Checking Mole Traps ??

[devonlad 0]

I would be interested to hear from those who are Pro-Molecatchers, or include Mole trapping as part of their work. Now that SEERAD (Scottish Equivalent of DEFRA) have approved the legislation on checking mole traps once in every 24hr period, how does this affect those in Scotland with religous beliefs or commitments with which this may conflict ?? (eg. Sunday, church,day of rest etc.. etc..)

 

If anyone finds this an issue, or does it not affect you ? Or are you organised in your operation that religous commitments don't affect your working days, and therefore able to check daily.

 

Personally, the religous aspect of this does not affect me, but it is my opinion that Molecatching is no different from any other form of trap use, and deserve's the same amount of respect and best practice as any other form of humane trapping.

 

I would be pleased to hear your views via the thread, or if you would rather PM that's fine also..

 

cheers,

DL

Edited April 1, 2009 by devonlad

[Matt 160]

Interesting topic.

 

I always used to check my mole traps every other day, which was nice and easy, but since joining the GBM I've been checking em every day, and it's a good routine. The only thing I would say about it is that I think I get fewer double catches than I would if I was checking everyother day.

 

The religious angle is very relevant. Some of my customers are old fashioned farmers, who take a dim view of working on Sundays. The easy answer is to lift traps on a friday or saturday, and take the day off on sundays. I always ask the farmers if they mind me checking the traps on Sunday, and it seems to go down well.

 

I have to admit, my conscience is easier with daily checks.

Edited April 1, 2009 by Matt the Rat

[devonlad 0]

Interesting topic.

 

I always used to check my mole traps every other day, which was nice and easy, but since joining the GMB I've been checking em every day, and it's a good routine. The only thing I would say about it is that I think I get fewer double catches than I would if I was checking everyother day.

 

The religious angle is very relevant. Some of my customers are old fashioned farmers, who take a dim view of working on Sundays. The easy answer is to lift traps on a friday or saturday, and take the day off on sundays. I always ask the farmers if they mind me checking the traps on Sunday, and it seems to go down well.

 

I have to admit, my conscience is easier with daily checks.

 

Glad it's working for you Matt..

 

DL

[Fidgety 8]

GMB ??

[Matt 160]

GMB ??

 

The Guild of British Molecatchers (the largest organisation representing traditional molecatchers).

[Rolfe 2]

GMB ??

 

The Guild of British Molecatchers (the largest organisation representing traditional molecatchers).

 

GBM Then

[Matt 160]

GMB ??

 

The Guild of British Molecatchers (the largest organisation representing traditional molecatchers).

 

GBM Then

 

 

 

Sorry chaps. Mental blockage.............

[DIDO.1 22,851]

I tend to check everyday when moles are at their most active as I guess a blocked trap wont catch a mole, but as has been said double catches drop when doing this. Personally I cant do much over weekends especially in spring as a lot of the land I cover is on open/public access or areas of natural beauty close to urban areas so at weekends some areas are full of nosey walkers. I also cant use big markers for my traps for the above reasons so everyday checks in difficult areas are necessary to reduce lost traps. In general, rightly or wrongly I will check every other day where its possible to leave them with a decent marker.