How to Build a Homemade Bird Trap
If you ever find yourself in a survival situation, you may eventually need to consume animal meat, which contains essential proteins and fats that are difficult to obtain otherwise. While fishing and hunting for ground-dwelling animals is ideal, it is often much simpler to snare birds. Birds are plentiful and typically less intelligent that other animals, making for a dietary opportunity that simply can't be missed. Noose sticks are highly effective bird snares, and can be created quickly with relatively few resources.
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Instructions
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Find a straight wooden branch approximately three feet long. If possible, avoid cutting away branches from living trees. Instead, opt for freshly fallen foliage.
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Cut away any protruding branches or twigs from the main branch using a sharp knife. Always cut with the knife facing away from your body. You may need to cut through a particularly stout branch by striking the back of your knife blade with a hard object.
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Cut a thin, strong piece of cordage approximately six inches long. Tie one end around the branch and the other end into an adjustable noose. The diameter of the finished noose should be approximately one inch.
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Tie several more lengths of cordage to the branch, each spaced one inch apart. Ensure that all the nooses rest on the same side of the branch.
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Locate a nest or roost in a nearby tree. Try to place the noose stick across two branches, thereby giving birds a level surface on which to land and preen. Ensure that the nooses are positioned above the noose stick, as opposed to hanging below. When the birds take flight from the noose stick, their wings will catch in the snares.
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Check your noose stick every few hours. Once you capture one bird, do not remove your prey right away. The struggling bird will draw other birds to it, thereby increasing your bounty.
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Tips & Warnings
If possible, use snare wire to create your nooses. Snare wire is incredibly strong and relatively simple to knot.
Hold your noose stick over a campfire for several minutes before placing it into a tree. The smoke will overwhelm your scent left on the stick and give the snares a more natural smell.
Only use survival traps during survival situations. Snares do not kill captured animals, which can lead to prolonged suffering. Such suffering is only acceptable during survival situations, and even then should be avoided if possible.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bird image by Kevin McGrath from Fotolia.com
