|
Author
|
Topic: Raccoon problem
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 03, 2009 10:03 PM
Okay, I have called a few coons and accidentially killed a few of those that were called. None recently, and truthfully, I probably wouldn't blow a stand to kill one.
Here's the deal. I have a raccoon somewhere here on my property. I live in the city, okay, suburban, but it's just a normal lot with a normal house. Why do I have a raccoon hanging around here, I haven't a clue?
He has been eating the fruit off of one of my large cactus. It's actually very large, probably fifteen feet tall and ten feet wide. A lot of fruit and there is a fig tree right next to it, with (guess what?) figs.
Nothing is being hurt by this stuff. But, my cat won't go outside unless I shove him out. I have heard of coons killing and eating cats, but I don't know. I also have heard of a coon chewing the legs off of tortoises, and I have a pair of them. And, they tell me that coons are one of the main vectors for rabies, along with bats and foxes.
So, those are the reasons why I am uncomfortable with having this guy around here. I was pruning some star jasmine four or five days ago and discovered where he has been crashing. There was at least a dozen piles of scat under those bushes and two tee bones that I had buried in the lava right in front of the cactus. He has dug up a lot of scraps that I have buried, almost every night for the past three weeks. So, I cut the jasmine, but there are other foilage he can hide in and I know he's still around.
So, here's the question. I have one trap. It's a long spring with about 5" jaws. I think I could figure out how to bury it, maybe cover the pan with paper and then what? Should I sink it in the ground and cover it up? How deep? Where should I put it? Should it be where I think his feet would be when he's digging, or put it in the hole with the bait? It's an open area, so I don't think I can block it so that he has to approach from a certain direction. Maybe I will take a photo after I post?
Anyway, I have him looking forward to the treats, almost every night he digs it up and I know it's a coon because of the prints. I seriously doubt there is more than one?
Advice welcome. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Locohead
World Famous Smoke Dancer
Member # 15
|
posted December 03, 2009 10:19 PM
I'm looking forward to this adventure keep us up-dated regulary. I was wondering why you'd buried T-bones until I read the last sentence. LOL Did that baby tortoise you were keeping inside the house a couple of springs ago survive?
--------------------
I love my critters and chick!!!! :)
Posts: 2219 | From: CO | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 03, 2009 10:36 PM
There won't be any pics, tonight. I just remembered, Judy has the camera.
Yeah Danny. My daughter has "Baby" up in San Rafael. They take very good care of her and she is growing like a weed. She was the size of a golf ball when hatched and now is bigger than a good size grapefruit.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
TOM64
Knows what it's all about
Member # 561
|
posted December 04, 2009 05:27 AM
I'm not a trapper by any stretch of the imagination but the only coon I've ever trapped was by wrapping the pan with aluminum foil and placing the trap in water.
I was told a coon couldn't pass up something shiny in water and it worked.
Again I'm not a trapper but this was an easy fix for me.
edited for grammar, gotta watch myself around here ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
[ December 04, 2009, 05:29 AM: Message edited by: TOM64 ]
Posts: 2283 | From: okieland | Registered: Feb 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Steve Craig
Lacks Opposable Thumbs/what's up with that?
Member # 12
|
posted December 04, 2009 06:34 AM
Leonard,
Simply dig a small hole in the yard at a bout 45 degree angle and about 3-4 inches in diameter, and 6 inches deep.
Dig down in front of the hole, a bed for your trap just deep enough so the trap when set, sets level with the rest of the ground. Stake the trap so when caught he doesnt run off with it.
Use a folded piece of paper towel to put over the trap pan. sprinkle just enough dirt to cover the trap and pan, but dont over due it.
Then place a couple of big white marshmellows down the hole and place 3 or 4 more very close to the trap, but not on it. Maybe a couple inches in a circle around it. Dont worry, he will see the marshmellows and if he doesnt get caught picking up the losse ones, he will when he tries to reach down the hoel to get them.
