Sam the Trap Man Gibson came to town
Did you know stoats are often caught in traps with no bait at all — because they’re just that curious? One of the tips Sam The Trap Man shared with us on Sunday: less time rebaiting means more traps out doing their job.
We had two brilliant events — Shedwood Hall in Tapawera and Motueka High School — with around 140 people attending, a great mix of trappers from all over the region, families, and people passionate about our birds and forest.
Sam was the real highlight of the day. He had everyone cracking up then in awe, weaving yarns — from why kōkako wear their black “mask,” to carrying six DOC200 traps on his back at just 11 years old. Running through it all was his philosophy on life: the bush (te ngāhere) heals us, and in turn we heal the bush.
His brand new book, A Bushman’s Book of Yarns, was flying out the door — packed with more yarns like these, plus a lifetime of plant knowledge from the bush. One tip: kōtukutuku berries (kōnini) are some of the best fruit in the bush — sweet, delicious, and taste like melon. Keep an eye out for them!
Other highlights: Jacob’s hilarious footage of “Old Scratchy” — a flea-ridden old pig caught time and again on his trail cam in Shedwood Bush, which had the kids laughing — and young trapper Taane Mills, who brought along his own pig trap and gave a presentation on his mahi protecting whio around Mārahau and the Ōtuwhero. Sam called him “the full package.”
Ngā mihi nui to Shedwood Hall and Motueka High School for hosting us, and to Tapawera Connect (including Phoebe for the photos) and Te Tauihu Environment Trust and all other contributors for your support.
