Bait Stick Twitchup Snare

Materials needed to build this trap:

1 straight stick 1 foot long and 1/2 inch diameter.

1 "V" shaped stick with legs that are 10-12 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter.

1 bait stick that has a side branch coming out that is at least 4-5 inches long.

Cordage

A young sapling to use as the engine.

Bait

Locate a known small game path and assemble the trap in the path as shown in the above diagram.

The baited trigger stick length will be determined on how deep you have to pound the v-stick into the ground. The trigger stick should be at 90 degrees to the long straight stick.

When setting the trigger stick onto the straight stick, leave barely enough edge so that the slightest touch will cause the trigger to release. Also, ensure that the loop of the noose is surrounding the baited trigger and larger enough for the game to enter and get caught.

Set up several of these traps at different game path locations in order to give you a better chance at catching something.

Stay Prepared!  Stay Alive!

Charlie

Forked Twitch Up Snare

Forked Twitch-up Snare

This version of the Twitch Up Snare I call the Forked Twitch Up Snare. It may be called something else, but not sure. 

This is a good snare to use when you have good game trails and plenty of young saplings. If saplings are not available, but only stout tree limbs, you can use a large rock or log as the engine. Just tie the heavy object to the end of the cordage where the sapling would normally be and then throw the other end of a tree limb and set your snare.

For the game animal you are attempting to snare, make sure your forked stake is strong enough to withstand the pull of the sapling (engine). The two legs should be able to be pounded into the ground without breaking and deep enough not to be pulled out of the ground by the engine.

If you plan on using this design, make it larger in size to account for the size of the animal.

The noose end of the snare can be placed under the bait stick, as shown in the above photo, or can be draped over the bait stick so that when the prey sticks its head up to the bait and removes it, its head gets caught in the noose.

You can use chunks of cactus, prickly pear fruit, peanut butter, fresh vegetables, berries or other similar appetizers as bait for this trap. If at all possible, and if available, use gloves when setting this trap. Animals have a keen sense of smell and if they smell human scent, they may not attempt to take the bait.

After setting the trap, wait about 5 minutes to make sure the forked stake does not pull out of the ground, if it does, make a longer stake and reset it.

Setting 6 or more of these traps is your best chance of catching something. Make sure you place foliage or stones on the sides of the trails to funnel the prey into the snare.

Always check your traps daily for prey. It is a waste of food and inhumane to leave an animal in a trap, especially if it is still alive and suffering. 

When you leave the area, release all your traps. If you are still in a survival situation, take your snares with you to use a your new location.

Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!

Charlie

U-Trigger Twitch-up Snare

Snare Components:

One green sapling, approx. 2 ft long by 1/2 inch dia.

One crossbeam/bait trigger- 10 inches by 1/2 inch dia.

One floating/trigger pin- 4 inches by 1/2 dia.

Snare cordage (para-chord or similar)

This snare has only one entry point. The back side needs to be blocked so that game will not come in through this point. The sides of the game path should be built up as to funnel the game into the noose of the trap.

The baited trigger pin is positioned across the game trail, as shown in the diagram. The end opposite of where the cordage is tied has a flat spot cut on the under side of the trigger. This is where the floating pin sits against for stability.

The bait is secured in the center of the bait stick. The bait should be hard for the animal to remove in order for enough pressure to be applied to spring the trap.

Several of these traps should be installed for a better chance of getting your game. The size of the components of this trap can be adjusted to the size of game your are intending to catch.

This is just one example of the many styles of the twitch-up series of traps. What is meant by twitch-up is that the end of the snare cordage is tied to a bent sapling or dead fall creating tension on the trigger pin. 

When the trap is sprung, the animal is jerked upwards by the sapling or dead fall (also called the Engine) causing the noose loop to tighten around the animal not allowing it to escape and many times killing the animal.

Your traps should be checked daily to harvest any game that may be awaiting.

Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!

Charlie

Crossbeam Twitch-Up Snare

Snare Installed

Snare Components:

Two stakes- approximately 18 inches by 1 inch dia.

One crossbeam- approximately 12 inches by 1/2 inch dia.

One trigger pin- 3 inches by 1/2 dia.

Snare cordage (para-chord or similar)

This snare has only one entry point. The back side needs to be blocked so that game will not come in through this point. The sides of the game path should be built up as to funnel the game into the noose of the trap.

The hooked end of the trigger pin faces toward the entry of the trap. The back side of the trap can be baited to lure the game into the snare.

Several of these traps should be installed for a better chance of getting your game. The size of the components of this trap can be adjusted to the size of game your are intending to catch.

This is just one example of the many styles of the twitch-up series of traps. What is meant by twitch-up is that the end of the snare cordage is tied to a bent sapling or dead fall creating tension on the trigger pin. 

When the trap is sprung, the animal is jerked upwards by the sapling or dead fall (also called the Engine) causing the noose loop to tighten around the animal not allowing it to escape and many times killing the animal.

Your traps should be checked daily to harvest any game that may be awaiting.

Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!

Charlie