Paiute Deadfall — How to Build, Set, and Tune It
What the Paiute Deadfall Is
The Paiute deadfall is one of the most efficient and sensitive primitive trapping systems ever developed. It uses four main components—a vertical post, a horizontal lever, a short bait stick, and a corded crosspiece—to hold a deadfall weight (like a flat rock or heavy log) above a baited strike zone. When an animal nudges the bait stick, the crosspiece unwinds, releasing the cord and dropping the weight instantly.
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The Key Components
To build a proper Paiute Deadfall, you’ll need four carved sticks and one piece of cordage:
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Vertical Post:
The upright stick that supports the structure. Ideally, use a forked (Y-shaped) top to cradle the upper lever, or carve a resting notch on top for the upper lever. -
Upper Lever (Horizontal Stick):
Rests in the Y of the post (or carved cradel at the top of the vertical post) and supports the deadfall weight. The rear end ties to the crosspiece cord. -
Crosspiece (Corded Trigger Arm):
A short stick tied near its center with a length of cord that wraps once around the upright post. Its purpose is to create tension. When the bait stick is removed, the crosspiece unwinds, instantly releasing the cord and dropping the deadfall. -
Bait Stick (Release Stick):
Holds the corded crosspiece in place under light tension. The bait sits on this stick so any movement pulls it free and trips the mechanism. -
Cordage:
A short piece of strong, flexible line—such as bank line, jute, paracord gut, or natural sinew—used to connect the lever and the crosspiece. -
Deadfall Weight:
A flat rock or log heavy enough to kill small prey like mice, rats, or squirrels.
How It Works
The crosspiece and cord act as a torsion spring. The bait stick prevents it from unwinding. When the animal bumps or pulls on the bait, it releases the crosspiece, allowing the cord to unwind and drop the weight in a fraction of a second.
The Paiute is valued for its:
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Speed: The unwinding action gives instant release.
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Sensitivity: Requires almost no pressure to trip.
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Consistency: Cord tension makes every trap behave predictably.
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Ease of reset: Once carved, it takes seconds to reset in the field.
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Select and Prepare the Components
Carve your four sticks smooth and notch the contact points lightly to keep them from slipping. Tie the cord around the center of the crosspiece, leaving about 8–10 inches of line to reach the lever.
2. Place the Vertical Post
Drive or wedge the upright into the ground beside your deadfall rock. A Y-forked top is ideal to cradle the horizontal lever.
3. Attach the Cord and Lever
Tie the loose end of the cord to the rear of the horizontal lever (the end opposite the deadfall). The other end of the lever will support the weight.
4. Set the Crosspiece
Lay the crosspiece near the base of the vertical post and wrap the cord once around the upright. Pull the cord snug so it’s under slight tension, ready to unwind. This tension is what powers the trigger.
5. Add the Bait Stick
Place the bait stick between the crosspiece and the upright so that it prevents the crosspiece from unwrapping. The pressure from the cord holds the bait stick lightly in place—just enough to keep it steady until it’s bumped.
6. Position the Deadfall
Carefully rest your rock or log on the outer end of the lever. The deadfall should balance cleanly without putting too much pressure on the trigger.
7. Bait and Camouflage
Put your bait at the far end of the bait stick (inside the strike zone) so the animal must tug or push it. Camouflage the base slightly, but keep the mechanism clear to ensure free movement.
8. Test the Trigger
Always use a small twig to test—never your hands. A light tap on the bait stick should unwind the cord and drop the rock instantly.
How to Assemble a Paiute Deadfall Trap Using Grim Workshop's Trigger
1. Gather your components
You’ll need:
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Your Grim Paiute Trigger Arm
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One bait stick (small, light, straight)
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One vertical post (thumb-thick, 6–8 inches tall)
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One lever arm stick (longer stick that lifts the weight)
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Cordage for tying (bank line, snare wire, plant fiber, paracord)
And of course:
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A deadfall weight (rock or heavy log)
2. Set your deadfall weight
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Prop your rock or log so it is barely supported by another stick.
