In many countries trapping birds is against the law.In the wilderness, trapping birds for survival is a viable source of calories.If you're in the wild, leave.If you need a permit, be sure to research local codes.
Step 1: Use a pocketknife, two sticks, a cord, and a rock to build a bird pole.
The trap has been used in Canada for a long time.Birds will perch on the smaller stick, which is rigged to a simple noose that tightens when a bird lands on it.The easiest trap you can make in the wilderness is the Ojibwa Bird Pole.You will need a large branch that is roughly the width of a few fingers.A pencil-thin stick.A rock is roughly the size of your fist.A rope or cord is 3-4 feet long.This can be twine, a sleeping bag cord, or a vine.A sharp knife.
Step 2: The pole has two ends.
Birds will perch on your trap, not the pole, if the top is sharp and the bottom is driven into the ground.
Step 3: There is a hole near one of the ends.
It doesn't have to be wide, just wide enough to push your stick through.
Step 4: Tie one end of the rope around the rock.
The rock holds the trap in place until the bird springs it.Any knot will do.
Step 5: You can wedge the stick into the hole.
It should be next to the string.To keep it in place, you don't want to put the stick all the way in.The perch needs to fall under the weight of the bird in order to be snared.
Step 6: Tie a small knot in the hole by threading the string through it.
The weight of the rock will try to pull the string through the hole.You want to make it so that the knot and stick hold the rope in place, with the rock hanging freely about halfway up the pole.Since the hole and stick size will be different, this may take some trial and error.When the stick isn't jammed in, the knot should be able to move through the hole.Some trappers tie the knot first, then put the stick in.You should experiment with what works for you.Two feet of string should be on the other side of your knot.
Step 7: Attach a slip knot to the end of the string.
Take the end of the string and make a big one for your fist.To make a U-shaped loop, double the string back on itself.Go back towards the top of the loop.It will look like a flattened "S." Wrap the end of the rope around the doubled line.Wrap the double string around the rope tightly.
Step 8: Back towards the pole, run the end of the rope through the knot.
You will have a circle of rope draped over your perch.The end of the rope will be near the pole.The rope should be draped off of the stick.
Step 9: Right where the two sticks meet, tie a simple overhand knot.
An overhand knot is when you pull through a loop.All you have to do is wrap the rope around your hole and then run the end through the circle.At the point where your two sticks meet, this should be it.
Step 10: Pull the perch down to test the trap.
The weight of the rock should pull the rope through the hole so you can grab your finger.These traps are very variable.The closer the perch is to the same size, the more effective your trap will be.Try and tie the smallest knot possible in the beginning so that the rope can move freely through the hole once the stick is removed.
Step 11: If you want a bird to sit, place your trap in an open area.
There are plenty of good trees around if you place this trap in the woods.The only place for them to land is in an open area.
Step 12: This trap is a supplement for a survival diet and not a main source of food.
Small birds only provide 100 calories per bird.There are better returns on your investment if you use insects and game traps for rabbits and squirrels.In the winter, these traps can be a viable source of nutrition.
Step 13: Use a mousetrap, a cardboard box, and some string to build a backyard trap.
The trap will hold a box on the bird until you get to it.It can be used to catch rabbits and squirrels.
Step 14: Purchase a trap for rats or mice.
You want a wooden board with a trap wire.These traps can be found at almost any hardware store.
Step 15: There is a small hole in the middle of a box.
The box should be bigger than the bird you want to catch.
Step 16: Place the mouse trap in the ground.
Put a nail in the center of the trap.You should use a long nail.The dirt will be secured so that the trap won't move when the bird lands.The box should be balanced under the mouse trap.
Step 17: There is a loop in the thread.
It should be looped around part of the mouse trap.The box has a hole in it.You'll attach this loop to the spring later.To create tension in the line, you just need it looped somewhere on the trap.
Step 18: There is a loop in the end of the thread.
Pull the nail out of the ground so that the box is balanced on one edge.The inside of the box should be facing the ground, with one side raised to allow birds to enter.If you want the highest edge of the box to be in the air, you have to adjust the thread.The box has to be high enough for a bird to fly into it, but low enough that it can shut quickly.
Step 19: The string should be tied around the spring.
Load the arm, not the spring.When a mouse or bird steps on it, you want the string to be on the mechanism that springs.The box will fall around the bird when it releases the spring.The box is being held in place by the string.Make sure you tie the string correctly.
Step 20: The bread or birdseed should be placed on the mousetrap.
You want the bird to land on the trap, springing it and releasing the string.The box will fall and allow you to catch the bird.
Step 21: The trap should be left alone for at least six hours.
Birds will be scared away by human activity near the trap.If you see that the box has fallen, you can check to see if you caught anything.
Step 22: When grabbing a bird, wear long sleeves and gloves.
Lift the box slightly, reach in, and grab the bird firmly around the body to get it out of the trap.Gloves and long sleeves are needed to prevent scratching.It is possible to catch a rabbit or squirrel with your trap since it is on the ground.Be ready for anything.
Step 23: Make sure the bird is well cared for.
Sometimes adult birds need a break after running into something.Don't try to catch the bird until it tries to recover.As it tries to get away, you may only hurt it further.Baby birds that have their feathers are out of the nest because they are learning to fly.Unless they are injured, they should be left alone by their parents.If you see a baby bird that has been abandoned, call a wildlife rehabilitator.You can find it through your vet.Humane societies can help you find one.The rehabilitator should be able to tell you what to do with the bird, such as leave it alone or bring it in.
Step 24: Put on gloves.
Birds carry diseases.As you attempt to catch one, they can hurt you.A sturdy pair of gardening gloves is a good bet to help protect your hands.Leather gloves are better for helping a bird of prey.
Step 25: Go behind the bird.
It is possible to come up out of sight of the bird.Birds can fly away even if they have injuries, so you can startle it by coming from the front.A piece of cloth can be used as a pillowcase.Put the cloth over the bird.Pick the bird up with the cloth around it.
Step 26: A box is needed to store the bird.
You can use a small box.A box works well for this purpose.Place something soft inside the holes in the top.
Step 27: You should know how to hold the bird.
Small and large birds are held in one hand.The bird's head should come between the first and middle fingers with one hand.Wrap your hand around the bird's body.Rest one hand on the other side of the body.Don't squeeze the bird too tightly.
Step 28: The bird should be moved to the box.
Put the bird in the box and put the lid on it.You can call a wildlife rehabilitator if you put the box in a quiet, dark area.
Step 29: Call your vet.
There will be information about finding a local rehabilitator.If you call a rehabilitater in your area, she can give you information on what to do next.