When you’re out in the wild, knowing how to set traps can mean the difference between going hungry and keeping your strength up. Whether you’re lost, stranded, or just honing your skills, basic trapping knowledge is a must. These traps are simple, effective, and don’t require fancy gear—just a little patience and some natural materials. Here are eight survival traps that every survivalist should know how to set.
Figure-Four Deadfall
This classic trap uses gravity to do the work for you. A flat rock or heavy log is propped up using three notched sticks arranged in a “4” shape. When an animal nudges the bait, the structure collapses, pinning it beneath.
It takes some practice to carve the notches just right, but once mastered, it’s a solid way to catch small game. Ideal for squirrels, rabbits, and even rodents, the Figure-Four Deadfall is a must-know for survival trapping.
Paiute Deadfall
A simpler, more sensitive version of the Figure-Four, this trap uses cordage to create a hair-trigger effect. Instead of notches, a small loop and stick hold up the weight, making it easier to set.
This trap works well for animals that are cautious but curious. Because it requires less force to trigger, it’s great for lightweight game like mice and birds. If you’re in an area with plenty of small critters, this could be your go-to trap.
Spring Snare
If you’ve got some paracord, a shoelace, or even plant fiber, a spring snare is a great way to catch dinner. This trap involves tying a noose and attaching it to a bent sapling. When an animal steps into the loop, the tension yanks it into the air.
Placement is everything. Set the snare along well-used animal trails and make sure the trigger mechanism is secure. A properly set spring snare can catch rabbits, squirrels, and even larger animals if you use strong enough cordage.
Treadle Snare
This trap works like a spring snare but with a trigger plate. A small stick, or “treadle,” is placed on the ground and tied to the snare. When an animal steps on it, the trigger releases, and the loop tightens.
It’s effective because it catches animals by the legs or neck, depending on size. Ideal for rabbits and ground-dwelling critters, this trap is a great hands-free way to secure food while you’re working on other survival tasks.
Bottle Funnel Fish Trap
Need to catch fish but don’t have a rod? A bottle funnel trap can do the job. Cut the top off a plastic bottle, flip it inward, and secure it in place. Bait it with worms, bread, or whatever scraps you can find, and submerge it in a slow-moving stream or pond.
Fish swim in but can’t figure out how to get back out. It’s an easy way to collect small fish for food or bait. If you don’t have a plastic bottle, you can make the same style trap out of woven branches or reeds.
Pit Trap
This one takes more effort but is great for larger game. Dig a deep hole in a well-traveled area, line the bottom with sharpened sticks, and cover it lightly with leaves and grass. When an animal walks over it, they fall in, making escape nearly impossible.
Pit traps work best for medium-sized animals like boars, deer, or even predators. Just be careful where you set them—you don’t want to catch something you’re not prepared to handle.
Fixed Snare
Unlike a spring snare, a fixed snare doesn’t rely on a sapling to do the work. It’s just a simple loop placed in a high-traffic area, like a burrow entrance or a small trail. When an animal passes through, the noose tightens, keeping them in place.
This trap is best for catching small, predictable animals like rabbits. Because it doesn’t require tension, you can set multiple fixed snares at once and increase your chances of success.
Fish Gorge Hook
Before metal fishing hooks, people used simple gorge hooks to catch fish. A small, sharpened stick or bone is tied to a line and baited in the center. When a fish swallows it, the hook turns sideways in their throat, making escape difficult.
This trap requires patience, but it’s an effective low-tech way to secure food. If you have fishing line or even tough plant fibers, you can make this work in almost any body of water.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
