Paiute Deadfall Trap Verses the Figure 4 Deadfall Trap (87 days episode 16)

[@TheDadx3]

I love your channel and congratulations on your win! Your mod is what I was taught by my Dad almost 50 years ago. I've never seen a figure four with the half lap joint, as in the in the first version. One further mod for the figure-4, make the sloped stick much steeper. There's greater mechanical advantage, so less tension is on the bait stick. This makes the trap more sensitive and, also, helps to throw all of the sticks out of the way when it fires. The vertical stick should not be under the dead fall when it is set. You make a great point that most overlook, since the bait stick is the only stick not under compression-it's under tension and can be much smaller just like you advised and for the exact reason you stated. Also, put a little piece of bark or a flat stone under the vertical stick so it won't push into wet/soft ground. This can be especially important in freeze/thaw conditions. I've caught, literally, many dozens of "critters" over the years with this trap, have taught it to my boys and they are using it effectively, too. Keep up your entertaining and wonderful work!

[@joearko7998]

My wife and I literally just watched your season last week for the first time, it was amazing!!! I'm so happy to have stumbled across your KZbin page today! Incredible content and so well shot. Thank you SO much for the time and effort you put into these. You've inspired us to learn SO many new skills and try so many new things.

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

I just don't understand... I have been watching some of the best bushcrafters in the world, setting traps for years. To this day, including you now, I am yet to see anyone use a "safety" rock or branch between the two rocks, to avoid crushing the hands until the trap is set. Even seen Dave Canterbury crushing his digits. Hell...It only took one hand crush for me to start using a safety.

[@rickniemi1784]

I agree. That's the first thing I thought of after it fell.

[@sosteve9113]

Triumph Screen Printing i always build a safety in IT,and take it away as last

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

drama ;)

[@janetblood6772]

Triumph Screen Printing he's saying its for the dramatic effect, jokingly. Honestly, you're idea is genius, Fowler could have been trapped in his own trap and died of starvation

[@janetblood6772]

Or forced to chew of his own hand

[@Sacwriter]

Someone once told me that the trick to making a deadfall was using a fourth stick. You first prop up the deadweight with a thick, sturdy piece of wood so that the weight is steady enough to work with. You then put your figure four or Paiute trap into place, gently pushing it backwards, until it slowly raises the deadweight up enough to pull out the fourth stick. I've never tried it, but it sounds logical

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

I jumped before the rock even fell LOL

[@bendanocapcodvids2026]

The Wooded Beardsman Iiii

[@rabbidman5432]

the bearded woodsman works better but do what you like :-)

[@kevinduran8980]

Wasap

[@jonathanhumphrey4143]

Can you give me the recipe for that minnow soup?

[@lunch-ladygabe3422]

Wooded beardsman I'm a sub

[@b1laxson]

Thanks for this. I may be very new to the craft but one other thing against the Paiute is all that cordage being consumed. There is enough there to make a loop snare or bind up a cooking trap. A couple of traps equals a short fishing line. Your inverted-whatever-4 version is all wood and stone taken from the enviroment. In an extended survival that means you can keep creating more and more traps as days go by while using that cordage in other things.

[@somthaistore2452]

respect man... putting your own limbs on the line to prove a great point.

[@DanOneDr]

This is great! Sooo i started researching how to sling shot. Found this guy Watching season 2 of alone watch this video of 50 days of fire. Started watching season 3. Haha whoda know! This guy! On episode like 4 or 5. Havnt moved up the hill yet. We are rooting for ya! Thanks 4 sling tips. *Spoiler alert*

[@ashleysaunders9947]

great effort, in the uk, i was taught as a kid to use wooden cloth pegs, one fixed in the ground, within a closed brick confined area, with two sucker sticks layed on top of the top of the inserted cloth peg. in a cross pattern. then a angled stick propping the brick or stone up. THe idea is that the animal, bird whatever, enters the confined area, so as to almost entice or force the critter to enter the channeled, or funneled area, peck underneath or around the crossed flat sucker sticks and this theory triggers the falling brick or stone.

[@Linkowiezi]

It's great how you actually compare the traps against one another so you can see the differences. Really appreciate the video, thanks allot and keep it up :)

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

thank you

[@LeighMcnasty]

Holy crap!! Literally watching the show and got curious and boom.. this video is by you

[@VestigialHead]

Your new design works great. Caught 3 pumpkins a carrot and a zucchini. Only problem is they all got squashed. But it is all gourd. :) Sorry for the puns. I did not mean to trap you into falling for my rocky attempt at humor.