--------------------
Yes, we did produce a near-perfect republic. But will they keep it? Or will they, in the enjoyment of plenty, lose the memory of freedom? Material abundance without character is the path of destruction. - Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 442 | From: Cottonwood,Az, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
|
posted December 04, 2009 08:35 AM
If I might add to Steve's fine advice;
When staking, do NOT underestimate these animals. The last thing that you want is for a coon to pull a stake & end up a couple of houses over with a trap on it's foot. Evening news type stuff in The Peoples Republic of Mexifornia.
Also bear in mind; anything within reach of a staked critter is likely to be torn up pretty bad. Shrubs, bushes, ect. Short chains are good.
Now, if you had a 220 line, there's always the Electric Chicken........
--------------------
And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 8231 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 04, 2009 03:44 PM
earlier, cactus in bloom
taken today, showing fruit in hand
where he digs, right in front of the cactus, note same rock as in previous pic
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Lone Howl
Free Trial Platinum Member & part-time language police
Member # 29
|
posted December 04, 2009 05:19 PM
Home Depot, buy cage trap.
Put peice of fried chicken in trap
Cover trap
Coon caught
Dump coon down road at neighbors house
Problem solved
--------------------
When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.
Posts: 2083 | From: Texas | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cdog911
"There are some ideas so absurd only an intellectual could believe them."--George Orwell.
Member # 7
|
posted December 04, 2009 05:44 PM
Better yet, same cage trap. Bait underneath trap to back end beneath the same spot where it would be if it were in the trap. Marshmallows will keep the cat out of the trap, both under the trap and a few inside to entice it. I prefer to drive a long stake through the trap so it cannot be tipped over as long as you're where skunks won't get into it. Little peppermint oil (candy making section at grocery store) on marshmallows will get his attention and the cats will ignore it. No cage trap with a wild critter in it ever made the evening news for bad reasons that I know of. Once caught, throw the bastard in the pool until the bubbles stop.
Plan 2: Minaska caller, coon sounds, Benellii 12 gauge and #4 buckshot. Only shoot once, otherwise the cops will pinpoint you.
--------------------
I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Posts: 5440 | From: The gun-lovin', gun-friendly wild, wild west | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Lone Howl
Free Trial Platinum Member & part-time language police
Member # 29
|
posted December 04, 2009 06:13 PM
I have caught "urban coons" and possums in cage traps. Kinda fun.
--------------------
When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.
Posts: 2083 | From: Texas | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
csmithers
unknown comic
|
posted December 04, 2009 06:30 PM
A Cage trap with peanut butter & strawberries placed in a dish at the back is the quickest and easiest method I've used. Coon cuffs, snares and similar work well but not as quick. A box set over the top of a leghold trap with hot dogs & other fine delicacies set at the back works well too.
[ December 04, 2009, 06:34 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]
IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 04, 2009 06:53 PM
So who's this "Krusty" guy? Seems to know his shit?
Thanks for the input. I guarantee, the Home Depots around here don't carry cages.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Locohead
World Famous Smoke Dancer
Member # 15
|
posted December 04, 2009 07:53 PM
Did you just call smithers, Krusty?
--------------------
I love my critters and chick!!!! :)
Posts: 2219 | From: CO | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
|
posted December 04, 2009 08:59 PM
Leonard,
I just recently surpassed that magical "300" number, of raccoons caught, so I kinda do "know my shit".
I did a search, using zip code 91786, and it appears the Upland store has these traps, in stock.
If they don't they can restock, or order, in about three days.
Krusty 
P.S. The Kool-Aid tastes like piss!
[ December 04, 2009, 09:01 PM: Message edited by: Krustyklimber ]
--------------------
Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half of them are stupider than that!
Posts: 1912 | From: Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Locohead
World Famous Smoke Dancer
Member # 15
|
posted December 04, 2009 09:26 PM
Hey Krusty! WOW! Sounds like you're doing great.
