Tunning possum traps

[@chrisgreatrex7398]

Here's a few more things, Bang your staples into tree vertically, not horizontally, they came out straighter, able to reuse them many times, before setting check the joining link between the actual trap and chain, when old they wear there and can pull out ( trap gone and chain left dangling), replace the nut on trap dog with a nylock nut. Check chains for weak rusted links (no broken chains). Check the joining loop of the trap dog is still tightish so the dog cant fall off and get lost. I have learnt to put the trap further out than a handspan, REAR foot catches have less escapees due to heavier weight of possum in the rear end, Harder for them to feel the plate movement. Make sure the trap is not rocking and at ground surface level. Buy extra coil springs to put into the chain to act as a bungee, dramatically reduces cruelty to leg than a sudden stop when extended. Mark your trap sites with removable PINK running tapes tied above trap, (saves losing traps) and shows your way thru the bush, if you have to use dazzle paint for heavens sake just paint foliage , the leaves fall off and no long term visual graffiti), NOT THE TREE TRUNKS. (DoC hate paint). Don't use the DoC plastic triangles, they last forever and are just more junk dumped in OUR bush. I carry my traps in 10"s on neat colourful supercheap carabiners($1 each), leave it on the 10th trap, (easy for recount when recovering at finish), when flouring the tree run your handful UP the tree( it stays on the tree a lot better than down the tree, try it.). The trap "dog" (trigger bar) must face towards the tree, ( less escapees), plates horizontal or slightly lower( foot is further inside the trap at springing = less toe catches)( trap must be able to go off when fine set) (high plates mean more time for possum to react and lift his foot before getting caught) Pair trapping (2 traps) works well on near adjacent trees due to calling their relative's in, (audible lure) Good trapping is an art form, the better you get , the more you will catch, Chris.

[@Iron-Lion16]

That was awesome to read bro

[@battznz]

Nice vid bro. What are you coating your traps in??

[@patcondon6427]

Very Good information. Have share on NZ Feraal Action Network Facebook page for other to learn. Only thing I could add is I set my pan height by putting my fingr under it and use my thumb to bring pan down on it very quick and easy to do with cold hands and bad eyes.

[@Brother_Tipps]

awesome video bro

[@Riley-ct9mb]

Awesome bro

[@jettabaybiie1]

hey , got any more clips of kiwi out hunting?

[@rolandsharp]

thanks mate. where can i buy these traps from online?

[@predatorfreewaitakeretowns5099]

Do you boil the traps and add any oil, I have heard people soak them in diesel, but wouldn't the smell put off Possums. Thanks for your great videos.

[@johnmead8437]

Diesel doesn't seem to worry the majority of possums, might even attract them. This might be different for low/zero density operations. Harvesting gets the easy ones, control some of the smarter ones. Often a few residual survivors demonstrate very well who's dumber comparing hunters and possums.

[@jonnywaselectric]

Cool channel mate. Who are the buyers for possum fur and what do they use it for?

[@KeepingItWild]

Cheers, there are local buyers in most regions in nz who buy off trappers, most of it goes to China I think and is made into all kinds of garments, put in duvets, spun with Merino sheep wool, etc

[@jonnywaselectric]

Keeping It Wild cheers mate, we have a heap here in Australia, noisey little bastards get on my mates tin roof

[@ryanconner2912]

Where do you get hammers with a long handle like that

[@KeepingItWild]

That's a home made one, just a bit of aluminium pipe whacked on the end of an old pipe handle Hamer with the rubber taken off. Makes pulling staples out etc nice and easy with the extra leverage

[@ryanconner2912]

Keeping It Wild OK use to use a pinch bar and a hammer but carrying both was a pain so just use a hammer might do that

[@lloydhill4763]

You forgot to mention tuning the tension/slop on the trigger plate bolt as these can get too loose and sloppy or bound up with rust

[@KeepingItWild]

Yep another thing to watch out for, most traps have lock nuts now to stop them gettin lose. I've berd the ends of the bolts over on my old ones to stop them

[@walterkilgour5871]

I think its....tuneing, not tuning

[@outdoorslut4673]

Are these dukes 1.5 's ?

[@KeepingItWild]

Yea mate the one in the video is

[@outdoorslut4673]

Keeping It Wild have you seen or tryed. The Bridger 1.75's ? I use them on fox coyotes and cats here in the states and really enjoy them . Built well and have a pit style pan

[@kieranh2005]

@@outdoorslut4673 not allowed to use them here now mate. Only 1# traps unless you get a permit, and you can't buy anything bigger than 1# now

[@johnmead8437]

@@outdoorslut4673 NZ has rules about what sizes & types are permitted. Double coil spring smooth jawed # 1s are legal, , & possibly 1/12s with rubber "soft catch" pads.

[@Dmcsniz]

Ive done a bit of trapping before but i must say watching the start of this video were your hand is waving over the trap gives me anxiety

[@Dmcsniz]

i know they dont really hurt much when catching ya fingers in them but yeah haha

[@Dmcsniz]

One of the first times I was learning how to trap i was using one of my good friends oldschool traps with the teeth and i used to sprinkle dirt and some tiny leaves onto the top of the set trap and I accidently put too much on and went to casually "brush some off" with my fingers and boom that was a lesson :D

[@johnmead8437]

@@Dmcsniz There's a sensible way to prevent that while camouflaging them completely.

[@narotica1]

you ever caught a finger in one of them? aha