I tested 3 hair-collection devices used for population surveys of ringtails (Bassariscus astutus): PVC pipes, modified cage traps, and triangular Coroplast® tunnels. Coroplast tunnels were the most efficient, with hair obtained by 92% of tunnels tested on radio-collared ringtails. I used the tunnels to survey ringtails on the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico. Probability of detection in areas where ringtails were present was 74% (95% CI 0.56—0.86). Population density was estimated to be 0.17—0.33 ringtails · km^-2 and occupancy (Ψ) by ringtails was 0.56 (95% CI 0.35–0.75).