www.military.ie the defence forces magazine
| 25
SPANISH
WINDLASS
By JoE PRICE
the Spanish windlass is one of the
most effective traps for small game like
squirrels, foxes or rabbits, etc. It can be
adapted to work with a snare or, like this
example, a spike and bludgeon. unlike
some of its counterparts (the figure 4,
for instance) this trap does require some
cordage. traps are a great way to practice
knots and basic carving, helping you
become more adaptable with projects
and field mechanics.
Joe Price is one of the co-founders of the "Living to Learn" Bushcraft Community, a member of
the Irish Bushcraft Club and an Irish Ambassador for Mora Knives.
He works in The Camo Shop www.thecamoshop.ie and you can follow the 'Living to Learn'
community online:
www.facebook.com/groups/livingtolearn/
• Once you have identified a game trail you can either pick a
point between two trees or rocks or drive two poles into
the ground.
• Find a suitable stick for your bludgeon or spike stick. Simply
make it half the length of your driven poles. you can choose to
attach a spike or mace to it at this point.
• Make a fixed loop to go between your two poles with the
cordage. A good square knot will be strong enough to hold.
• Next is the trigger. For this trap a stick placed under the butt-
end of the trap will suffice. But for a more sensitive trigger I
recommend the split stick as shown in the photos.
• To wind the engine, place your bludgeon between the fixed
loop and wind in the opposite direction from which you want
it to travel. Keep winding until it is as tight as you can make it.
• Place your trigger with bait rope or snare attached under the
butt end of the bludgeon.