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

LOL thats Pretty good Normally I would say don't quit your day job but you might have something there ;)

[@steveoutdoorsuk3602]

Another great video. I'm totally addicted to all of them. I also love your camera work. What camera do you use? ATB. Steve.

[@anahudon2109]

Lmfao you rocked my world with those heavy puns! 🤣

[@latebloomer4959]

I lost brains cells reading your puns 😂

[@blessedman4532]

Good one 👍😄

[@johncantrell614]

I can remember a video by the late great Ron Hood, and he modified his figure four trap very much like that. He did not quite make the same joint you did, but rather he just whittled a slope on either side of the notch that held the bait stick, so that there was just one tiny spot that it would catch well at. With the slope on either end of the notch, a bit of a wiggle up or down and the bait stick would pop free. But your modification looks like it is just as effective, thanks for sharing it!

[@Blackscoutwinter]

Thank you A minor modification makes this Super sensitive. Will work great for mice using a brick or paver. I made one from 5/16 round dowel from hardware store. Bigger game wouldn't have a chance. Using a forked stick for bottom or vertical stick... makes it more stable so it won't fall over thank you. I love it. Tried them all. But yours is the best

[@ninja5672]

Your version of the fig 4 trap joint is how my grandpa taught me as a child.

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

Cool thanks for watching

[@davidwindham2991]

My Dad taught me that about 50+ yrs ago it is a good one

[@Good_559]

Everyone got away except you! Flippin pumpkin squirrels.🐿️🐿️

[@crrassh69]

If you don’t mind me mentioning perhaps putting a larger piece of wood under the rock when your setting to take the weight of the rock if the trap should come down. Ideally one thicker then your hand. Not just to save some pain, but in a real survival situation a broken or crushed finger getting infected could mean the difference. By the way I love the channel thank you so much for the info and entertainment.

[@paulcorreia6742]

87 days, way to go brother, they say patience is a verture.. and never freak out. Great job, your knowledge is truly noted!!!

[@grosebud4554]

One of my favorite contestants.. you kept it real. If they have an Allstars it’s between you and Jordan.. i hope instead of winners they also let the longest lasting contestants. Carleigh deserves a shot I think.

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

that be cool

[@sueleanwashington314]

Thank you I just learned how to trap a nuisance groundhog who keeps eating my greens and squash leaves in my veggie garden. Love your videos.

[@UserUser-ke4ti]

When your trying to stabilize the rock for your first trap place another heavy rock behind your rock your trying to stabilize that way there is no wishy washy movement. Solid bro.

[@ryangentile5786]

Hey Fowler! I am new to this channel, but already love it. When you won in season 3 of Alone, it was great. Me and my brother were rooting for you the whole time! Keep up the great work!

[@badgerrrlattin35]

Really enjoyed your trap video. Always saw the Paiute deadfall in books but never tried to make one. Now I see that I didn't miss out. The figure 4 is just too doggone handy & effective. I've caught a few critters with the figure 4, including one heck of a good sized skunk. Felt good to see somebody ELSE smash his hands between 2 rocks doing this. (I feel your pain)

[@eriksjud9465]

Also the trap after that, the one you said you discoverd yourself, is what I was talking about, you have to try new things, adapt and overcome, everything is an art, everything can be improved. So really nice trap!

[@Cody_OConnell]

Brilliant redesign on the figure 4. Simple, easy and effective. Best of all worlds

[@RonRay]

I just HAD to come back and tell you what I just did... After watching you _CAREFULLY_ setting those traps, I was going to click on a link over there -> and unthinking, carefully clicked, as if I was going to get my finger caught in my mouse. :) I know, but I found it strange... ;)

[@petemcpherson2259]

I like your mod to the figure four, it really takes away what I've heard termed as the "fiddle factor" definitely going to give that a go next outing, thanks for sharing!

[@BeSatori]

Put a safety rock under there Bro! It allows the weight to fall on something bigger than your hand, instead of your hand, then you pull it out when the trap is set. I have the same habit, because I'm lazy, and seem to have a perpetually smashed left hand! Thanks for the vid.

[@austensperry4163]

Love your modifications and the comparisons!

[@NearlyNativeNursery]

Congregation for winning with 84 days award in the 3rd season of the Alone challenge. it seems like a greatest experience for ones Primitive skills, heart, mind, relationship with love and friends.

