How to Make a Trigger for an Arapuca Trap

A live trap has the advantage of keeping captured game fresh for hours or even days before the hunter checks on it. An Arapuca trap is a Brazilian live bird trap that is made out of sticks that are shaped into a pyramid and tied together with string. The trigger mechanism of the trap requires four sticks that use friction to hold the trap open until one of the trigger sticks is disturbed, springing the trap.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-inch "Y"-shaped stick
  • Knife
  • 6- to 7-inch straight support stick
  • 2 thin trigger sticks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a "Y"-shaped stick about 4 inches long. The top of the "Y" does not need to be very long, as it holds the top of the trap in place.

    • 2

      Cut a notch on one side of the stick, just below the "Y," with a knife.

    • 3

      Flatten the end of a 6- to 7-inch straight stick with a knife. This stick will act as a support for the trigger and holds the trap in place until sprung.

    • 4

      Place the "Y"-shaped stick in position under the front of the trap with the notch you cut facing outwards. Insert the flat end of the support stick into the notch and hold it in place -- if you let the sticks go the trap will close.

    • 5

      Place two thin sticks inside the trap. The length of the sticks will vary depending on how large your trap is, but the thin sticks must reach from the back corners of the trap to the bottom of the "Y"-shaped stick. Use the knife to cut them to the correct length if they're too long.

    • 6

      Set one thin stick with one end at the back corner of the trap and the other pressing firmly against the back of the "Y"-shaped stick. Set the other thin stick in the same manner from the opposite back corner. Once set, the two thin sticks should provide enough pressure to hold up the "Y"-shaped stick and keep the trap from springing until one of the thin sticks is disturbed by an animal.