I was given a new Trap Tools NestGard to demo a couple of weeks ago, today I assembled and deployed it.
These are designed for backcountry use, thus all the traps and stackable and the traps are BT150s (more on that soon) rather than 200’s. The traps all up weigh 2.1kg and I hear that it’s easy enough to carry 8 at a time when deploying new traps to a line.
They are designed here in Christchurch, specifically to solve a problem for the Doubtless Conservation Trust, trapping in the Nina and Doubtful valleys near the St James. The same problem for all back country trappers, getting gear into the bush without too much pain!
Thus, the trap mechanism is a BT150, and a new one at that, built by National Springs and Wire. The BT range of traps compete with the DOC range of traps from CMI Springs (Trapinator), they are all stainless, are said to be better calibrated, and are cheaper. The BT200 is $38.55 compared to the DOC200 at $47.50. And the BT150 is $36.25 compared to $42.50.
I spent some time with Marcus King who designed the trap, and I was impressed with the level of thought and detail. Aspects for example like a molded ramp which brings the animal level with the treadle. A problem with rats that are too fast, or hedgehogs who get caught incorrectly.
The traps are easy to assemble, and the lid is screwed down by 1 (or more) screws at the back to secure it. You have to remove the lid to set the trap. The trap base is secured to the ground by 2 tent pegs and you get one long and one short one. I chose to use just the short one (hopefully I won’t get told off!) as the long one would have been too hard to go into the ground, and I would never have been able to remove (and move) the trap. Marcus had mentioned that some people were unsure about the flex of the trap when setting it. Didn’t concern me, although I’ll admit I had to have several goes to get the BT150 to set properly.
All up this looks like a good bit of new kit, ideal for locations where weight and transport are key. But, useful in your local park as well as they are quite small and discrete, and don’t require building. And yep, bundled with the BT150 they are a pretty reasonable price.
Available now and I’ll report back when I get my first kill! If you’re interested in trying one let me know and I’ll pass this one on.