[@BuzzardsRoostWoodcraft]

I'm sorry but i laughed the 2nd time you got your hand.

[@mohammadkhalafi630]

Me too

[@tarialorehand]

I did as well and feel bad about it. but it was hysterical.

[@SilasThornton1]

Will try making your version of the figure 4 trap next weekend when I'm off work, it looks awesome. Thanks.

[@Jack-bs7cy]

Saw another paiute trap looked easy to set. You need to see more videos. On my figure 4 traps i angle the notch on the vertical and horizontal sticks so it trips easier.

[@13uttcheek]

LOL!!!!!! i LOVE THE FAMILY GUY CLIP!

[@theelusivewoodlandhobo5348]

love this tutorial .....lmao freaking great!.......i know i shouldn't tell you this cuz it'll spoil the fun next time but a fist sized or larger rock under the rock wile your setting it up will give you a anti danger danger safety rock to absorb the hit if it falls wile your hands under there....lol great vidz Zack keep em coming .....i just love trap vidz .......

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

Thnaks for watching

[@13prevailbushcraft]

Great vid bro... Definitely gonna try out your version of the figure 4 next time I'm practicing my primitive traps...Thanks for sharing...

[@DIYTechRepairs]

Good work. But 2 tips :) 1. When setting the trap put a piece of wood under it so if it falls then you hand wont get caught. 2. You can in some stones do a notch your self. doesnt work in all of them but in some :)

[@tobyprzeniczny5684]

was going to critique his figure 4 skills,glad i waited to se his improvisation. 10/10 effective.

[@jawjuhcornfed1870]

It's best to put a rock under the other rock while setting trap so if it false the smaller rock keeps bigger rock from crushing your hand so bad. Then take smaller rock out when it is set.

[@graylygnu_1772]

I just recently found out your Chanel and I love it! Keep it up!!

[@lunchboxcupler]

Try putting a large square rock under your trap while you're setting it that can be easily removed, but guards your hand for hair trigger failure. It helps the frustration of busted knuckles. 😊

[@jasperpreedy1]

Realy loving your's and Greg's channels after the 30 challenge! Great quality videos and your always happy, makes me happy i guess, cheers!

[@aktrapper6126]

Your figure four notch is a good modification to that trap, however the Paiute deadfall trap when properly executed is the most sensitive of all trigger mechanisms. Using a safety would prevent your smashed fingers. My advice is to master the Paiute deadfall. As far as I can see the only advantage to the "modified" figure four is that you don't need cordage. That being said cordage is not that difficult to make from plant fibers. Love your channel by the way.

[@rikuswetwelradmetdie]

I agree . The Paiute deadfal trap may be a pain in the neck to set up, but will be very efficient. After all it is an invention of people who depended on it for food.

[@natfoote4967]

"Too many fiddly, piddly, putz pieces" An apt description of increasingly complex systems and concomitant increase in failure rate.

[@MidwestWoodcraft]

Love your work man. Try bringing your lever down at a steeper angle on that Paiute... have your cordage level so it makes a 4 shape rather than a triangle. it keeps the toggle more in line and makes it easier to set and much faster in my opinion. Just a suggestion, I actually feel silly trying to give you advice, but give it a try and let me know what you think. Keep up the great work!

[@kurtjensen7264]

I see all these professionals showing how to use a dead fall trip and crushing their fingers am I the only one who is thinking why don’t you put a temporary rock in there to avoid crossing fingers and remove the rock when you’re finished?

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

haha you got that right kzbin.info/www/bejne/gISZZJ17rJqhodU Check out my part 2 video here Kurt Jensen

[@mensch.meier.8816]

wie beim Auto Radwechseln abstützen.

[@lukakirasic1088]

I just discovered you, and i've been watching the wooded beardsman for almost a year, and you and him are the best ones right now in my book 😁

[@tipsymcstaggerx2173]

First time to see your channel.. very cool and informative. Keep up the great work

[@JustAnotherAlchemist]

:) saw you dropping the rock on your hand coming from a mile away. +1 for keeping it in.

[@blessedman4532]

Modify figure four and paitue both work well for me. The wishbone Deadfall, David Canterbury version, Ray mears versions the Siberian trigger also works great, a good bushcrafter should be able to be proficient in alot of configuration of trigger system.

