In a wilderness survival scenario, securing meat is crucial. While the classic Figure 4 Deadfall is effective, the Paiute Deadfall is the absolute pinnacle of sensitivity, often triggering on the lightest touch. This trap, which substitutes cordage for the rigid stick angles of the Figure 4, relies on tension and delicate balance, making it deadly effective for small- to medium-sized game like rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons.
Here is your step-by-step guide to mastering the Paiute Deadfall.
What You Need: Essential Components
The Paiute Deadfall is a three-piece wooden trigger system held together by cordage (or natural plant fiber/sinew).
Component | Description |
|---|---|
Deadfall Weight | A large, heavy rock or log (at least 50 lbs) large enough to instantly kill the target animal. |
Bail/Cordage | About 3 feet of strong cord (paracord, wire, or natural cordage). |
Upright Post | A strong, smooth stick (pencil-thickness, 6-8 inches long) that takes the main weight. |
Catch Stick (Lever) | A stick (finger-thickness, 8-10 inches long) that acts as the lever and pivot. |
Bait Stick | The smallest, most delicate stick (chopstick-thickness, 4-6 inches long) that holds the bait. |
Step 1: Setting the Deadfall and Bail
The first step is securing the deadly force of the trap: the weight.
- Place the Weight: Position your heavy log or rock over the area where the animal will be attracted (the "kill zone").
- Attach the Cord (The Bail): Tie one end of your cordage securely to the center of the underside of the deadfall weight.
- Prop the Weight: Lift the deadfall high enough to allow your target animal to easily move underneath it. You can use a temporary stick for this, but it will be replaced by the trigger system shortly.
- Create the Tension Loop: Take the free end of the cordage, loop it around the deadfall's support, and create a small, tight slip knot or loop roughly 8–10 inches below the deadfall. This loop is what holds the trigger system.
Step 2: Carving the Trigger Sticks
The key to the Paiute is the two small pieces that interact with the tension loop.
A. The Upright Post
This stick supports the most weight. Carve a smooth, flat notch near the top (about 1/2 inch wide). The bail loop will rest here.
B. The Catch Stick (Lever)
This stick is carved with two distinct points:
- A sharp point on one end that will delicately rest on the ground.
- A tight, 90-degree notch or hook carved into the middle of the stick. This notch must be precisely cut to engage the upright post.
C. The Bait Stick
This is the simplest piece. Carve one end to a razor-sharp, fine point that will delicately hold the catch stick. The other end is for the bait.
Step 3: Assembling the Sensitive Mechanism
This is the tricky part—where you transfer the weight from the temporary prop to the delicate trigger system.
- Hang the Post: Pass the bail loop (from Step 1) over the notch in the Upright Post. The post should now be hanging straight down, bearing the full weight of the deadfall.
- Engage the Lever: Place the Upright Post on the ground. Take the Catch Stick and carefully hook its mid-point notch onto the bottom of the Upright Post.
- Balance the Tension: Adjust the angle of the Catch Stick so the weight of the deadfall holds it firmly in place, but not so tight that the stick is difficult to set. The Catch Stick should angle back toward you, using its sharp end as a pivot on the ground.
Step 4: Finalizing the Bait and Set
The last piece determines the trap's sensitivity.
- Place the Bait Stick: Hold the Catch Stick steady. Insert the finely pointed end of the Bait Stick into the ground just enough to hold it steady.
- Apply Pressure: Lean the other end of the Catch Stick onto the Bait Stick's body. The weight of the deadfall is now concentrated through this delicate point.
- Bait: Apply your lure (e.g., peanut butter, charred acorn, dried meat fat) to the exposed end of the Bait Stick.
How it Kills: When the animal bumps, pulls, or nudges the bait stick, the stick's fine point releases the Catch Stick, which in turn releases the Upright Post. The bail cord slips, and the massive weight drops instantly.
3 Pro-Tips for Success
- De-Scenting: Handle all your trap pieces as little as possible. Rubbing the pieces with local vegetation (like pine needles or dirt) can help remove human scent that would deter cautious animals.
- Camouflage: Place small bits of foliage or grass around the base and sides of the trap to disguise the unnatural structure, but never place anything under the actual deadfall weight that would cushion the blow.
- Bait Placement: For rodents, place the bait right on the ground at the very end of the Bait Stick. For larger animals, you may want to place the bait slightly higher up on the stick to encourage a stronger tugging motion.
