Ferret Scent Lures
Scent lures are used extensively overseas by commercial trappers of fur-bearing animals. Trials in New Zealand have shown that ferret lures work as well as rabbit-meat bait and better than empty traps. They are better at attracting only ferrets than rabbit meat.
Scent lures are naturally occurring or synthetically produced components of the animal's own communication system. They are combined with preservatives to provide a long-lasting attractant for use at traps or poison stations.
Scent lures provide alternative attractants to baits, such as fresh meat, which needs frequent renewal. They can be cost-effective and convenient because of their long-life property.
In a recent trial, four concentrations of ferret anal gland secretion from males and females were investigated as lures for traps. Thirteen ferrets were caught with anal gland secretion compared with no ferrets with PestOff?ferret paste as a lure.
There are no scent lures commercially available in New Zealand, but you could use natural anal gland scent. Blood and/or urine from another ferret or rabbit, or fish-oil, are also alternative scent lures to consider.
Note: Minimise human scent on ferret control gear - preferably wear gloves.
See also an article on using scent lures with stoats to make predator control more cost-effective.
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