Snipe hunt

Inexperienced campers or hunters are told about a bird or animal called the snipe, as well as a (usually ridiculous) method of catching it - such as running around the woods carrying a bag, or making strange noises. Since the snipe doesn't exist the hunt never succeeds, no matter how foolishly the newcomer acts.

Another variation of this type of practical joke involves sending newcomers on a work site to fetch nonexistent tools, such as a left-handed screwdriver.