Description

Deadfall traps of various sizes were common devices for killing bear, beaver, otter, marten and mink. By the mid-20th century, however, the deadfall was seldom used. Bait, such as a fish head, was secured to a bait stick within the enclosure. As the animal reached in to grab the bait, it dislodged the support stick allowing the fall log to descend giving the death blow.