Basically, a Split Stick Deadfall depends on a stick that has been cut in two pieces, resting end-to-end vertically, with a smaller bait stick stuck in between the two pieces of the vertical stick.

Trap constructed by Walter Muma

Here is an overview of a Split Stick Deadfall set.

The base of the lower vertical stick is supposed to sit on a rock. To increase this trap's sensitivity, a rounded rock can be used.

This is a very tough trap to set up. The two vertical sticks are always wanting to flip out on you.

Again, the vertical stick in this trap has actually been cut into two pieces, and they are resting end-to-end, vertically. The bait stick is a much smaller stick that has been inserted into a notch cut into each end of the two vertical sticks where they meet.

The slightest movement of the bait stick will trigger this trap. If the bait stick is pushed to one side, it destabilizes the mechanism, causing the two vertical sticks to flip out.

Trap constructed by Murray Yazer

This is a close-up of how the bait stick fits into a notch between the two end-to-end vertical sticks. The notch can be square, as in this case, or rounded.

Trap constructed by Walter Muma

A side view of the meeting of the two vertical sticks, showing the bait stick going through the notch between them.

Survival Traps Snares Food Cordage

READ THE DISCLAIMER