OPOSSUM TRAPPING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 226, 23 August 1929, Page 7

OPOSSUM TRAPPING.

GOOD RETURNS EXPECTED. ACTIVITIES THIS SEASON. Averaging 150 skins for each trapper to date, the taking of oposums in the Western Lake district, lying south of Tauherenikau, on the eastern face ot the Rimutakas, has yielded very fair returns to those engaged in the quest since the opening of the season on July 20, a “Standard” reporter was informed, to-day, by the State Forest Service. Altogether, about 250 trappers are engaged in the_area, which has been divided into bloc£s, and quite a number of men from Palmerston North are stated to be operating there. The district is under the control of the Conservator of State Forests at Palmerston North, and the blocks are held with trapping rights for five years. This helps to conserve the young oppossums, although the animals are reported to be just as numerous every year, despite the extensive trapping carried out. The skins are stated to be of good quality and larger than usual this year Less rat and stoat skins are being taken, however, - as baits are not being used to the same extent, and the vermin are not attracted. Last year, 14,500 opossum skins were taken off the area, and they realised an average price of 11s each. Prices this year are good, and excellent returns from the trapping are anticipated, it was stated, although the weather has not been favourable. At the recent Dunedin sale super blues made as much as 255, and most of the prices were above the level of 12s, with the exception of third blacks, which sold for 6s lOd. . The Conservator of State Forests at Palmerston North has a total area of about 170,000 acres of opossum-trapping country under his control.