256 



FUR FACTS 



Build a rectangular box about two and one half feet long, 12 inches 

 high, and 9 inches wide. Close up one end and leave the other end 

 open. In the top board of the box bore two augur holes, one about 

 the center of the box, and one about six inches from the back, or 

 closed end. In the center hole set up a crotched stick about 12 

 inches high. Build a door of just the size to fit the front opening of 

 the box without closing too tight, and build just inside of the opening 

 of the box a set of small slats to guide the door in its progress up and 

 down and to prevent it from pushing in or out when the door is closed. 

 Build a trigger stick by 

 cutting a round piece of 

 wood about 12 inches long 

 and notch it in such a way 

 that the notch will fit in the 

 rear augur hole in the top 

 of the box with the end ex- 

 tending down into the box 

 and almost touching the 

 bottom floor. Cut the 

 notch in such a way that 

 an animal entering the box 

 will push the trigger stick 



backwards past the notch, causing the notch to become disengaged 

 from the augur hole. Cut a cross piece the same length as the 

 distance from the door to the end augur hole. Set the cross 

 piece up in the crotched stick at the center of the box (see illus- 

 tration.) To one end tie the door with a heavy piece of twine and to 

 the other end tie the trigger stick. Make the cord of such a length 

 that when the trigger stick is engaged in the last augur hole, the door 

 will be entirely open. The weight of the door will bind the parts to- 

 gether and hold the notch in place. Place a piece of bait in the very 

 back end of the box. When an animal enters the box to get the bait it 

 will push the trigger stick backwards in such a way that the notch 

 will no longer be held in place and the weight of the door will then 

 cause the door to fall into place, and the animal will not be able to 

 push the door either forwards or backwards on account of the slats 

 which you have built to guide the door. If you can secure a hollow 

 log of the proper size, you can use it as your box by closing up one 

 end of it and making your trigger and door as described. 



