02/11/2025
Hi All,
More Good News
We have just received confirmation from OKRA (our local Ratepayers Association), that they will provide funding of $1,000 per quarter, to assist with our expenses - thanks so much to them, as we are totally dependant on support from the local communities.
Peanut Butter Success
For the first time, I have a full month of stats differentiating catches from PB or lures.
Of the 73 Rats and Mice caught over October, 41 were caught using PB (a little over 55%), so I think we can declare the trial a success, and suggest that you all keep using it as much as you like - there's a limitless (so far) supply, free from DOC in Taupo - I'll continue to pick up the odd box here and there, but if anyone is going to the big smoke, and has the time and inclination to pick some up, just let me know and I'll arrange it with Charlotte Fletcher at DOC.
Community Traps
Just a reminder that Ratty runs the community traps programme, and if you or a neighbour see predators that need attending to on private property, please get in touch with him via Lizzie (027 447 5150), to arrange the appropriate trap.
Apples
As you all know, Charlotte and Callum (the owners of Turangi New World)very kindly provide our Group with free apples for our possum programme. The only problem is that we never seem to have enough, so can I please ask you all to put your head through the plastic curtain at the rear of the Super, and ask for any apples that might be available for OKPMG - that way supply might just keep up with demand!
Stats for the Month
Rats - 62 (42 in October '24).
Mice - 11 (16 last year).
Stoats - 0 (and 0 last October too).
Weasels - 0 (2 last October).
Ferrets - 0 (and 0 last year too).
Feral Cats - 0 (and 0 last year too) - long may this trend continue!!
Possums - 13 (15 last October).
Magpies - 0 (and 0 last October too).
Rabbits - 59 (16 last October).
Hedgehogs - 7 (5 last October).
Monthly Totals = 152 predators (cf 58 last October).
Grand Total Rats = 6,430 (570 left to get to 7,000).
Notable Catches
Jared shot 43 rabbits and Fraser topped the polls with 6 rats, 2 mice, 1 possum and 5 hedgehogs - you two deserve a DB!
Interestingly, the Lake K Team only caught 2 possums for the month - the lowest total since we started over there in November 2021! Let's hope it's a trend, and we're getting on top of them.
Well, that's it from me until next month. Happy trapping to you all.
Gray Thompson (Trapping Co-Ordinator - 021 544 556).
