The figure four deadfall is one of the most-taught traps on YouTube, and the quality of instruction varies a lot. This list rounds up the ten most-viewed videos on the topic, ranked by actual YouTube view count, so you can pick the one that fits how you like to learn.
Across the group you’ll find everything from sub-four-minute field demonstrations to a twenty-minute head-to-head comparison and full step-by-step tutorials, plus a few videos from well-known survival instructors. Some focus purely on the trap itself, while others show it catching real animals or compare it against competing designs.
1. Paiute Deadfall Trap Verses the Figure 4 Deadfall Trap (87 days episode 16)
Fowler's Makery and Mischief · 420.2K views · 22:05 · 2017
The most-watched video on the list, this 22-minute episode from Fowler's Makery and Mischief pits the figure 4 against the Paiute deadfall in a side-by-side showdown. It suits viewers who want context and comparison rather than just a quick build, and who don't mind a longer watch.
2. How to make a figure 4 deadfall trap. Deadfall Trap in action catching mice.
Shawn Woods · 360.6K views · 3:47 · 2016
At under four minutes, this Shawn Woods video is the fast option: a compact demonstration that includes footage of the trap actually catching mice. A good pick if you want to see the design working on real targets without a long runtime.
3. How to build a "Figure 4" trap with Ron Hood – PART 2
Slamaxe · 307.4K views · 8:31 · 2009
This 2009 upload features the late survival instructor Ron Hood and is the concluding half of a two-part lesson pulled from a 90-minute trapping video. Viewers should know this is Part 2, so it works best paired with Part 1 rather than watched alone.
4. Making a Figure 4 Deadfall Trap – (Nuisance Squirrel = Dead Squirrel)
northernpike56 · 220.4K views · 7:31 · 2008
One of the oldest videos here, this 2008 clip shows the trap built outdoors and, per the title, ends with it taking a nuisance squirrel, so expect a real kill on camera. It's a mid-length practical demonstration suited to viewers comfortable with hunting footage.
5. FIGURE 4 SPRING SNARE — "AWESOME" Trap Trigger — Full tutorial
Dirttime · 190.3K views · 12:01 · 2020
Dirttime's 12-minute video is a full tutorial on a spring-snare variation of the figure 4 trigger, covering carving the pieces, setting it, and troubleshooting. It suits someone who wants depth on a specific variant rather than an overview of the classic design.
6. Survival Trap- Figure Four Deadfall Setup–with extra tips
Tom McElroy-Wild Survival · 153.2K views · 4:35 · 2014
Tom McElroy delivers a quick four-and-a-half-minute demo that promises a few extra tips beyond the basics. Ideal for viewers who want a concise, instructor-led demonstration from an experienced survival teacher.
7. SURVIVAL MEAT: FIGURE FOUR Deadfall Trap – the EASY Way
Ultimate Survival Tips · 137.1K views · 6:43 · 2017
Ultimate Survival Tips presents a roughly seven-minute build billed as the easy approach, using minimal gear and aimed at a range of small game. A solid middle-ground option between the shortest demos and the longer tutorials.
8. Figure Four Deadfall – Wilderness Survival Skills
Hedgehog Leatherworks · 97.9K views · 2:50 · 2008
The shortest video on the list at under three minutes, this 2008 clip features Paul Scheiter of Hedgehog Leatherworks demonstrating the trap as part of a wilderness skills series. Best for viewers who just want to see the mechanism quickly.
9. Primitive DEADFALL TRAP triggers you NEED TO KNOW!
Clay Hayes · 71.1K views · 9:52 · 2021
Clay Hayes covers two primitive deadfall triggers in this 2021 video filmed in the woods, so the figure 4 content shares time with another design. It suits viewers interested in comparing trigger styles within a single watch.
10. How to Build the Best Figure 4 Deadfall Trap by Equip 2 Endure
Equip 2 Endure · 70.5K views · 15:38 · 2013
The longest pure tutorial here at over 15 minutes, this Equip 2 Endure video walks through the build in detail, with notable knife work along the way. It's the pick for viewers who want a slow, thorough, single-focus instructional.
Ranked by YouTube view count as of November 5, 2026. View counts move around, so the order here reflects the day this list was compiled. All videos belong to their respective creators – watching them here plays them directly from YouTube, so views and any ad revenue still go to the channel.
