Assembling Primitive Traps

Building primitive traps is not just about catching animals for nourishment. It’s a lesson in physics, patience, wildcrafting, ancestry, and the ecological goings-on of the wild spaces we’re spending time in.

In this class, we’ll glean all of these teachings while walking through the basic steps of constructing modest, no-frills traps, focusing on scalable designs and the logic of simple machines. In particular, we’ll learn about deadfalls and snares, spending time with materials available in the forest to lighten our footprint and bring integrity to this process of catching an animal

This class is part of the Horn Farm Center's new Windows to Wild Lands series, taking place from 1 to 3pm on the first Sunday of every month. Each class, we'll offer an entry-level, hands-on lesson in an age-old primitive skill that reconnects with the land while giving us a glimpse into the nature-based lives of our human ancestry. 

About the Instructor: Wilson Alvarez

Wilson Alvarez is a certified permaculture designer, inventor, gardener, skilled tracker, bowyer, nature-awareness instructor, and writer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Since 2004, he has taught classes and workshops on bio-intensive agriculture, regenerative technology, foraging, hunting, trapping, tracking, and wilderness survival. Wilson studied at the Wilderness Awareness School via the Kamana program, and he received his Permaculture Design Certificate through Susquehanna Permaculture.

Program Notes:

Space is limited to 12 participants due to the hands-on nature of this class. Not recommended for children under 15. Children accompanying a parent or guardian who is taking the class may attend without charge. 

This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially snowy and/or muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. 

The cost for this program is $25/person. Young children accompanying an adult may attend without charge.