The Paiute Trap was used by Native Americans of the Paiute Tribe in Nevada and Utah to catch small game.

Small game is important to a survivalist because it requires a lot less energy to set up a trap and wait than it does to stalk, kill, dress and carry larger game, like a deer.

In order to make a Paiute trap you will require the following….

A 30cm length of Cordage (Natural or modern).
An upright Y shaped supporting stick approximately 20cm in length and thumb thickness. This should be pointed at one end so that it can be stuck firmly into the ground.
A 30cm long cantilever stick, also thumb thickness.
A 30-40cm trigger arm, pencil thickness.
A 5cm trigger toggle also pencil thickness.

Find a large flat stone which can be lifted up from one end without rolling. You may need to use small stones or twigs under the stone to prevent side to side movement. Concrete building blocks are good to practice with because they are of a uniform shape and balance well. (I have used this trap with concrete blocks as a very effective and humane Rat trap which I baited with peanut butter).
Set the trap as illustrated, either working with a friend to help support the weight, or using your knee to hold the cantilever arm in position. If you use the knee method make sure you don’t lean over the cantilever arm while setting the trap because it can flick upwards into your face with considerable force (Don’t ask how I know that).

The end of the trigger arm should gently touch the flat face of the stone, and you should ensure that it is free to swing outwards without getting caught on any ridges or cracks in the stone. It is the friction of the trigger arm touching the stone that controls the sensitivity of the trap. The end of the trigger arm should also be baited using a food that will tempt the animal that you are trying to catch.

Slowly lower the weight while holding the toggle in position, this can be tricky at first so be prepared to practice for a while. You may also need to adjust the position of the trigger arm, and the cantilever arm in order to set the trap effectively. The Cantilever arm and the trigger arm should be parallel with each other, and the string should run at 45 degrees to the upright.

This is a fascinating trap to learn, and one that could be a lifesaver in an emergency. But I must emphasise that the use of such traps may be illegal where you live, and also that I don’t consider the use of traps to be ethical unless used in a survival situation or for pest control where the risk of killing and injuring domestic animals such as cats and dogs can be controlled.

Ideally, if faced with a survival situation, you have a cache of food supplies on hand and do not have to rely on trapping for food.

If, however, you find yourself in an extended survival setting, or if you do not have access to a survival cache, trapping small game may be the only option you have.

To learn more about trapping and other survival skills, please visit DRYAD Bushcraft.