Squirrel Problems
- Thread starter crapshoot
- Start date
BigD_N_Cherokee
New member
looks like a good way to handle the tree rats.
-D
I had squirrel problems several years ago & had to declair WAR on them they were chewing the posts on my deck so bad they had to be replaced, I didnt care about the local laws due to the damage & bought a good pellet rifle with a scope, hard to believe but the first year I lost count at 150 squirrels, each year the numbers have gone down where now I very seldom see one.
Crapshoot,
Back in the midwest I loved squirrel hunting. Out here where we are, I really kind of miss them.
As to trapping them, they do learn to avoid danger, so having a selection of techniques to employ is preferable.
There is the old standby, the Havaheart type live trap. Wiring it open and getting the squirrels used to feeding from it is a good idea. Then, set it, deal with the catch, wire it open for a couple more days etc., etc. Having it be a sporadic hazard helps reduce trap shyness.
Set up a feeding station on the side of a tree ( I think I remember what a tree looks like). Wire a wooden pole or branch against the tree leading to the feeding station. Set some small baits on the pole as well. When they get to using the pole, wire on a bunch of small snares (if legal). Tree squirrels love to use branches to access trees and once the path is established, the snares do the rest. there is some danger of by-catch, but the set is pretty squirrel-specific
The next technique is more risky in that the potential for undesireable by-catches is increased. Also, an undesired target cannot be released unharmed. The use of big rat traps or tiny size Conibears can be employed in bucket or tunnel type sets. They actually do make tiny Conibear type traps smaller than a 110 that work on squirrels.
Legal issues need to be researched, but whatever technique is employed, results increase when the device is unarmed for period of acclimation feeding first.
Similar to your observations when we met out at the Silverton, traps work 24-7 whether your brother is there or not and are efficient. A good quality pellet rifle really turns it into an enjoyable experience though and is preferable ( My fave! ). Tell your brother they are also good eating!
Best Regards,
Sako
Back in the midwest I loved squirrel hunting. Out here where we are, I really kind of miss them.
As to trapping them, they do learn to avoid danger, so having a selection of techniques to employ is preferable.
There is the old standby, the Havaheart type live trap. Wiring it open and getting the squirrels used to feeding from it is a good idea. Then, set it, deal with the catch, wire it open for a couple more days etc., etc. Having it be a sporadic hazard helps reduce trap shyness.
Set up a feeding station on the side of a tree ( I think I remember what a tree looks like). Wire a wooden pole or branch against the tree leading to the feeding station. Set some small baits on the pole as well. When they get to using the pole, wire on a bunch of small snares (if legal). Tree squirrels love to use branches to access trees and once the path is established, the snares do the rest. there is some danger of by-catch, but the set is pretty squirrel-specific
The next technique is more risky in that the potential for undesireable by-catches is increased. Also, an undesired target cannot be released unharmed. The use of big rat traps or tiny size Conibears can be employed in bucket or tunnel type sets. They actually do make tiny Conibear type traps smaller than a 110 that work on squirrels.
Legal issues need to be researched, but whatever technique is employed, results increase when the device is unarmed for period of acclimation feeding first.
Similar to your observations when we met out at the Silverton, traps work 24-7 whether your brother is there or not and are efficient. A good quality pellet rifle really turns it into an enjoyable experience though and is preferable ( My fave! ). Tell your brother they are also good eating!
Best Regards,
Sako
YoteXX
New member
Well, what type of feeder is it? If it is the kind you hang from a tree, you can buy metal flashing to put around the top. Make sure its hanging far enough away from the tree so the little suckers can jump directly on the feeder.
If the feeder is the pole type, grease the pole with crisco, and watchem' try and kill themselves getting to the feed. I have a little experience in this arena. We had this problem when I was growing up on the farm, my mom loves to watch the birds.
If the feeder is the pole type, grease the pole with crisco, and watchem' try and kill themselves getting to the feed. I have a little experience in this arena. We had this problem when I was growing up on the farm, my mom loves to watch the birds.
I'm the brother from Nashville. Thanks Lance, for helping me out with this.
I do have a squirrel "proof" feeder in the tree. It's a fairly elaborate feeder...meaning that that it took a couple of hours to figure it out, instead of them being able to go at it immediately (which they did with our last couple of feeders)!
I have tried different Havaheart trap (larger one which worked great for our raccoons, the small one hasn't worked for the squirrels).
What pellet gun/scope combo do you recommend?
By the way, the squirrel catapult was hilarious.
Thanks for your help.
Shane
I do have a squirrel "proof" feeder in the tree. It's a fairly elaborate feeder...meaning that that it took a couple of hours to figure it out, instead of them being able to go at it immediately (which they did with our last couple of feeders)!
I have tried different Havaheart trap (larger one which worked great for our raccoons, the small one hasn't worked for the squirrels).
What pellet gun/scope combo do you recommend?
By the way, the squirrel catapult was hilarious.
Thanks for your help.
Shane
crapshoot
Well-known member
Hey Bro. Don't forget the seasons, bag limits and proper lisences needed.
http://www.state.tn.us/twra/smallgamehunt.html
http://www.state.tn.us/twra/huntlicense.html
If these coons and squirrels are going to turn you into a trapper and hunter, who am I to argue. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Don't forget squirrels are good eats. Make sure you take a picture as I want to see the look on your wifes face when you tell her whats for supper. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
http://www.state.tn.us/twra/smallgamehunt.html
http://www.state.tn.us/twra/huntlicense.html
If these coons and squirrels are going to turn you into a trapper and hunter, who am I to argue. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Don't forget squirrels are good eats. Make sure you take a picture as I want to see the look on your wifes face when you tell her whats for supper. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
supertac45
New member
What kind of squirrels?
faxmachine
New member
gamo hunter 220, this model is a springer so you will need a specific scope made for this type of gun.
Hunter 220 w/scope
Hunter 220 w/scope