Why Use Natural Cordage for Trapping Small Game?

Gathering and Processing Bark Fibers

Gathering the right type of bark is crucial for creating effective cordage. Look for trees with flexible bark, such as willow, alder, or cottonwood. Harvest the bark in long strips, cutting it close to the trunk to minimize waste. Remove any loose fibers and soak the bark in water for several hours to make it pliable. Then, peel off the bark and break it down into smaller pieces to process into usable fibers. This process can yield up to 1 pound of usable fibers from 5 pounds of raw bark.

Creating the Cordage

Twist the fibers together to create a strong cord, working in sections to maintain even tension. For a small game trap, aim for a cord diameter of about 1/8 inch. Use a technique called “plant fiber cordage” where you twist the fibers in a figure-eight pattern to create a strong and flexible cord. This technique yields a cord with a tensile strength of up to 200 pounds per square inch.

Building the Trap

Using the cordage, construct a simple snare or pitfall trap to catch small game. For a snare, tie the cord to a sturdy branch and attach a trigger mechanism to release the snare when an animal trips it. For a pitfall trap, dig a shallow pit and line it with the cordage to create a slip-resistant surface. Bait the trap with food and set it near a game trail to increase the chances of success.