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Figure-4 Deadfall
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A Figure-4 Deadfall trap relies on a trigger that is roughly
in the shape of the number "4", hence the name.
The mechanism of this trap is explained in detail at the
bottom of this page.
But first, some overview photos of this trap...
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Trap constructed by Julia Kristof
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Here is a nice overview photo of the Figure-4 Deadfall
trap mechanism.
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Trap
constructed by Alex Harwood
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A figure-4 deadfall
trap set, using a
pine board to simulate a deadfall, with a rock on top for weight.
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Another figure-4 deadfall, again using a pine board
to simulate the deadfall part.
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Click on the small photo
to see a movie of this trap being triggered |
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Windows Media format (WMV)
320x240, 319 KB |
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Trap constructed by Julie Liptak
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Trap and photo by Allan "Bow" Beauchamp |
Here is a small figure-4 deadfall
in a bush situation. |
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Detailed photos of the parts
of the Figure-4 trigger: |
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Trap constructed by Walter Muma
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The basic principle of the Figure-4 trigger, and how it
works:
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A rock or other weight rests on the end of the diagonal
stick. This supplies downward pressure to the end of that stick.
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The diagonal stick rests on and pivots on the vertical
stick at "C". This keeps the diagonal stick from slipping
away to the left.
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The diagonal stick is also held in place by having the
end rest in a notch at "B".
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The pressure of the diagonal stick is pulling the
horizontal stick towards the left.
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The horizontal stick is held in place by the notches at
"A".
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"A" is where the actual trigger mechanism is
located.
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The bait is placed at the end of the horizontal stick to
the right of "A" (this stick can be made longer as
necessary), so that it is located directly under the weight.
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When the animal takes the bait at the end of the horizontal
stick, the trigger at "A" is released. The horizontal stick
falls to the ground, and the diagonal stick flips up and out in a
counter-clockwise arc. This allows the weight to come crashing down on
the animal, killing it instantly.
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Note that the vertical stick should be resting on a hard
surface, such as a flat stone. Otherwise it may dig into the ground
and cannot fall out of the way when the trap is triggered - the
deadfall weight will come to rest on the vertical stick and won't fall
to the ground.
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Note also that it is usually good practice to put
something hard on the ground under the whole trap, or place the trap
on rock. Otherwise, the deadfall, when it falls, may not kill the
animal, only injure it, since the animal may be pressed into the soft
ground.
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Trap constructed by Walter Muma
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A Looking
down along the vertical stick. Note
that the vertical stick has been squared off. The
horizontal stick has a square-ended notch cut into it. The
pressure of the diagonal stick is pulling the horizontal stick to
the left.
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B Here
the diagonal stick is pushing the horizontal stick out towards the
left. Side view.
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C The
pivot point at the top of the vertical stick. This holds
the diagonal stick in place, preventing it from slipping away to the
left. Side view.
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