Automatic Traps
Traditional trapping is based on manual traps that need to be rebaited every 2-4 weeks. If a trap kills a predator just after rebaiting, that carcass makes the trap inert and is a stomach-churning mess when the trap is next serviced.
Automatic traps automatically reset after every kill and dispense lure regularly. This means that they can sit out in the forest for six months before needing new lure and a new power source.
BHMET has 600 automatic traps - 400 A24 Stoat & Rat traps from Goodnature and 200 AT220 traps from New Zealand Autotraps. These remarkable machines have driven predator numbers to historic lows on the hill and maintain a low level of predator activity without needing any servicing.
We still operate over 1,000 manual traps and these remain important for measuring predator activity. The fact that they get regularly serviced also keeps traplines open, helping maintain access for our automatic traps.
Posted: 23 May 2025