Blood Origins Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Our Voice 7: New Zealand
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Host/Author: Blood Origins Inc.

Introduction to the Episode

In the seventh installment of the "Our Voice" series, Blood Origins invites Sam Gibson, also known as "Sam the Trapman," to discuss his pioneering work in New Zealand's conservation and hunting landscape. Hosted by Robbie, the episode delves deep into the intricate balance between hunting practices and ecosystem preservation, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of how traditional hunting methods can contribute to modern conservation efforts.

Sam Gibson's Journey and Background (00:59 - 03:19)

Robbie introduces Sam Gibson as an avid hunter and trapper from New Zealand with a rich history in the field. Sam shares his dissatisfaction with the Department of Conservation's practices, which led him to establish the Eastern FIO Link project in 2020. This initiative is a hunter-led conservation effort focused on protecting native species like the kiwi and the Fio (a native blue duck). Robbie remarks on Sam's infectious enthusiasm and dedication, stating, “Sam Gibson is an incredible individual, super motivated, just got a huge smile on his face all the time and does extremely amazing work in New Zealand” (01:15).

The Eastern FIO Link Project (03:19 - 06:06)

Sam elaborates on the Eastern FIO Link, emphasizing its mission to safeguard native birds through targeted trapping of invasive species. He explains, “Eastern FIO Link is essentially a hunter-led conservation project that looks to protect native birds, specifically kiwi and Fio” (02:16). The project operates across 30,000 hectares (approximately 69,000 acres) of rugged, mountainous terrain, utilizing over a thousand traps to control the population of stoats and other invasive predators that threaten native wildlife.

Hunting and Conservation in New Zealand (06:06 - 15:07)

Robbie and Sam discuss the cultural context of hunting in New Zealand, highlighting the differences between managing invasive species and preserving native wildlife. Sam explains, “In our country, deer are introduced, trout are introduced, pigs are introduced… but prior to the introduction of these species that came with colonization, we were still hunters” (16:10). They explore how managing introduced species like deer helps restore ecological balance, enabling native species to thrive.

Sam emphasizes that hunting in their context is not merely about killing animals but about maintaining ecosystem health. “When you have lots of deer in an ecosystem, you can't do that [harvest fruits, vegetables, and meat],” he notes (21:03). This philosophy underscores the project's dual focus on sustainable hunting and conservation.

Trapping Methods and Operations (15:08 - 29:12)

The conversation shifts to the practical aspects of trapping invasive species. Sam details the types of traps used by Eastern FIO Link:

1. Spring-Powered L-Shaped Traps: Designed to humanely and quickly euthanize animals upon triggering. These traps ensure that once an animal is caught, it is irreversibly unconscious within 30 seconds, adhering to New Zealand’s humane trapping regulations.

2. Gas-Powered Reseeding Traps: These are efficient for remote areas, capable of killing up to 24 stoats before needing to be reset. This is crucial for their operations in steep, inaccessible regions where frequent visits are challenging.

Sam states, “When we're killing animals, all of our traps have to be humane… irreversibly unconscious within 30 seconds” (27:36). Currently, Eastern FIO Link manages over 1,100 traps across 30,000 hectares, demonstrating the project's extensive reach and impact.

Ecosystem Literacy and Community Involvement (29:12 - 42:56)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on "ecosystem literacy," a term Sam uses to describe the understanding and management of ecological systems through informed hunting practices. Sam explains that their approach not only controls invasive species but also educates volunteers and hunters about sustainable ecosystem management. This education fosters a deeper connection and responsibility towards conservation.

Robbie inquires about the diversity of volunteers, leading Sam to reveal an unexpected influx of vegetarians and vegans joining their conservation efforts. “It seems that we have an opening for ecosystem literacy… all walks of life turn up for that” (42:56). This highlights the project's inclusive approach, bridging gaps between different societal segments through shared conservation goals.

Challenges and Public Perception (38:55 - 42:56)

Sam acknowledges the pushback from certain segments, specifically hunters from the South Island who may view their practices as trophy hunting. He notes, “Some people are, like, we’re so happy to shoot a velvet stag because they're fat and they're delicious. A lot of people are, ‘Oh, that’s a trophy. You can't shoot those’” (39:05). Despite these challenges, Sam emphasizes the necessity of their work in maintaining ecological balance, stressing that overpopulation of species like deer is detrimental to forest health and native biodiversity.

Sam Gibson's Literary Contribution (42:56 - 47:59)

Towards the end of the episode, Sam discusses his foray into authorship with his book, "Cracking Yarns and Tall Tales from the Bush." Robbie congratulates Sam on his nomination for the New Zealand Book Awards, highlighting the book’s success and cultural impact. Sam shares that the book was written over the course of a year, balancing his trapping responsibilities with writing, and expresses gratitude for how it has transformed his family's circumstances.

Robbie praises the book, noting its authentic portrayal of New Zealand hunting and trapping, and even mentions a specific anecdote involving a real Blood Origins shoot depicted in the book (43:55 - 46:55). Sam provides purchasing details, making it accessible worldwide through platforms like Amazon and the Australian publisher's store.

Conclusion and Future Plans (47:59 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Sam outlines the future trajectory of the Eastern FIO Link project. With over a million dollars in funding, the next steps include hiring a coordinator to manage the expanding volunteer base and potentially launching the Western FIO Link. He expresses optimism about growing the project and reinforcing the hunter-led conservation model in New Zealand.

Robbie and Sam exchange light-hearted banter about future hunting trips, underscoring the camaraderie and shared passion for conservation and sustainable hunting practices. Robbie concludes by encouraging listeners to support and share the mission of Blood Origins, reinforcing the podcast’s commitment to conveying the truth about hunting and its role in modern conservation.

Notable Quotes

• Robbie: “Sam Gibson is an incredible individual, super motivated, just got a huge smile on his face all the time and does extremely amazing work in New Zealand” (01:15).

• Sam Gibson: “Eastern FIO Link is essentially a hunter-led conservation project that looks to protect native birds, specifically kiwi and Fio” (02:16).

• Sam Gibson: “When you have lots of deer in an ecosystem, you can't do that” (21:03).

• Sam Gibson: “When we're killing animals, all of our traps have to be humane… irreversibly unconscious within 30 seconds” (27:36).

• Sam Gibson: “It seems that we have an opening for ecosystem literacy… all walks of life turn up for that” (42:56).

• Sam Gibson: “It’s as close ethically to vegan as we can get” (41:37).

Final Thoughts

This episode of Blood Origins provides an insightful exploration into the symbiotic relationship between hunting and conservation in New Zealand. Through Sam Gibson's experiences and the Eastern FIO Link project, listeners gain a nuanced perspective on managing invasive species, preserving native wildlife, and fostering ecosystem literacy. The discussion underscores the importance of traditional hunting practices in modern conservation efforts, advocating for a balanced approach that benefits both human communities and the natural environment.

For More Information:

• Sam Gibson's Book: Cracking Yarns and Tall Tales from the Bush available on Amazon and the Australian publisher's store for $10 shipping worldwide.

• Follow Sam Gibson: Search for "Sam the Trapman" on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for updates on his conservation adventures.

• Visit Blood Origins: bloodorigins.com to learn more about their conservation initiatives and support their mission.