Figure Four Trap Experiment

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cgusek111

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I had been tossing around the idea of making a compact figure four trap out of steel rods with each piece being 6 1/2" long then wrapping the rods with real-tree camo duct tape. I'm thinking about using 1/2 inch diameter rods. The idea is to carry the kit in your pack. I don't think it will take up much room at all. What are your thoughts?
 
If you're going on a trip where you have the foresight to make and bring this equipment, I dont see why it'd be necessary.
To me, trapping is a skill of necessity & survival, not convenience- I'd just pack food.
Also, most places where "real-tree" camo will blend in, there are also real trees which makes it rather easy to find a few suitable bits of branch.

Don't let my comments deter you from experimentation, especially if your views on when traps are used differ.. blame it on me being semi-vegetarian :o
 
Don't let any one deter you in any way, think about it this way, we have light and power, the reason is one mans ideas to make light in the 1700's.

Now just what if some one told him, bad idea, don't do it?. Your friend at the post Donald S.
 
I'm going to try it and test no matter what anyone says. I'm thinking that with something like a steel fig. 4 trap, to be durable and small enough to fit in your kit. Why waste time building fig. 4's when you can simply set one up (if you don't lose your gear) and spend the that time purifying water or whatever you need to do? If I go on any hiking trip I have the foresight that there are chances that I may have to survive. This piece of equipment would be necessary in the same respects that your other survival equipment is necessary.
 
I agree with time saving, but why not make them out of wood and carry them around. They would be cheaper and easier to construct.
 
I think its a good idea. =] except, why use rods? wont it be easier to make the notches in flat metal? also, consider aluminum instead of steel. and report your results once u're done! good luck =]

edit: the reason to use metal is because they last longer than wood.
 
i think 18 inches of .5 inch steel is going to be (relatively) heavy. maybe look into using aluminum, and dont necessarily stick with round pieces. flat angle pieces will be more rigid and lighter. thats how i would start. if youre gonna jump out of the box, make it a long jump


as i was typing...
 
I think I'll try all three ideas; rods, flat angle aluminum and flat metal. Good brainstorming. I need durable and light. I'm going to Lowes tomorrow. I'll try to have some pics up by Monday. I'll do the aluminum first. That will be easier.
 
Even if a fig. 4 takes you 10-15 minutes, that time can be well spent. It slows you down and can add a sense of focus and calm. How many pre-fabs will you be carrying? Perhaps you can also carry steel bars for the falling weight :)
 
The thing with traps; you have to set many of them up. And, typically, only yield a 10-15% return.

that means for everyone you set, you might only get 2 critters, max. Of Course, location and time of year is important as well.

Personally, I would go with snares. They are a lot easier and much faster to set.
 
If you carry the knowledge to make the figure4 trap and pack snare wire, you might be better prepared and carry alot less weight.
 
It's the same reason why people carry tents. I have the knowledge to make a shelter, but I still carry a backpacking tent. I know how to work flint, but I still carry a knife. If you have the knowledge to survive then why not spend the night in the wilderness with nothing. Convenience.
 
cgusek111 said:
It's the same reason why people carry tents. I have the knowledge to make a shelter, but I still carry a backpacking tent. I know how to work flint, but I still carry a knife. If you have the knowledge to survive then why not spend the night in the wilderness with nothing. Convenience.
Click to expand...

Knock yerself out.:D
 
This is an excellent idea! I would actually recommend something really light like FIBERGLASS rods, such as the type you find in tent poles or bike flags! The metal rods would be sturdy and last, but at that weight, you might be better off just carrying a Conibear #110 TRAP! :cool: I actually do carry one in some kits and have a kit of just traps and snares! ;)

I may have to try this myself tomorrow as I have some of the fiberglass rods I'm suggesting in the garage! :)

GREAT idea!!
 
One advantage, I see is you can work out the fine tuning in the comfort of your home, instead of some dire situation, where you need food.
 
perhaps a design consideration you should think about would be to add swiveling plates to the parts that touch the weight and the ground, for better balance and traction. this would also allow for the use of heavier weights, because the poles will not be pushed into the ground, rendering the trap useless.

one tricky part of the metal trap would be making it sensitive enough to easily be triggered by a small animal, such as a rabbit or squirrel etc.
 
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