#110 Conibear trap set for squirrel
image: William Reid
One of the most serious pests that I have to deal with in the garden is squirrels. They either completely destroy the fruit, or they will eat just enough to spoil it and then move on to the next plant to do the same. A good pellet rifle will help, netting helps, and the squirrels usually find their way to the rat bait in the barn, but trapping also looks like a good way to go. I haven’t tried it yet, but that will be on my “to do” list. Take a look at this post on the Kansas State University Northern Pecans blog.
The Conibear 110 trap can be ordered from F&T Fur Harvester’s Trading Post.
That certainly works! Another alternative is one of those big rat traps laid along a fence top where the squirrels can’t possibly get around without going over. And, when all else fails, an air rifle will do the job nicely.
It’s a shame that squirrels have received the reputation they’ve received over the years. Despite one’s queasy thouts a squirrel is actually a very delicious dish. Very moist white meat comparable to frog legs. Just in my honest opinion, it beats out many of the gov regulated “readily available” meat you get at the grocery store.
This video shows a method that I’m going to try next time squirrels need thinning out – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTVVS5Sk5Zk. A good pellet rifle does a nice job on them, and my dog loves helping out with that.
It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten squirrel. There is an attorney in our church who loves squirrel meat, and is quite an avid squirrel hunter.