How to Make a Wood Trap With No String

Wood traps, also known as box traps, work using bait and a way of dropping the box down onto the prey animal, locking it under the wood box. Traditionally, string is used to pull a stick holding one end of the box up. If you have no string, or want to use an alternate method of triggering the wood trap, set up a friction point system. One benefit to using this method is not having to wait by the trap to pull the string.

Things You'll Need

  • Cutting tool
  • Wood box
  • Bait
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a stick in the appropriate size to hold the end of the box up at a 45-degree angle to the rear end.

    • 2

      Cut the stick in half and whittle down the cut ends so they form long spikes that inter-mesh.

    • 3

      Place the box on the ground where you want the trap set. Look for ground nests or food sources, or place it by water sources to enhance the chances of getting your prey animal.

    • 4

      Assemble the two sticks so they stand as close to straight up as possible. Without sticking the bait on the spikes on the ends of the sticks, stick it between the two and make the tips rest over the bait, creating a friction hold. Make sure the bait points out from the sticks.

    • 5

      Hold the stick-and-bait combination, raise the end of the box up and lower it onto the top of the combination. Take care when letting go. Make the sticks hold as a result of the weight of the box. As the prey animal grabs the bait between the sticks, they break apart, sending the box down on top of the prey.