Leonard, I didn't read the link. I was thinking,"smithers hasn't been around in a while and maybe Leonard figured accidentally it was Krusty that posted." I'm not on drugs, I just didn't click the link until I finished reading the thread and got confusified.
--------------------
I love my critters and chick!!!! :)
Posts: 2219 | From: CO | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 04, 2009 09:59 PM
This is like a friggin' reunion! smithers and Krusty checking in. After (what?) a long time. I figured they outgrew us? Wow!
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
csmithers
unknown comic
|
posted December 05, 2009 04:45 AM
You finally brought up something I know well and have an opinion on that may be of help. I have no other opinions or helpful hints on other matters!
IP: Logged
|
|
Lone Howl
Free Trial Platinum Member & part-time language police
Member # 29
|
posted December 05, 2009 07:31 AM
Krusty, I still say that is a big ass critter in that cage. I just got thru trapping a bunch of freakin possums, out of neccesity. I hate those things.
Although I knew someone once who had one as a pet, it was the tamest thing I ever saw.
[ December 05, 2009, 07:32 AM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
--------------------
When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.
Posts: 2083 | From: Texas | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 05, 2009 09:12 AM
smithers, this is unclear, to me?
quote:
A box set over the top of a leghold trap with hot dogs & other fine delicacies set at the back works well too.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
|
posted December 05, 2009 09:57 AM
Leonard,
I certainly haven't "outgrown" the place.
Like Smithers said, I just haven't seen much, here, that I felt like my input could bring any value to.
If I'm following Smithers... he's advocating a "cubby box" set, similar to how a (single door) cage trap works, but using the foothold trap in the place that a cage trap pan would be.
In order to reach the bait pile, the raccoon would have to step on the trap.
This type of set has been used by fur trappers targeting 'coons and bobcats, for years, but more often than not, it's guarded by a conibear trap.
If it goes wrong, your foothold trap could lose you your hunting privileges, not to mention the risks to non-target catches including your own cat.
And I've never found a bait that's cat proof, in an urban setting, including fruit, marshmellows, and the like.
It could be that mice or other "prey" are attracted to the set, and the cat jumps in after them?
But, I firmly believe the risks associated with foothold traps, far outweigh the benefits, in a situation like yours.
Krusty
--------------------
Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half of them are stupider than that!
Posts: 1912 | From: Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 05, 2009 10:38 AM
I see?
And, I thought this was going to be simple and easy?
Now, I have to buy a friggin' cage, or worry about arrest and conviction. Maybe I need to pay his withholding tax, give him Dental, set a fibreglass Igloo in the corner and claim him as a dependent?
.... they don't know this kid.
Somebody's sure to rat me out, but:
They will never take me alive!
Good hunting. LB
PS That's a huge coon, K! What did you do with him?
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
JoeF
resides "back east"
Member # 228
|
posted December 05, 2009 11:28 AM
Just to throw out an effective and totally politically incorrect solution - fly bait. Nothing will make a noise or walk more than a few steps. Coons 2 or 3 feet at the most, tough-assed possums might make it 20.
LB. you suspect no more than one coon - I'll bet that there are no less than two.
Posts: 658 | From: Midwest | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 05, 2009 12:02 PM
Full disclosure.
I kept it to myself, the fact that he didn't show up the night before last. And, I had prepared one of my favorites, Spam, in a baggie and buried it about two inches deep, then I poked a hole in it with a rod, just to help him out. Nothing?
Last night to vary the menu, he got a good size helping of leftover shrimp scampy w/linguine. I knew he couldn't resist. Both were dug up and gone, this morning.
Before I get more and more attached to him, please tell me what the hell is "fly bait"? I'm just a dumb city boy.
Welcome to the reunion, JoeF! Do you know Krusty, smithers and Melching?
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
JoeF
resides "back east"
Member # 228
|
posted December 05, 2009 12:34 PM
e.5) Almost all of the above....
Posts: 658 | From: Midwest | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic
