The Apache foothold trap was traditionally used to trap big game like deer. It consists of a hole, a snare and wooden stakes. Although it was intended for larger animals I have found it useful for trapping any animal such as fox, coyote and raccoon. It’s a good survival trap to know due to its simplicity and adaptability to trap almost any animal.

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Dig a hole. I dig down to about 20 inches because I like it to be deep for trapping deer. It can be slightly less deep depending on the animal you’re trying to catch. It doesn’t have to be very wide, just deep. Notice the water in my hole - I dug into some wet mud because I noticed deer tracks there and mud is easier to dig into. There was a lot of water in the hole but water isn’t a problem, in fact it helps camouflage the hole even more. It’s hard to tell exactly how deep it actually is because there’s so much water in it.

Next we put in the wooden stakes. These are the top stakes. Underneath in the water is another set of wooden stakes - they look exactly the same as the top. Simply pound the stakes in the side of the hole. I use about six. I used the tracker knife to make them pointed.

The stakes should be roughly 12 inches long or more. These stakes will temporarily hold the animal making it struggle more and making the snare tighten around its leg. Although many people think the stakes are meant to hold the animal in the hole the entire time until you check the trap, I have learned from experience that they manage their way out of the stakes.

Make a snare using strong cordage. I used this white rope for demonstration purposes for these photos. Simply lay the rope on top of the first set of wooden stakes. Make sure you wrap the other end of the rope tightly around a healthy tree.

Remember the stakes only help to get the snare tight around the animal’s leg - the rope is what’s holding it. With that said be sure your rope is strong and your knots tight and you should be fine.

I like to snare the other end of the rope to a nearby tree as shown in this photo. When the animal tries to run it makes the snare on its leg tighter and the snare on the tree tighter. This method has never failed me even once. Keep in mind you want the deer or other animal to have some room to move around a bit, so don’t make the rope too short or too long.

Here is what it should look like before you camouflage it. Simply throw tall grass and dead leaves over it enough to cover the hole also remember to cover the rope on the ground.

The hole is now camouflaged. Notice how I didn’t put to much on the hole, just enough to cover it. I covered the rope later on.

Now any deer walking by will walk into the hole and as it struggles its way out of the stakes it won’t realize the snare has tightened around its leg. And you will have successfully trapped a deer. Just be very cautious - the deer may be snared but it’s not dead! Don’t get to close and kill it quick.

Questions? Email "Coon" at vanhalen5150ja@aol.com.

WARNING: Wildwood Survival and the author take no responsibility for any injuries involving animals (or persons) you may trap. A trapped deer can kick you hard resulting in serious injury!

This kind of trap can also seriously injure a person who inadvertently steps in the camouflaged hole. Post a small sign warning people away (deer don't read signs!).

Please use this information responsibly.

This information is for survival purposes only.

Follow your regulated hunting laws for deer; please do not use this for poaching. If practicing take steps to ensure the deer does not get injured. This trap can result in a broken leg. CAREFULLY release the deer you trapped. If you cannot release it then kill it and let your local game commission know of your mistaken kill. Better yet, don't practice with this trap.

Survival Traps Snares Food Cordage

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