How to Make a Simple Survival Trap for When SHTF

So, the other day my buddy Mario goes, “Hey, a survival channel that doesn’t teach how to trap? What is this, a vegan thing?” Man, I cracked up—but he kinda had a point.

I’m not into hunting for fun (actually had a few run-ins with weekend warriors blasting near my land), but let’s be real: if your family’s going hungry and there’s no food in sight, a trap can mean the difference between your kid being fed… or not.

Today I’m gonna show you how to make a super simple survival trap using just three sticks—and a portable version I designed myself to keep in the bug-out bag. This ain’t a toy. It’s something you want in your toolkit if the world flips upside down. Let’s break it down like we’re out in the field together testing it.

Why learn to trap (Even if you’re not a fan)

Before we dive in, let’s be clear: this isn’t about sport hunting or trophy stuff. I love animals, and if you’ve been following me, you know I’d rather grow tomatoes than shoot a rabbit. But if things go south (and I seriously think one day we’ll have to choose between “obeying rules” or surviving off-grid), you might not have a grocery store to lean on. In that kind of world, a trap isn’t cruel, it’s survival. If there’s a rabbit or a pigeon out there that can feed your family, you’re gonna be grateful for this skill. This post is for those situations—not for showing off on Instagram.

The easiest trap out there: Just three sticks

Alright, let’s get to it. This trap—known as a Paiute Deadfall in its basic form—uses just three sticks. I label them so you don’t get lost: stick 1, stick 2, stick 3. You’re basically building a number “4” shape that collapses when an animal tugs on the bait. So easy even the kids can learn it, and if you’ve got a family, this makes a fun backyard project.

Here’s the breakdown:

Stick 1: The Main Post

This one’s the longest, about 8 inches (20 cm), but tweak that based on what you’re after. Cut one end at an angle like you’re sharpening a pencil, but no point. That cut is key to lock it in with the other sticks. When I filmed this, my hands were wrecked from the garden, but it’s easy work if you’ve got a decent knife.

Stick 2: The Support Arm

A bit shorter. Also angled at the end, but with a notch on the side. This guy holds the weight of your brick or rock—keeps everything balanced. That notch is where stick 3 locks in.

Stick 3: The Trigger

This one’s the trickster. It’s got a notch and some grooves to tie on bait—grain, fruit, a scrap of meat, whatever you think will lure your dinner. Once an animal yanks it? Boom—trap collapses. Smallest stick, but it’s doing the heavy lifting.

How to set it up without losing your mind

Now for the fun part—setting it up. Picture yourself outdoors with a heavy brick or flat rock (I used a brick at home, wasn’t out in the woods that day). Stick 1 gets pressed into the ground or leaned on something solid. Stick 2 slots into the angle cut of stick 1 and supports the weight above. Stick 3 (trigger stick) goes across, holding tension, with bait tied on. Done right, it forms that “4” shape I talked about. Animal smells bait, pulls—WHAM. Game over.

Pro Tip

Tie the bait before setting the trap. Trust me, it’s a pain if you do it afterward. And yeah, the balance takes some practice—so don’t just read this. Go do it!

My favorite part: The portable trap I designed

This one I’m kinda proud of. I designed a travel-friendly version of the same trap, so I’m not carving sticks every time. I made it out of tough plastic (an old window blind, actually, but anything about half an inch thick will do) . Just cut three pieces, about 2 inches wide and 16 inches long, with the same notches and angles you’d carve in wood. Now it lives in my bug-out bag. Weighs nothing, folds flat, and I can set it up in 60 seconds. Don’t need to hunt for sticks or carry a knife. If I’m on the move, that’s time I don’t waste.

Why I Loved Building This

Sure, carving the wood version feels cool, it’s hands-on, primal, real. But if you’re bugging out or short on time, that ain’t practical. With my plastic trap, you just grab it, add bait, and you’re in business. And it’ll last forever. Wood rots. Plastic? Not so much.

Make It a family skill, not just a survival hack

This isn’t just about survival, it’s about connection. Got kids? Curious friends? Show them how to make one.

Each cut, each notch, it’s a skill and a memory. I built one with my nephew last weekend. He kept using this wonky bent stick that didn’t work at all, we laughed our butts off. But hey, now he’s got his own mini trap at home.

When the system fails, You won’t

Look, I’m not trying to be doomsday here—but I’ve got a gut feeling weird times are ahead. If one day you’re told you need a “mark” or some rules to get food or work, I’m not sticking around the city waiting for handouts. That’s why I learned this stuff. Not for kicks. For need. When the system’s gone—or worse, it’s there but not helping—you’ll be glad you’ve got something like this in your back pocket.

Building a trap isn’t just about catching dinner. It’s about knowing the world can change overnight, and you’ll still have options.

Start today:grab three sticks and build that “4” shape. Or go full DIY and make yourself a plastic trap like mine. Don’t just scroll past—do it.

This kind of prep builds skills, confidence, and yeah—it’s actually kinda fun.

So, do you dare to give it a try? Cheat this weekend, take the family to the backyard and set up your “4”. Let me know how it went in the comments.

The world of preparation is step by step, but with this you already have one more tool for when things go wrong. See you next time, keep on working hard!

Editorial Team