Deadfall Trap
Channel: SKCradleboard Initiative
Date: 29/01/2015

Deadfall traps are a traditional way to kill large animals, like Bears. The TTech is widely used in Northern Saskatchewan, and this method was learned by Barry Linklater from his uncle Gordon Linklater, an elder in Pelican Narrows who grew up following a traditional lifestyle on a trapline.  In this activity, you will learn about how gravity can be used to stabilize a deadfall trap by building a scale model.  The deadfall trap is a ‘quick, humane kill’ only when it is designed just right. Bait is positioned so that an animal who comes and takes it will destabilize the trap, and be crushed or trapped. To kill a bear, the ‘board’ would be a large, heavy log. To trap a squirrel or rabbit, the ‘board’ could be a heavy basket made out of a cone of logs. Along with teaching Barry how to build and use a deadfall trap, his uncle shared teachings about how to choose a trap for your purposes and how to use them with respect. ‘Only take what’s needed, don’t’ be greedy or take more than you need.’

Barry Linklater, ITEP Science Methods (2013)