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Don’t place your hands under it.
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Keep enough open space for the trigger to slide underneath.
You’ll remove that temporary prop once the trigger is in place.
3. Place the vertical post
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Push the vertical post into the ground, leaning slightly inward.
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This post faces the deadfall weight and acts as the main brace.
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Make sure it’s stable.
The Paiute trap works because the vertical post and the toggle stick are under tension.
4. Tie your lever arm to the Trigger Arm
This is where your Grim component does the heavy lifting.
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Feed your cordage through the center hole of the Trigger Arm.
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Tie that line to one end of the lever arm stick.
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When you hold the Trigger Arm horizontally, the lever arm should hang freely, like a pendulum.
That center hole ensures perfect balance so it sits right every time.
5. Position the lever arm under the deadfall
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Lift the deadfall weight slightly with a long stick.
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Place the free end of the lever arm under the weight.
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This is what the rock will sit on once set.
The cordage and Trigger Arm will now be hanging freely from the lever arm.
6. Set the Trigger Arm against the vertical post
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Rotate the Grim Trigger Arm so the recessed bait-notch faces forward.
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Press the back edge of the Trigger Arm against the vertical post.
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The cord pulls upward toward the weight, holding tension.
Right now the Trigger Arm wants to slip—this is correct. The bait stick will lock it.
7. Add the bait stick
This is the key to the Paiute mechanism.
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Place the bait stick horizontally, resting in the small recessed notch on your Grim Trigger Arm.
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The other end of the bait stick presses lightly against the vertical post.
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The bait stick is now pinched between the Trigger Arm’s notch and the post.
This tiny bit of friction is all that keeps the entire system from collapsing.
8. Adjust for perfect tension
You want:
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The lever arm barely holding the rock up
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The Trigger Arm pressed firmly against the post
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The bait stick holding everything in place with minimal friction
If it feels “sticky,” loosen it.
If it collapses instantly, move the bait stick a millimeter or two.
The Paiute is incredibly sensitive when tuned correctly.
Field Tips
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Shorten the cord for faster release, lengthen it for a gentler one.
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Carve contact points flat or shape to cradel other components to avoid twisting or misalignment.
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Adjust cord tension until it barely holds the lever—too tight and it won’t set, too loose and it won’t hold.
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Dry wood gives consistent performance; green wood may stretch or slip.
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Use natural bait like nuts, fruit, or grain to match local prey diets.
Safety & Legal Use
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Always verify local trapping regulations.
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Only use this trap in survival or legally permitted scenarios.
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Check traps frequently to minimize suffering.
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Never set a trap where pets, livestock, or people could trigger it.
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Always test with a stick—never put your hand under the rock.
FAQ — Paiute Deadfall
Q: What’s the main advantage over the figure-four Trap?
A: The Paiute uses cord tension, giving a cleaner, faster release and far greater sensitivity. It’s easier to tune and much less likely to “hang up.”
Q: What’s the best cord type?
A: Any strong, flexible line—bank line, jute, sinew, or inner strands of paracord—works well. Avoid stiff or stretchy cord.
Q: How big should the deadfall rock be?
A: Roughly five to ten times heavier than your target animal, ensuring a clean, humane kill.
Q: Can this be scaled up?
A: Yes—but only for similarly scaled prey. Large traps are unstable and dangerous. The Paiute works best for small mammals.
Q: My bait stick keeps slipping—what am I doing wrong?
A: Reduce cord tension slightly, or flatten the indentations on the crosspiece ends so the bait stick seats securely before release.
Complete Your Kit
Pair a Paiute deadfall setup with:
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Grim Knife for notch carving. → All Tools with Knives
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Grim Cordage Card for anchor or snare lines. → Explore All Cordage Tools
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Check out Grims Trapping Tools → Explore All Traps
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