The "DOC Series" of predator traps

[Dave H]

The DOC series of predator traps were designed by the NZ Department of Conservation and Philip Waddington and are produced by CMI Springs.  The various sized traps can target and humanely kill anything between a rat and a ferret.  Check out the traps at http://www.predatortraps.com/index.htm



Designs for trap boxes (baffled to prevent entry of non-target species like weka and kiwi) can be found below;

DOC 150 - http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/405/Doc150-Predator-Trap.pdf
DOC 200 - http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/405/Doc200-Predator-Trap.pdf
DOC 250 - http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/doc250-predator-trap.pdf

[Katiki]

As a chronologically enriched female I cannot operate the new DOC traps. I use #4 Fenns in pairs, in a wooden run through with 70mm holes in the end. I catch rats, stoats weasels and ferrets, along with small cats in these. Unfortuntely I also catch about one Little Blue penguin each year (<0.1%) which is a problem.

[Dave H]

Hi Rosalie, penguin bycatch could be eliminated by using a baffled trap box like those illustrated on the DOC and CMI websites.  This would keep cats and any other other seabirds out too.  As for the setting issue - there is now a setting tool that CMI produce which makes life a little easier !

Regards,  Dave