Path-of-Least-Resistance Funnel
Shape the terrain so movement converges on a prepared opportunity
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time to result
- ~weeks to results
- Steps
- 6
- Confidence
- 97%
After missing a moose at long range, Jordan studied where it ran instead of remaining focused on the failed shot. He noticed two hills whose low point offered the easiest passage and connected that observation to log fences used by Siberian hunters. He selected a concealed shooting position, placed a tin-can trip alarm, and built a line of felled saplings and logs that made alternate routes less attractive. The barrier did not need to imprison the animal; it only needed to make one opening the path of least resistance. When another moose approached, the alarm sounded and the animal followed the unfinished fence to a roughly 24-yard opportunity. The framework turns terrain, lightweight obstacles, notice, and positioning into one coordinated funnel.
Origin
Jordan adapted a traditional Siberian hunting fence after missing a moose during season six of Alone. Extracted from The Tim Ferriss Show.
Core principles
- 01Animals tend to choose easier terrain
- 02Observation after failure can reveal a controllable route
- 03Obstacles guide movement without requiring a sealed barrier
- 04An alarm converts movement into actionable notice
- 05Prepared positioning shortens a difficult shot
How to run it
- 1
Convert failure into observation
Watch the route taken after a missed or lost opportunity and ask what made that route attractive.
Pro tip Begin analyzing while the event is still visible and details are fresh.
Watch out Do not let frustration replace observation.
- 2
Find the natural corridor
Identify low points, openings, or easier ground that movement is likely to favor.
Pro tip A wounded animal may also favor the easiest available route.
- 3
Prepare the opportunity
Choose a concealed position with a practical line of sight into the intended opening.
Pro tip Design for a shorter, more manageable shot rather than repeating a marginal one.
- 4
Install an alert
Use a trip line and noise-making object to signal movement when constant observation is impossible.
Pro tip Keep the alert simple enough to maintain in the field.
- 5
Guide rather than contain
Place logs or saplings so alternate routes require more effort and the chosen opening remains easiest.
Pro tip Even an unfinished first row can influence movement.
Watch out Budget the construction against the calories and time available.
- 6
Respond to the signal
Move under cover to the prepared position and wait for the animal to follow the shaped route.
Watch out Hunting requires legal authority, suitable skill, and safe target identification.
In the wild
Jordan missed a moose at roughly 40 yards, observed it run through the low ground between two hills, and built a log funnel toward a prepared opening. A tin-can alarm later sounded while he was checking a rabbit snare. He reached his shooting bush and saw a moose walk along the unfinished fence into position.
→ The shaped route reduced the next shot to about 24 yards and enabled the harvest that sustained him on Alone.
Common mistakes
Repeating the same marginal setup
A missed opportunity should trigger analysis of movement and terrain rather than another identical attempt.
Building a complete wall
The mechanism depends on relative ease, so the barrier only needs to make the intended route preferable.
Ignoring the calorie budget
Construction can be a major energy risk when food is already scarce.
Is it for you?
Best for
It is best for skilled and lawful subsistence hunters who understand local terrain and animal movement.
Not ideal for
It is not ideal where construction is prohibited, target movement is poorly understood, or the calorie cost exceeds the likely food return.
From the transcript
“animals are really good at taking the path of least resistance.”
“I was like, how do I make this happen again? It just made me more determined to learn from what I just did.”
“that moose just came strolling along my fence to the opening where I was. And it it worked amazingly well.”
From the episode
#853: Jordan Jonas, Champion of Alone — The Art of Survival, Lessons from Nomadic Tribes, Hardship as the Path to Peace, How to Handle Rogue Wolverines, and Why Not to Photograph Attacking Bears
Jordan Jonas