Most birds can't be legally trapped in many states and countries.Light trapping can be done in a survival situation or to control population in your yard.Though you may need a permit, you can build your own bird trap with some basic supplies at home or in the wild.
Step 1: A wilderness bird trap can be built with two sticks, a cord, and a rock.
The Ojibwa Bird Pole is a staple of indigenous hunters in Canada.Birds perch on a small branch, which you rig to fall under their weight.They are caught in a trap before they can escape.A large branch is roughly the width of a few fingers and 6-7 feet long.A pencil-thin stick is six inches long.A rock is roughly the size of your fist.A 3-4 foot rope, shoestrings and sleeping bag will work.There is a knife.
Step 2: There are two ends to the pole or stick.
The bottom side needs to be sharp enough to plant.The bird can't land on your perch because the top end is sharpened.
Step 3: There is a hole at one of the ends.
It should be the same width as your stick.The perch is inserted into the hole.
Step 4: Tie one end of the rope around the rock.
The rock should be secured to one end of the string.You can use any knot to keep the rock in place.
Step 5: Attach the string through the hole with a small knot.
The string can still move through the post hole if the knot is small.The rock will be in place when the stick jams in next to the string.When the stick isn't jammed in, the knot should be able to move through the hole.First, some trappers tie the knot, then put the stick in.Others put the stick down first.You should experiment with what works for you.
Step 6: Next to your knot, wedge the thinner stick into the hole.
The perch should be next to the string.This "perch" needs to fall under the weight of the bird in order to snare it, so don't jam it in too tightly.Two feet of string should be on the other side of your knot.
Step 7: To make your snare, tie a slip knot in the end of the string.
Make a big one so you can fit your fist through it.If you're not familiar with the slip noose knot, you can still make it with some practice: double the string back on itself to make a U-shaped loop.Return the string to the top of the loop.It will look like a flattened "S." Wrap the end of the rope around the doubled line.Wrap the doubled string around the rope tightly.
Step 8: The end of the rope should go towards the pole.
You will be left with a circle of rope.The end of the rope will be close to the pole.The rope should be draped off the stick.
Step 9: Right where the two sticks meet, tie an overhand knot.
An overhand knot is when you pull through a loop.All you have to do is wrap the rope around your hole and then run the end through the circle.The point where your two sticks meet should be here.
Step 10: Push down on the perch to check the trap.
The weight of the rock should pull the rope through the hole so you can grab your finger.The traps are very variable.The closer the perch and noose are to the same size, the more effective your trap will be.Try and tie the smallest knot possible in the beginning so that the rope can move freely through the hole once the stick is removed.
Step 11: The best place for a bird to land is in your trap.
The best place for a bird to land is in an open field.Birds prefer tree branches in the forest.If you want to use a more effective trap, place a little birdseed on it.
Step 12: Small birds only provide a small amount of calories.
The small birds that are handled only provide 100 calories.If you don't have a lot of traps, there are better ways to find food, such as insects and game traps.In the winter, the traps can be a good source of nutrition.
Step 13: A mousetrap, a cardboard box, and some string can be used to build a backyard trap.
A mouse trap spring is attached to a cardboard box.The box falls when the bird lands on the trap.In a survival scenario, the trap can be an effective trap because it will spring on squirrels and other small game.
Step 14: Purchase a live rat or mouse trap.
The "classic" trap has a wooden board attached to it.When they touch the trap, they catch the mouse by flipping a metal bar.These traps can be found at almost any hardware store.
Step 15: There is a small hole in the center of a cardboard box.
You can punch a whole in the middle of the box with a pen.The box should be twice the size of the bird to trap it.
Step 16: Attach the mouse trap to the ground with metal nails.
It's important that the trap isn't moved when the bird lands on it.
Step 17: A loop is tied in one end of the thread.
It should be looped around the mouse trap.The box has a hole in it.You'll attach this loop to the spring later on.To create tension in the line, you need it looped somewhere on the trap.The open part of the box needs to face the trap.It should be positioned so that a bird could land on the trap.
Step 18: There is a loop in the end of the thread.
If you want to nail the end of the string into the ground, run a nail through the loop.The box stays balanced on it's edge if the nail is pulled out enough.Birds can enter the box if one side is raised to face the ground.If you want the highest edge of the box to be in the air, you have to adjust the thread.The box needs to be high enough for a bird to fly into it, but low enough to stop the bird from leaving.
Step 19: There is a loaded mousetrap spring.
Load the arm but not the spring, as if you were setting it for a mouse.When you press on the trap, it should open quickly.The mechanism that springs when a mouse or bird steps on it is where you want the string to be.The box will fall around the bird when it lands on the trap.The box is held in place by the string.Make sure you tie the string correctly.Push the trap to test the string.The box should fall if the string loses tension.
Step 20: Take some bread or birdseed and place it on the mousetrap.
Birds will be scared away by human activity near the trap.If you see the box falling, you can check to see if you caught anything.
Step 21: When grabbing a live bird, wear long sleeves and gloves.
Lift the box slightly, reach in, and grab the bird firmly around the body to get it out of the trap.Gloves and long sleeves are required to prevent scratching.You can pick it off the ground if the darkness disorients it.It is possible to catch a rabbit or squirrel with your trap since it is on the ground.Be ready for anything.