[@Carterironworks]

Have you tried alterations to the piute deadfall to stabilize it? Notching the vertical sick either slightly rounded or with a v and forming your top stick to fit helps keep them from sliding around it slipping when setting. Also making a longer bait stick helps, running it almost to the very back. Also adding texture or a notch to your vertical sick to help prevent your cordage from slipping up. Also allows you to set the toggle where you need allowing the trap to be set on a rabbit tail or mouse depending on what you have available

[@patrickgermond2750]

Figure four has to be set really light. And put a safety rock under the big rock so if it falls you don't smash your finger.

[@vladimirputin2449]

That is a really good idea, I will use that if I ever make this trap.

[@meritz59]

From what I see the execution is the problem, not the trap. Paiute indians used this trap for hundreds of years with no problem. I understand you are trying to give newbs a lesson, but easiest is not always best. Practice of old and tried methods is the secret to success. Practice makes perfect. It reminds me of episodes of alone where people think firestarting is easy because they could do it it seconds under IDEAL conditions... practice, practice, practice... all conditions all the time. I like your design for hair trigger but in a high wind that sucker is coming down. I live and die by the paiute if I have decent cordage. That being said ... like the video... keep it up.

[@deepblueyonderspage]

Been fiddling with the figure 4 style trap since I was a kid... when I saw the lincoln log style cut you made in the first version, the first thing I thought was... that will never work. I'm pretty sure your "improved" fall away second version is the way it is supposed to be done from the start... at least that is how I always did it. Good job on demonstrating how not to do it though. :)

[@BlessthefallHERO]

Great video Fowler! Have learned so much from this channel...and now have a deep obsession with "Alone" 😂 thanks, keep up the good work

[@WayPointSurvival]

Very good, love your mod on the figure 4.

[@NomadicWoodsman]

Awesome recap on these traps. Thanks for sharing !

[@thebushcraftchef3374]

Great modification with the joint!

[@evry1tookem]

I swear you're the smartest outdoorsman alive.

[@VestigialHead]

+MediocrityProdigy He is pretty good at survival. But I would not compare him with people who have been living off the grid in the wild for 20-30 years straight. They are the real outdoorsmen. Fowler may be one of the best on KZbin though.

[@usernametaken6659]

Put another rock in the way so if it falls it doesn't smash your hand. Love your content, you're awesome mate.

[@promaster185]

on the Paiute dead fall could you skewer a bug or some kind of food on the stick instead of trying to wedge it in there? The figure 4 looks like a lot better way to go. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and taking the time to make and post these videos

[@marklaw5958]

I’m watching all of your videos and I’m trying out for Alone. Awesome!

[@blessedman4532]

Pls go watch David Canterbury wishbone deadfall, I've tried that today and it beat all figure four and paitue it's the most hair trigger of all of them.

[@rheajanebello2050]

its really a nice trap.. watching here from the philippines

[@ChickentNug]

I knew you looked familiar lol I saw that Alone show, that was crazy!

[@aaroneoghann4539]

A few comments, 1st You were wearing Moxie shirt in other videos = +, 2nd Your in Maine where most of my family is and we will soon be = +, 3rd you don't hide your mistakes = +, only negative I have is that I'm not in Maine yet!

[@jacobeydavis4813]

Haha I felt that when it smashed your hand but you kept your composure well

[@sonnyboywannabe]

Squash is for dinner. Squash. How did you miss that softball!!! :-)

[@theprophetez1357]

Nice video and congratulations on your win. I have yet to try making one, but should soon be camping with my grandchildren, and maybe I will give it a try then.

[@ejdoeseverything]

Quality of your videos is going up man - good drone work

[@garoglen]

Thanks for proving that one doesn't have to cuss after after finger are crushed !

[@truthspeaks6557]

Thanks for the vid!! Seen the notches that held too tight "why not 7s" Here then comes the sevens hahahah beautiful trap

[@InDisskyS131]

Glad to see you doing so well on YT. I grew up in Troy, Me. Hey neighbour.

[@westonfurman3833]

That's a nice joint!🤘💯

[@wesclark4402]

My granddad showed me how to make that dead fall trap. He allowed me to pinch my fingers a couple of times and then gave me a good hint. Find a rock or piece of wood about the size of your fist. Put it between the falling stone and the bottom while setting the trap. Then remove it when the trap is set. You will save lots of blood blisters.

[@peggyarsenault2705]

I am really enjoying your vids. You are very informative and entertaining at the same time. Huge fan! My Bucket list would be to meet you and Joe Robinet some day. I'm not far away, PEI, Canada lol

[@talkinglens1]

Thank you for the painful demonstration. Points well made!

