Instructions on How to Build a Bird Trap

Bird traps catch pheasant and other game birds.

Hunters do not require hunting dogs or guns to secure a large number of wild game birds. A hunter may set a trap for any type of game bird to secure the meat for special dishes. The instructions for this type of bird trap use dimensions for a pheasant trap, but adjustments are available to snare any type or size of bird.

Things You'll Need

• Stove pipe, 6 inches in diameter, 24 inches long
• Chicken wire, 12 inches by 12 inches
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Place the stovepipe on the ground in the birds' habitat. Place the pipe in a dry area that is level and does not hold water. A shady area works well because the pipe does not become hot in the summer.

2. Place a 12-inch square of chicken wire over one end of the pipe. Center the chicken wire and bend it onto the pipe around the opening. Start at one point and bend the wire onto the pipe going in a circle.

3. Unroll about 6 inches of duct tape and use it to secure the chicken wire to the pipe. Start at the top and place the tape so that it is halfway on the chicken wire and halfway on the pipe. Lift the pipe and continue unrolling the duct tape while wrapping the circumference. Overlap the end at the top by about 3 inches.

4. Bait the trap with a partial ear of corn at the backside of the trap by the end with chicken wire. Leave a trail of corn on the outside of the trap and into the pipe. The bird will enter the pipe to get the food. Most birds cannot walk backwards, so they will remain in the pipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Vary sizes of stovepipe for the size of birds. Pipe that is 6 inches in diameter is sufficient for larger prey as pheasants. Use 2-inch or 3-inch diameter pipe for quail and dove and 4-inch diameter pipe for grouse. The length of the pipe should be twice as long as the body of the bird. If the pipe is too large, the bird can turn around inside and exit the trap.

• Substitute any type of pipe for stovepipe as long as the pipe is sturdy.

• The bird is visible through the end with chicken wire, so it is easy to tell if there is a bird in the trap.

• Do not cover the end of the trap with any material through which birds cannot see light. If they do not see light they are unlikely to enter the pipe.

• Wear gloves when removing birds from the trap and use caution when handling them to avoid being pecked or spurred.

• Consult local ordinances and state and federal regulations before attempting to trap birds or other animals.

References

• Alpha Rubicon: Survival Trapping: Making Do With What You Have On Hand