We often hear about the virtues of primitive trapping, and on the surface, it seems like an easy way to catch animals for food with limited effort. It's often said that all you need is a looped strand of picture wire, paracord, or even strong monofilament line to create a snare. Then you can place it on a game trail, and wait for animals to get caught. However, in a real survival situation, it won't be so easy.

Snare animal trap hunting paracord knot 7

So-called primitive traps include snares, deadfall traps, and cage-style traps constructed from simple materials. These range from the well-known Paiute deadfall to more sophisticated traps like the bow trap seen above. With substantial training and practice, it's possible to construct these traps from materials found in the wild — plant-based cordage, sticks, and rocks. We also know that Native American cultures used improvised traps like these to supplement their other food sources when hunting became difficult.

Snare animal trap hunting paracord knot 6

Is a strand of 550 cord really all you need to create a reliable snare?

If you look at the traps above and think, that looks easy, you may need to think again. These traps require substantial practice and precision to set up, and those who have watched the survival TV show Alone will probably recall how frustratingly inconsistent they proved to be for the contestants.

Snare animal trap hunting paracord knot 3

Wild animals are cautious, and can easily be deterred if they notice a trap or snare in their path.

If the balance isn't perfect, or the wind changes direction, your trap may fall apart. If the trigger sensitivity isn't spot-on, they may go off prematurely or fail to go off when an animal takes the bait. Or, even if everything else goes according to plan, the animal may still escape the trap after it is triggered.

You really think those teeth can't chew right through your paracord?

A determined animal's teeth can make quick work of paracord, and can even gnaw through thin steel wire.

In many cases, you may expend valuable time and energy building traps, only to find that they produce minimal calories in return. This leads to the question: is it wise to plan on constructing primitive traps in a survival scenario, or should you add modern trapping tools to your bug-out bag?

The following YouTube video from The Wooded Beardsman compares these primitive trapping methods to more modern steel traps. Note: the following video contains footage of live and dead wild animals in traps. Discretion is advised for sensitive viewers.

We're certainly not ready to say that primitive traps are worthless, since they have been used by native cultures for centuries to provide a viable backup food source. Then again, considering all the variables and the wide array of commercial tools available, there's a compelling case for modern steel traps or snares that can dramatically increase your odds of catching food. There's nothing more depressing in a survival situation than spending hours or days to set traps, only to see them fail to catch anything.

What do you think — would you take the time to set primitive traps in a survival situation? Do you carry modern trapping tools in your bug-out kit?


STAY SAFE: Download a Free copy of the OFFGRID Outbreak Issue

In issue 12, Offgrid Magazine took a hard look at what you should be aware of in the event of a viral outbreak. We're now offering a free digital copy of the OffGrid Outbreak issue when you subscribe to the OffGrid email newsletter. Sign up and get your free digital copy

No Comments