[@Dss-bm3rz]

I'm definitely getting that shovel. That thing is awesome

[@dubzbud]

Nice video! You could as well put a medium size rock below the trap while you install it, to avoid injuries with your hand, and then remove it after you finish setting it up :)

[@deedeeedwinburks8614]

Have you tried putting this on the most funniest videos? Sorry Sir if I offended anyone but, this's good! I seldom Ever Watch these but when scrolled down to this one I thought, Oh whatever! I'm glad I did. Hope to see more of ur videos. I think you have done a really great job cause that's what really happens in the wilderness, nothing goes Wright.

[@farmtrout66]

Great job! Such a simple improvement with vast results. 👍👍

[@brianbartulis9709]

huh, your new version is how I saw to make one, and did. My hard part was keeping the trigger notches square/enough to bite a bit... with the other two...I need more practice. I missed the li'l critter under my house. 16"x16" paver may have been set too high/tall angle. Quick li'l bugger beat the paver fall. ~~ still I corded the three pieces together and leave them in my truck.

[@daveagar5594]

ALRIGHT BROTHER LETS GO! Finally!!!!!!! something new and improved! I haven seen Alone yet.. but I will now.

[@vancouverislandbushcraft4879]

That is an awesome mod...Your instructional videos are very informative and well done...thanks ...Steve from Vancouver Island Bushcraft

[@garyharmon1155]

Love the figure 4 mod, one of my favorites. Your channel is awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

Your welcom thanks for watching

[@Santiago-hi5fl]

You know twitch emotes Fowler? PogChamp

[@bjjp55]

Hey I live in Maine too! But I live way down south in Standish Maine

[@Flagday-dr4qx]

Good vid., but what you didn't explain is that the traditional fig-4 relies on the animal rotating the skinny/bait stick in the horizontal plane sufficiently to cause instability/failure, but the distance btn. the vertical stick & the baited end of the skinny/bait stick is so far, the baited end needs to be moved excessively to introduce failure. YOUR "deluxe" version only requires a slight downward force for the joint to encounter instability -- a squared notch sliding OFF a square surface[stable] down onto a rounded surface[unstable].The destabilizing force is nor a more-likely gravity-assisted vertical rotation instead of a less-likely one-direction-only horizontal rotation.

[@Mason69]

This shit was so funny lmao, when he tried to show it the first and missed and he tried to save it and the next 5 minutes is him fucking up and smashing his hand gotdamn u get a like for this one lmao (EDIT) 15:55

[@susiecates2804]

Awesome adventures with you

[@toddmuller5992]

Awesome vid. Those diagrams of the figure 4 never made sense to me either. As far as the Paiute, I wonder if the Paiutes considered this a two person job. For them it was not emergency solo survival, but a way of life.

[@jmanatee]

The Paiute is harder to set then the Figure 4 and it needs cordage,.. But I believe it has a far more sensitive trigger. I agree with others... When setting these traps you should always use a safety rock or stick to protect your fingers. Getting hurt in survival situation could mean death.

[@fordmanfisher]

Love your vids brother. Best pumpkin trap I ever saw. Keep it up.!!!!!

[@aaronhughes827]

Great job, you made a trap. A trap to catch you hand! :)

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

ya see the next video in the series to see how to fix that ;)

[@Contributor1]

From personal experience I find the traditional figure 4 works with an upside down forked stick as an upright, with the fork at a right angle to the trigger stick.

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

cool thanks for the tip I'll shave to try !

[@Contributor1]

And I just tried your version, worked a treat

[@tarialorehand]

I'm so sorry but I chuckled when the rock fell, I feel horrible at it, but for some reason it was hysterical. I hope you were okay afterwards.

[@crissymuti4757]

I love survivle things when i found your channel i loved it

[@Carnyx_1]

It occurs to me that if you put a log (slightly larger than your hand) under the rock when you're attempting to set the trap, it would stop the rock before it smashed your hand. You can remove the log after the trap is set.

[@TJackSurvival]

Is it bad that I kinda just want to see a blooper reel of you smashing your hand? LOL, Great video, I learned things.

[@ravendon]

Pro Tip. Use another rock to brace the kill rock. So it can't come down on you. Like holding up an engine hood with a rod until you are done with work.

[@michaelsummers5001]

Interesting, I wonder was the fall away lock your design or from another trap ? One thing about the standard figure 4 trap is its easy to remember how to do.

[@Llamadosalvaje]

Wonderful 87 days on Patagonia Bro! Congrats!