Preparation

• 1). Whittle each stick before attempting to assemble the trap. Carve each end of the first stick until pointed. Halfway down its length, cut an oblique notch, taking care not to make it too deep, as this will compromise the weight-bearing properties of the wood. This stick holds the trapping stone in place.
  
  
• 2). Cut a notch along the top edge of the second stick, approximately 2 inches from the end. Make sure the notch has an acute angle, facing towards the center of the stick. Create a second notch along the side, halfway down its length. This is the trigger stick, or the stick that holds the bait.
  
  
• 3). Sharpen both ends of the final stick. One end needs only slight sharpening in order to drive it into the ground. The other end must be cut at an acute angle. This is the fulcrum stick.
  
  

Construction

• 1). Drive the sharpened end of the fulcrum stick into the ground. Position the bait stick at a perpendicular angle halfway up the fulcrum stick, placing the center notch firmly against fulcrum.
  
  
• 2). Position the stick that holds the trapping stone. This is done by fitting its central notch onto the upright, sharpened end of the fulcrum stick. Its lower end must fit easily into notch at the end of the bait stick. If done properly, the stick configuration should resemble a numeral "4."
  
  
• 3). Bait the trap before positioning the trapping stone to avoid injury. Place peanuts, dried fruit, meat or other bait on the end of the bait stick beneath where the stone will lean. Animal scent also works, although this is not a traditional Iroquois practice.
  
  
• 4). Lean the trapping stone against the top of the stick configuration. It should be sturdy yet easily triggered by tapping the end of the bait stick. Testing the trap must not be done by hand, as this may cause injury.