Pet-friendly homeowners often don't want to kill pests in the home. Therefore, they use live traps to catch martens, mice or rats and release them somewhere else. But where can you release a marten? How far away should it be dropped so it doesn't come back?
Martens should be released as far away from human settlements as possible
Where do I release the marten?
Unfortunately, martens are very sedentary, which means that once they have settled in you, they are reluctant to leave. It is therefore important to release the caught marten far away. The release point should be at least 25 km away from the starting point. You should also release him in an area that is as uninhabited as possible so that he doesn't immediately go to the nearest attic.
Is it legal to catch a marten?
Martens are subject to hunting law. This means that only people with a hunting license are allowed to hunt, catch and/or kill martens. Nevertheless, there is also a way for laypeople to get rid of martens that eat chickens or insulation: the live trap. Non-hunters can also use a live trap to catch a marten and then release it.
Caution: Illegal marten hunting can result in a fine of up to €5000 or even imprisonment!
Marten and closed season
Martens, including stone martens, must not be hunted all year round. The closed season varies from state to state, but usually extends from early March to mid-October. Illegal catches of martens during the closed season are punished even more severely.
How do I catch a marten?
Various types of live traps can be used to catch martens, which you can either buy in specialist shops or make yourself. In any case, it is important to build a mechanism that will let the marten into the trap but not out again. Instructions, tips and tricks for catching martens and traps can be found here.
To lure the marten into the trap, you should offer it treats. Martens particularly like to eat:
- eggs
- dried fruit
- nuts