Punji traps have been used both to catch animals to eat and as a defensive mechanism for armies during conflict. The basic idea is a lot of sharp sticks in the bottom of a camouflaged pit, but there are several technical specifications which need to be taken into account if the trap is to be successful for catching dinner or protecting a camp site.
Select an appropriate location for the trap. Main footpaths will be of no good for catching wildlife so locate them off the main tracks and look for evidence of animal movement in the area such as paw prints.
Dig a hole suing the shovel. The size of the hole depends largely on what it is designed to trap. It should be at least 3-feet deep.
Cut the bamboo canes in to 2-foot lengths and sharpen one end using the knife. Bamboo is the best material for this as it is strong and easy to sharpen, but any other solid wood will work in this situation.
Place the punji sticks in the bottom of the trap so the sharpened ends face upwards. The number of sticks required depends on the size of the trap, but the bottom of the trap should be reasonably covered if not the trapped animal may fall between them.
Lay a few extra bamboo canes across the trap to give a base for the camouflage. Cover the bamboo canes in large leaves and other foliage from the area to disguise the trap.
