"If this booby-trapping is actually happening".......?
See what FOJF has to say about " if ".
Friends of Juniper Flats
Observations and Incidents reported to BLM regarding Public Lands in the Juniper Flats Area (including Arrastre Canyon, Lovelace Canyon, and Grapevine Canyon)
1-31-05
Bonita Vista/J1084/RJ1003 2x4s with nails 5:30pm
Two 2x4s with long nails were found partially buried in sandy trail with nails up. Barely missed walking on them. FOJF removed the obstacles and called Roxie Trost, BLM Barstow Office Manager the next morning.
http://www.spinics.net/dchs/fojf-2-28-05.doc