The paiute deadfall, more effective than the figure-four deadfall, has been used by small game hunters for thousands of years. A simple trap that requires two sticks with cut notches and a small piece of cordage, the paiute deadfall is a trustworthy trap.
The beauty of the paiute deadfall is the trigger is light, yet the structure can still hold a fairly heavy stone. The first step is to choose a stone that’s the right size. Fairly long and flat is what you’re looking for with enough weight to squash a rodent.
Next step, choose two sticks, a small piece of rope or cordage you can make from natural fibers, and a trigger. Follow the instructions in the video below and see the deadfall in action using infrared motion-detecting cameras.
