Types of Ferret Traps
A range of traps can be used to control ferrets. These include kill traps, and live traps such as cages and leg hold traps. Tunnels and covers are useful for protecting non-target species from capture and /or injury.
Please note that Landcare Research does not endorse the use of any of the following traps.
Kill traps
These are intended to kill the animal within a few minutes if captured, and include such traps as the:
- Bulldog Trap
- Conibear 4½"
- KBL tunnel trap or Timms ferret trap
- Bushby tunnel kill trap
- Mike Holden kill trap
- Fenn.
Live traps
Live traps capture the ferret alive and therefore present the trapper with the problem of removing and/or destroying the animal.
NOTE: There is a legal requirement for all live traps to be checked daily.
Cage trapsCage traps are bulky and not as easy to transport, so they are more suited to properties with good vehicle access. They are multi-species traps, simple to set, and can be good for keeping ferret numbers low in accessible country once their numbers have been reduced. |
 Cage Trap |
Leg-hold traps
The most commonly used leg-hold traps are easy to transport and so are ideal for most areas, except, perhaps where pets or non target animals are likely to be caught.
A clay pipe or wooden tunnel is required to limit the catch of non-target species. Farmers in North Canterbury regard these tunnels as essential, but also mentioned that it was important to have ferret smell as lure, and dirt through the tunnel.
Soft-jaw traps are preferable where there is a possibility of catching non-target animals.
Tunnels and covers:
For protection of non-target species and to help guide ferrets towards traps, traps should usually be placed in tunnels, under covers, or in old rabbit burrows.
Guides can be developed quite simply, making use of whatever is around.
You can make your own tunnels (e.g., 6-inch clay pipes), but they are also commercially available.
Our list of pest control retailers offers a starting point for gathering further information on these traps etc. Contact the NPCA for information on pest control etc.
