Is there a lighter more mobile stoat trap?

Predator Control strategy
#1

I have been using AI thermal cameras in our trapping area (Friends of the Blade, in Western BOP, Kaimai) and seeing the occasional stoat, of course. I would love to be able to move stoat traps from place to place more easily, but those DOC200/250 in wooden boxes are a pain to lug around. Anyone know of a lighter, more mobile option for stoats that can follow the evidence more easily?

#2

Hi have a look at NestGard – Trap Tools Ltd
it has only been out a few months but looks light and well designed.
or maybe you could try a different lure in some of those hundreds of AT220’s you have

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#3

Oooh, that looks interesting, thanks. And point taken re the ATs. We definitely do catch stoats in them, esp when the stoats go after a stuck rat. But a lure change where a stoat is seen is a very good idea!

#4

What about the modified Victor?
Modified Victor Easy Set Rat Trap - YouTube
I haven’t used this model of corflute tunnel myself, but the link was from the DOC website and the video was made by Landcare Research.

I have used the modified Victors in a wooden tunnel - haven’t caught any mustelids yet, but can report that the traps are powerful enough to take out fairly large hedgehogs. Some trappers don’t feel comfortable with the setting/unsetting where you have to have your fingers on the kill bar, though.

#5

Can one purchase these mods anywhere Christina? They look interesting. Just had a trapper nab a stoat in a Victor. It seemed the stoat was whacked on top of the head by the bar in just the right place for a kill.

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#6

I had a quick look online - the supplier I usually use doesn’t stock them, but:
Modified Victor, 1 TRAP. Stoat & Rat Trap. Passed NAWAC (deadrat.co.nz)
Modified Victor Stoat and Rat Trap (traps.co.nz)
Kill Trap Tunnel for Stoats, Weasels and Rats (traps.co.nz) looks like it might be the tunnel from the video.

I haven’t seen the shrouds sold on their own anywhere, although the video does make it look as if they are - since the modified trap is still relatively inexpensive, maybe people just preferred to purchase them already assembled?

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