How to Build a Snare Trap 10: How to Build a Bow Trap

[sociallinkz]

In number 10 of the “how to build a snare trap” series, I teach you how to build a bow trap.  This particular trap is great for large or small game.  It is also great for narrow passage defense.  This use is seen many times on medieval television shows.  I have grown fond of placing the instructions on the photos, so you can easily share the photos.

I hope I don’t have to explain how dangerous this type of trap is to animals and people alike.  Be careful when setting this, where you set it, and staying out of the path of a loaded weapon.  I hate to see anyone get hurt.  This time I used many colors on the photo, so I could explain it a little easier.  The design is complex, so color coding everything makes it easier.

How to Build a Snare Trap 10: How to Build a Bow Trap

I may have an overall complex design, but if you look at the simple design of the spring snare, this is the same simple trigger design used to implement the snare!

1. Fashion a bow or have one available. I think I will do a post very soon on basic bow design.
2. Place 4 sticks on the ground as in the photo to hold bow.  The two orange ones are straight up while the two brown ones are at an angle so they can hold the bow at an elevated height.
3. Place the three green sticks behind the bow at full draw length of the string.
4. Fasten a stick (gray) across the two green ones in front.  I show tying it to the front of the green sticks, but it is better if you place it behind them for more strength.  Any stick that will be sliding on one another, MUST be smoothed out to reduce friction.
5. Place the 4 very smooth sticks (purple) around as show above to wrap the trip line around from the trail to the trigger.
6. Tie your Trip Line to the stick on the opposite side of the trail from the trap and bring it around all the smooth sticks as shown in the photo.
7. Pull trip line tight and tie to the trigger (light gray stick) so the trip line is tight when everything is set.
8. Pull back bowstring and set the trigger (light gray) across the back green stick and the bottom of your fulcrum (notched in center and maroon). Attach the bowstring on the top.
9. Lay the spear or arrow across the top of the bow and rest it securely with the arrow notch on the string. The whole thing should be pointing now directly at or above the string, wherever your game will be.

There are ways to move your pulley sticks (purple) so the arrow is pointing THROUGH the trail and not across to allow a different type of wound.  What if you used the same trip line to trigger multiple bow traps?  This would greatly raise your chances of hitting the target.  Obviously, as you add more traps to the trip line, you raise the danger level of setting one off while you are still setting the traps, so BE VERY CAREFUL!