have-a-heart trap questions

[mazdarotary]

Hey guys,



Well the guy who owned my house before used to be quite a squirrel trapper,and he would then kill the little buggers. Well he gave the trap to my neighbor when he moved,and today the neighbor gave me the have-a-heart trap,and told me that he didn't know how it worked anymore(he is in his late 70's). I figured now that we have 2 squirrels living in the neighborhood after two years of no squirrels that it was time to trap the buggers. Can you guys tell me how to set this thing?It seems like it should be easy,but I just can't figure it out. It has a trigger ramp in the middle,and doors that are hinged at the top on either end. The doors have arms that are on the outside,with one having a handle sort of bend in it,and the other just being a straight rod(I will try to get a pic up soon). What is a good thing to use to attrach the squirrels?Crackers,peanut butter,other?Obviously I want to do this during the day,so I don't get skunks,and the like. What should I do with the squirrels once I catch them?The neighbor also gave me the Remington air rifle that the seller of my house gave him. I have never used an air rifle,and I am not sure I am the killing type. Could I just take the squirrels far from home,and let them go,or is it best to kill them?Thanks in advance.



Chris

 

[Missouri Mule]

On the double door traps ( I have trapped possum and raccoons) I set only one door open and the other closed and put the bait near the closed door so they have to go over the plate to get the bait which ensures the trap is sprung (door closed).

What are the squirrels doing that is so bad they have to be trapped and killed?

If you trap them I would take them to near by woods and let them go.

 

[Pawpaw]

Here's the web site: Animal repellents, animal traps and pet supplies - Havahart®



Scroll down and you'll find the instructions.



Your local zoo or animal shelter should be willing to take them. Heck, call Animal Control.



Bob

 

[AMink]

I know in Nevada it is illegal to transport or relocate wild animals. Not that anyone ever gets caught, but that's the law. Basically, if you trap and relocate, you're moving the problem from one place to another. I have trapped 100's of squirrels in the park where I used to work. They were brutal on irrigation lines, sidewalks, etc. They also carry the fleas that transmit bubonic plague. I used a . 177 Benjamin air pistol to dispatch them while they were in the cage. Quick and humane. If you do go that route, use the flat point pellets.

 

[PToombs]

Take the straight rod from door 1, put in horseshoe on rod for door 2. Put tip of rod 2 under rod from trigger plate. All at once, sorta! :-laf Put some peanut butter on the trigger plate (1st). Transport, shoot, give swimming lessons, or other disposal method of your choice.

 

[mazdarotary]

Thanks PTombs,that was the instructions I was looking for. The website one of the other replied with didn't show the type of trap I have,but the one you described is. I tried setting it today,and when I checked it this evening(befor dark) I only found an empy trap with no bread in it anymore. I guess I didn't have it set right. I will try again tomorrow.





Chris

 

[bighammer]

Pete's got it right except the straight arm goes under the "horseshoe" not thru it. (unless they changed design in the last 20 years) I think they would bind up with it thru it. Also, the little hoops swinging off each end need to be on top of the doors so they lock the doors when tripped. (otherwise the critter feasts on Jiff and lifts the door to go wash it down)

I think the theory of both doors open is to have not look like they could get stuck. (have an escape route)

 

[PToombs]

Hammer could be right, I haven't looked at mine in months. I know when you move the trigger, both doors come down. If it's wrong, they don't. #@$%!



Yup! I just went and looked, it goes outside, under the horseshoe. Pack the peanut butter or what ever in the groove on the trigger, if they gotta work it out, it'll trip.

 

[mazdarotary]

Do you guys think it is feasible to shoot the buggers with the air rifle while they are in the trap?If so should I stick the barrel in the trap,and fire away,or do it from a distance?I have not used the air rifle before,and to be honest I have never used anything but a paintball gun years ago when my brother was into it. I am not the killing type,but I want these squirrels gone. Maybe I will have my brother kill them,as he is into hunting,and such,and has had guns for years.

 

[AMink]

Shoot them in the cage. They will look up to see what you're poking towards them. Are they grey squirrels or ground squirrels?



Make sure you bag them quickly after dispatch. When the body temp drops, any fleas will be looking for a new host.

 

[JLEONARD]

I always put the straight arm thru the u bend and it works great for me.

I trap and relocate literally a hundred or so squirrells every year.

OK... sometimes they get within range of the Daisy.



Peanut butter on a piece of bread or cracker is the bait that works every time. Bird seed will do in a pinch.

I've also caught a couple of skunks and possums... I relocate them as well.

Happy hunting.

 

[PToombs]

I tried to relocate a young skunk once, trying to be enviromental and all. He didn't appreciate it, and I figured out I was just mental. #@$%! Now they get swimming lessons!

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Kind of reminds me of the movie "Second Hand Lions".

Get someone to release them in the yard while you are standing on the porch with 00 Buckshot at 50'!

I HAD a black-bird-in-the-garden problem about 2 weeks ago. For some reason, I no longer have that problem. I do live in the country though!

 

[JLEONARD]

Put a towel or blanket over the trap and the skunk won't spray

At least that's what the local EPA told me and it worked.

 

[mazdarotary]

Well I caught one yesterday,and I didn'y have the heart to kill it myself. I went over to my neighbors house that gave me the trap,and air rifle,and he did the deed. It took about 7 shots to do 'em in,as he(the squirrel)was moving around a lot,and my neighbor is in his 70's,and not as good a shot as he was before(his words). I felt sort of bad killing the thing in the cage,as it didn't seem fair,and maybe in the future instead of killing them I will relocate them. I guess I'm a wimp.

 

[kowaliga]

I used the 'Have-a-Heart' (after finding a tree rodent in my attic) but the thought of being bitten with those incisors necessitated the employment of subsonic . 22 cal. ( quiet as a mouse pissin' on cotton - Sopranos ). Too much disease comes with the rodenta. . they die now at a distance. My best is a head shot at 30 yds. They got wise to the trap and since shooting so many, what used to be fearless and bold. . they now scurry off in fear of the 'silent hammer'.

 

[J Shocik]

Chris, I notice by your signature you reside in the People's Republic of Taxachusetts. I don't know if you know it or not, but transporting a live animal such as a squirrel is against the law-if you get caught (so isn't shooting them). Do what I do-DON'T GET CAUGHT!!! :-laf

 

[PToombs]

Make sure you truck them far, far away! Like most pests, (cats, kids, etc. ) they find their way back.

 

[bighammer]

Just send 'em to Car Talk Plaza, Cambridge Square... .