Just about everyone who has camped even once a year has heard of it. The deadfall. More specifically, the figure 4 or Pauite deadfall. There are many variations to it, and the best part is that you can make it with the sole knowledge of how to make cordage. However most backwoodsmen carry, at the very least, two knives on them, and can therefore make a more solid deadfall. By more solid, I mean there's less of a chance of the rock falling on your fingers. It hurts, don't ask me how I know this. So, with having two knives in mind, you have the ability to make this-- an improved version. It does, admittedly, take a little more time to set, but it requires no cordage; I'm taking my stepdaughter out today to show her how to make it.
With time, you learn to hold the stone or log with your knee and ease it down to set the trap, thus protecting your fingers. Of course that does mean using slightly larger stones or longer logs.
ReplyDeleteThat is true, Gorges. The woods around my area are littered with railroad ties, too, which make for some great deadfalls.
ReplyDeleteHey Bryce,
ReplyDeleteWhen I put figure fours and Piute traps together, I put another stone or piece of timber next to the trigger to act as a safety bail so I dont get my fingers crushed, once the trap is set, I remove the "Safety" and set off for the next location... works every time.
Karl