MATERIALS LIST:
1 Roll of wire fence 2'High,is what we started with and will make several.
Fence wire ( 1"x2")24"x40" for one trap Hardware Cloth (1/2"x1/2")
1 Spring (4") long
Hog nose rings (these come in a box
Hog nose pliers (make the job easier)
Cable ties to put on the hardware cloth
1 Trip Rod ( We used a coat hanger, but stainless would be better)

Step 1: Start by cutting a piece of wire 24"x30". This piece will be the main body of the trap. Now you need to bend the main body of wire into a square funnel by bending it at 7" intervals. Be sure and bend from the correct side as you want your trap to be 24" long when done. We found it easier to bend by using a 2x4 and a hammer (this makes the edges much more square).After making 3 bends your side that is left will be a tad long. Take the extra and use it to tie it all together by bending the single wires over the top and through and over again. This will make your trap a lot more sturdy.
Step 2: Time now to make the door and the stop for the door. First cut you a piece of wire 9"x1", attach this piece to the front of the trap at the sides and the bottom (note shaded area of door). This will stop the door as it comes down. Now for the door. Cut a piece of wire just slightly smaller than 7"x7" (it will need to swing freely), not to much smaller or the squirrel will squeeze through. Do not attach door just yet.
Step 3: Cut a piece of wire 9"x9" for the back of the trap. Attach the back to the main body by using the extra you cut by making the back 9"x9".
Step 4: Hey lets make the trip rod " Ain't this fun". Start by measuring the length of rod you will need to go from where it will fit in front of the bait (about 4" from the back of the trap) up to the top of the trap and bending 90 degrees and going to the front of the trap until it will reach the door when the door is in the open position, We put a upside down T on the end in front of the bait (keeps squirrels from sneaking by. * Note* the door will be swinging up and into the trap. After you get the rod bent the way you want it, you need to attach it to the top of the trap using some of those hog nose rings (in the drawing I have it supported in 3 different places).
Step 5: Attaching the door. Use more hog nose rings and attach the door to the main trap by putting rings across the top of the opening, both through the door and the trap at the same time. * NOTE * Besure your door is behind the stop and not out in front, while doing this.
Step 6: This is where that spring comes in handy. Attach the spring on the top about 4"'s back from the front of the trap and in the center, then stretch the spring down over the front and attach it to the middle of the door. Now when you push the door up and in you can slide the trip rod just under the edge of the door and the pressure of the spring pulling down will hold it all in place.
Step 7: The final step. (Confused yet) After you start building this thing it all comes into focus and is not as hard as you might think. This is where you use the 1/2"x1/2" hardware cloth. Cut enough to cover your trap from the back towards the front, about 10"-12". Put this over the main part of the trap (to keep those sneaky squirrels from reaching through and grabbing the bait). Be sure and cover the back of the trap as well as the bottom portion too.
Step 8: Now time to go test your trap on some real squirrels. We found using Peanuts in the shell as good bait but you may want to try something else. If you see they are getting all your peanuts and not getting caught (tape one to the trip rod). Hope you and your youngins have as much fun building this trap as we did. Time well spent with your young hunters.