Trapper Tips and Tricks, Part 1, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats

"Sometimes the best tip is just not skipping the basics." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Community Cat Clinic. In the first half of this special two-part webinar replay, Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats walks us through the foundational and intermediate techniques that can make or break a successful Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) effort. Drawing from decades of field experience, Bryan shares tried-and-true strategies for preparing a trapping site, creating effective feeding patterns, and managing large colony trappings with confidence. Listeners will come away with an understanding of the practical tools—like gravity traps, bait techniques, and trap mats—that make trapping more efficient and less stressful for cats and caregivers alike. Bryan also offers valuable seasonal tips, including how to trap safely in winter and how to take advantage of predictable feline behavior. The episode wraps up with an introduction to the monumental post-wildfire trapping campaign in Maui, which sets the stage for Part 2. Press Play Now For: The most overlooked basics that still trip up experienced trappers Mass trapping best practices: timing, trap placement, and baiting Choosing between spring-loaded vs. gravity traps Trap mats, feeding patterns, and sounds cats respond to Winter trapping insights that challenge common assumptions The setup behind Maui's 600+ cat burn zone project Resources Mentioned: Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/) Tomahawk Live Trap – GT606 & Roundhouse (https://livetrap.com/) PVC trap mat material example (https://tinyurl.com/yvecchb3) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies617) Community Cat Clinic (https://communitycatclinic.com) Follow & Review We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.