How to Make a Rock Trap

The avid hiker and camper has to know some survival skills to prepare for the worst case scenario -- getting lost in the wilderness. One important survival skill includes the ability to capture food on your own. The rock trap, also known as the deadfall trap, is one of the simplest traps anyone can construct in the wild for a couple reasons. First, you do not need any tools to construct the trap. Second, you utilize materials readily available around you.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 sticks
  • Large rock
  • Bait
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the general area for animal footprints. Choose a location with high animal activity as this increases the likelihood of multiple types of animals coming across your rock trap. Choose a location anywhere along the active trail.

    • 2

      Place a piece of bait at the end of a long stick. Utilize any of surrounding vegetation or use any food that you have. Effective human food includes peanut butter and salty items. Watch animals from a distance while they feed to determine which surrounding food sources serve as the best bait for your trap.

    • 3

      Place another long stick on the floor and dig it slightly into the ground at a 45-degree angle. Dig the stick just deep enough so the ground can hold the stick in place.

    • 4

      Rest the stick with the bait on top of the grounded stick at a 90-degree angle, with the bait pointed at the floor. Position the baited stick so the bait rests just above the ground, making it accessible to small prey. Hold the two sticks together with one hand.

    • 5

      Lean a long, heavy rock against the point where the two sticks meet. The pressure helps hold the two long sticks together.

    • 6

      Plant another small stick just above the bait. Plant it at a 45-degree angle and dig it into the ground until the small stick rests firmly against the lower portion of the baited stick. You now have the long stick supported the upper part of the baited stick, a smaller stick supported by the lower portion of the baited stick, and a heavy rock applying pressure to the top which, in turn, holds the entire trap together.

    • 7

      Move out of view of the trap and also move all of your belongings, as they can scare off any potential prey. When an comes along, an attempt to take the bait dislodges the baited stick, causing the rock to fall on top of the animal.