The Pole: A large branch, roughly the width of a few fingers and 5-6 feet long. The Perch: A pencil-thin stick, roughly six inches long. A rock, roughly the size of your fist. A 3-4 foot cord or rope, shoestrings and sleeping bag chords will work. A knife. [2] X Research source
The knot should be able to move freely through the hole in the pole when the stick isn’t jammed in. Some trappers tie the small knot first, then put the stick in. Others put the stick in first. Experiment with what works for you.
You should have two feet of string or more on the other side of your knot. [3] X Research source
Double the string back on itself to make a U-shaped loop. Run the end of the string back towards the top of the loop. It will look a bit like a flattened “S. " Wrap the end of the rope around the doubled line 2-3 times. Pull the rope tight, cinching the wrap around the doubled string. [4] X Research source
For more effective traps, place a little birdseed on the trap, adhering it with peanut butter.
Rest the box on it’s edge, so that the open part faces the trap. It should be angled up, so that a bird could fly under the box and land on the trap.
The box needs to be high enough the a bird flies into it, but low enough that it can shut before the bird can fly out.
The tension of the string is holding the box in place. Make sure you tie the string so that it sits correctly. Test the string by pushing on the trap. The string should lose tension and box will fall.
There is always the chance that you’ll catch a rabbit or squirrel as well with your trap since it is on the ground. Be ready for anything.
