Constructing a DIY Bird Trap

Build a simple wilderness bird trap using two sticks, a cord, and a rock. Resembling an inverted 'L,' the Ojibwa Bird Pole has been a longstanding tool for indigenous hunters in Canada. Birds land on a small horizontal branch, triggering it to collapse under their weight. A noose placed underneath catches them before they can escape. You will need:

• The Pole: A thick branch, about the width of a few fingers and 5-6 feet in length.
• The Perch: A thin stick, approximately six inches long.
• A rock, roughly the size of a fist.
• A 3-4 foot cord or rope, such as shoestrings or sleeping bag cords.
• A knife.

Carve both ends of the longer pole or stick to a point. The bottom end goes into the ground, so make sure it's sharp for planting. The pointed top end prevents birds from perching on it.

Make a hole through one end of the pole. The hole should match the width of your smaller stick. This is where you'll insert the perch and the string.

Secure one end of the rope firmly to your rock. Use a knot that keeps the rock in place. Any knot will do as long as it's secure.

Thread the string through the hole and tie a small knot. The knot should be small enough for the string to move freely through the hole. When the stick is inserted, it will hold the string and the rock in place.

• The knot should move freely through the hole when the stick isn't inserted.
• Experiment with tying the knot before or after inserting the stick to see what works best for you.

Insert the thinner stick into the drilled hole, next to your knot. The perch should be close to the string but still allow it to move freely. The stick needs to collapse under the weight of the bird to trap it, so don't jam it in too tightly.

• Leave at least two feet of string on the other side of the knot.

Create a slip noose knot at the string's end to form your snare. Make sure the noose is large enough to fit your fist through. If you're not familiar with the slip noose knot, here's a simple way to make one:

• Fold the string to form a U-shaped loop.
• Bring the end of the string back toward the top of the loop, resembling a flattened 'S.'
• Wrap the rope end around the doubled line 2-3 times.
• Pull the rope tight to secure the wrap around the doubled string.

Pass the rope's end through the noose, towards the pole. This will result in a rope circle hanging over your perch. The noose's end should be at the perch's tip, and the noose knot itself should be near the pole. You'll have two half-circles of rope hanging off the stick.

Tie a simple overhand knot where the two sticks meet. Create a loop and pass the string through it. Wrap the end around the rope near the hole, forming a loop, and pass the end through that loop. This knot should be at the sticks' junction.

Test your trap by pressing down gently on the perch. As you do so, the rock's weight should pull the rope through the hole, tightening the noose quickly. However, note that these traps can vary. Experiment with the size of the noose and perch – the closer they match, the more effective your trap will be. Also, start with the smallest possible knot so the rope can move freely through the hole – you want it to close rapidly once the stick is removed.

Position your trap where birds are likely to land. These traps work well in open fields where birds commonly land. In forests, birds tend to prefer tree branches.

• For enhanced effectiveness, sprinkle a bit of birdseed on the trap, securing it with peanut butter.

Keep in mind that small birds offer minimal calories. Small birds caught by this trap typically provide around 100 calories each. Unless you have multiple successful traps (4-5 or more), there are better ways to obtain food such as insects or traps for rabbits and squirrels. However, especially during winter, these traps can supplement other survival methods for nutrition.

Construct a backyard trap using a mousetrap, cardboard box, and string. This straightforward trap involves connecting a cardboard box to a mousetrap spring. When a bird lands on the trap, the box falls and captures it. The trap can also catch squirrels and other small game, making it effective in survival situations.

Acquire a live rat or mouse trap with a spring mechanism. Look for the traditional trap with a wooden board and spring-loaded mechanism. These traps catch mice by triggering a metal bar when they touch the baited trap. You can purchase these traps at most hardware stores.

Make a small hole in the middle of a cardboard box. Use a pen to create a hole at the box's center, ensuring it's about twice the size of the targeted bird for trapping.

Secure the mousetrap to the ground using 2-3 long metal nails. Ensure that the trap remains stable when a bird lands on it.

Create a loop at one end of the thread. Temporarily loop it around a part of the mousetrap. Pass the other end through the box's top hole. Later, this loop will connect to the spring, but for now, it needs to create tension on the line.

• Position the box on its edge, facing the trap with the open part angled upwards, allowing birds to fly under and land on the trap.

Tie a loop at the opposite end of the thread from the mousetrap. Insert a nail through the loop and secure this end of the string to the ground. Adjust the nail's position to maintain tension and keep the box balanced on its edge. Ensure the box's interior faces the ground, with one side raised for bird entry. Adjust the thread so that the box's highest edge is about a foot above the ground.

• The box should be high enough for birds to enter but low enough to close before they can escape.

Attach the string to the mousetrap's loaded spring. Load the spring without engaging the arm, as if setting it for a mouse. Pressing on the trap should release the tension quickly. The string should be connected to the mechanism that triggers the spring when a bird steps on it. When a bird lands on the trap, the box will fall and trap it.

• The string's tension keeps the box in position. Ensure the string is tied correctly for proper function.
• Test the string's tension by pressing on the trap. It should release and drop the box.

Place bread or birdseed on the mousetrap as bait and wait for results. Avoid disturbing the trap as constant human activity can scare birds away. Check the trap if the box has fallen to see if you've caught anything.

Use long sleeves and gloves when handling a live bird. To remove the bird from your trap, lift the box slightly, reach in, and grasp the bird securely around its body. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid pecks or scratches. The darkness inside the trap should disorient the bird, making it easier to handle.

• Keep in mind that you might also catch a rabbit or squirrel since the trap is on the ground. Be prepared for any unexpected catches.

• Take your trap outside when you spot the bird you want to catch in your yard.

• Check local regulations to ensure trapping birds is legal before setting up traps. Penalties can be severe.