The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Presumably it could also catch an otter?

(No, I don’t want to catch one, or start a debate , just interested in how that all ties in, given the hunted status of one and the protection of t’other)

I think they're for monitoring whether waters voles are present with a soft pad inside to register footprints. Or I could be completely wrong
Pete

CrayCane wrote: ↑Fri Feb 16, 2018 5:09 pm I think they're for monitoring whether waters voles are present with a soft pad inside to register footprints. Or I could be completely wrong
Pete

I did wonder if I was asking a stupid question but, hey, you're all friends on here!

They are Mink traps... the Mink goes inside and it trips a little drop down flap on the inside, it's closed at the other end so the Mink is trapped inside....

Well after a quick search it looks more likely to be for monitoring mink. I remember seeing them being used in a program about the reintroduction of water voles. https://www.gwct.org.uk/wildlife/resear ... mink-raft/

Harry wrote: ↑Fri Feb 16, 2018 5:31 pm They are Mink traps... the Mink goes inside and it trips a little drop down flap on the inside, it's closed at the other end so the Mink is trapped inside....

Presumably it would also trap a small otter then, a bit surprised they can be used!

CrayCane wrote: ↑Fri Feb 16, 2018 5:33 pm Well after a quick search it looks more likely to be for monitoring mink. I remember seeing them being used in a program about the reintroduction of water voles. https://www.gwct.org.uk/wildlife/resear ... mink-raft/

Yes, there is the answer, and if it monitors them first and gets mink prints bingo, but if it picks up otter prints you leave it alone. Or maybe someone is looking for otter presence evidence.

They are indeed for monitoring purpose, usually with damp sand inside to ID any prints. If a target species is identified a live capture trap can be set inside, this traps the target which can be humanly dispatched, usually with an air weapon. All should be fitted with a specific guard to prevent otters entering when in trap mode.

The mink is a terrible predator of water vole and control can work to help water voles numbers recover, its fairly labour intensive and traps need to be in place even after eradication has happened as thr bug#ger will simply fill the void thats been left.

You can fit a trip wire and grenade inside them

I used to make similar traps for mice. We were doing a check on the various species of mice and voles on the edge of a school playing field so a few of us got inventive. One lad triggered a door on a biscuit tin with an actual mouse trap doing the work.... but he was a real bright so and so. I made a chip board box with a weighted door that released when an animal ate through some bread paste. It worked but the first mouse ate it's way through the side of the box Relined with Meccano it worked a treat - should have patented it now that the EA have stolen my idea

Tengisgol wrote: ↑Fri Feb 16, 2018 6:44 pm

CrayCane wrote: ↑Fri Feb 16, 2018 5:33 pm Well after a quick search it looks more likely to be for monitoring mink. I remember seeing them being used in a program about the reintroduction of water voles. https://www.gwct.org.uk/wildlife/resear ... mink-raft/

Yes, there is the answer, and if it monitors them first and gets mink prints bingo, but if it picks up otter prints you leave it alone. Or maybe someone is looking for otter presence evidence.

I've operated these for years sir on 'your' stretch here in Norfolk! And yes, trapped mink including one this winter.