll need those # for the book loan application.

 

[scout1sg]

I am building a figure 4 trigger. I beleive I have made all the cuts properly, however, the horizontal stick does not seem to want to stay in place. The trap seems very unstable and sometimes falls down on its own. Can anyone tell me if this is natural? Would a heavier weight help set the trigger a little better?

THX
Jay

I had found this to be a familiar problem but choosing the right type of weight or "dead fall" item has a lot to do with that situation, try something that has a bit more corseness as a surface for the support stick to somewhat grip. Just reversing a piece of cut timber (log) can sometimes make the difference. Another thing that can aid you is to block the base of the weight against something such as the bottom trunk of a tree or tree stump, this will keep it more stable and it can also be helpful (if not beneficial) to build a small wall of debris on the sides as it not only provides some stability but also helps channelize/trap the small critter from the possibility of escaping to the side as the weight drops.