Trap Monitor Devices

Wondering if anyone here uses trap monitor devices? I have seen a few and kind of like the idea of being able to get a text alert when a trap has fired. It just seems to me this would save a great deal of time and money when not having to make dead runs every day. Just starting out in this field and every dollar I can save is very appealing to me. Ideas ... suggestions?

Work 2 jobs.

Check your state laws before you try it. No can do here. No use of electronic devices to be used in trapping here in Peoples Republic of MN. Can't even use a drone, maybe for scouting but you better not have any traps along with you when you do. I had thought about using trail cameras that notifies you on your cell phone but that isn't allowed I guess. At best you still have to physically visit the trap site every 24 hours.

Here are a few ideas that go beyond the legality.

Checking traps involves a lot more than seeing or learning from a text message that a trap fired.

It is critically important to look around for many reasons. Way too many to list.

If the customer never sees you or knows that you will be there only when you get a text message, the customer will not want to pay you very much. That is fine if you are doing the entire job for $35.

What if it malfunctions? You could have an animal in a trap in the scorching heat for 2-4 days.

Yes checking traps takes time and money. Build the cost into the price for the job. Know your overhead and what you need to make.

If you don’t want to check traps, get out of trapping.

Considering purchasing some ...
This is Michigan as of May 8, 2020...
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Use of Electronic Trap Monitors for Nuisance Animal Control Businesses (Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment No. 2 of 2020) Electronic trap monitors may be used under all of the following conditions by a permitted Wildlife Damage and Nuisance Animal Control Businesses provided that the trap is physically checked in person at least once every 72 hours:

· The device remains in continuous operation while in use and is able to provide trap status at least once every 24 hours.

· The device shall be checked electronically at least once every 24 hours.

· The device has notification alarms that report real time trap information, including trap door closed activity and trap door open activity within 1 hour after detection.

· The device has notification alarms that report system health issues.

· The device has on-demand control unit testing for trap status, signal strength, and battery condition.

· If the device reports a trap closure, the permittee is required to physically visit the trap within 24 hours of the time the trap was reported closed.

· If the device reports a system issue, the permittee is required to physically check the trap within 24 hours of the last time a notification alarm was received.

· The device must be marked with permit number, business name, and business phone number.

· Records must be maintained. This also includes alert notifications and trap status. All records shall be available for inspection at any reasonable time.

· An individual who displays records using an electronic device is not presumed to have consented to a search of the electronic device. This state, a law enforcement agency, a tribal conservation officer, an employee of this state or a law enforcement agency is not liable for damage to or loss of an electronic device that occurs as a result of viewing records.

· A state or law enforcement agency, or its employees, a tribal conservation officer is not liable for damage to an electronic trap monitor or an electronic device that occurs as a result of inspecting the electronic trap monitor or electronic device.

· There is a 3-year sunset in order to evaluate the use and effectiveness of the devices.

what are the regulations of landowners using this equipment?