Squirrels!!!

[frogga]

Does anyone know the best way to get rid of squirrels, we have at least 20 in our garden and they are a real problem. I caught 4 on our patch eating, I was thinking they would be hibernating (I'm obviously not as intelligent as I thought)! I could scare them off but within 20 minutes they were back, seems all they did was climb a tree, wait and return. I don't really want to have to open fire with a rifle on them so has anyone a better idea?

Andrew

[Aberdeenplotter]

There is an outfit up here traps them and the get fed to the Red Kites that are being re-introduced. Not squirrel friendly but . Some guidance here if you want to diy http://www.europeansquirrelinitiativ...11_Ver_1_3.pdf

[frogga]

We have Red Kites around here, so I was considering shooting them and leaving them on a flat roof for them to feed on over winter, just a little worried if passers by reported it.

Andrew

[Aberdeenplotter]

Check the legality of what you intend doing whatever you do. We can't help in that regard although we all probably know how destructive squirrels can be.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Depends on what your going to use to shoot them with.

The weapon must be capable of an instant kill otherwise you would get involved with the law against animal cruelty.

You must be able to legally use the weapon within the confines of your garden otherwise it would be the firearms act you would be involved with.

Colin

[frogga]

I have just checked on the national air gun society website and had a good read. It states I can shoot when more than 15 metres from the road/public highway and that no rounds/pellets leave the boundary, and that competency of use of a rifle is key.

I am a Marksman so that has no problem, just need to ensure no pellets leave the boundaries of the garden and I can shoot at all pests.

Andrew

[veggiechicken]

When we had rats and squirrels we used a humane trap to catch them. Then the Rat man would shoot them in the trap. I hated it but the rats I hated even more

[frogga]

I think I may see what the situation is tomorrow, may get the rifle out if really needed and keep my daughter indoors if I do have a shoot. May look at other methods although I have realised wher most chicken food goes!

[VirginVegGrower]

Going nuts all over my garden at the moment. I must have a dozen that scatter in all directions when I go outside. So funny - but I love them.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Frogga you are quite right in what you say, but and it is a big but. It is how the individual police officer judges the situation that will decide if you get any problems.

You must remember that your ordinary street plod is not well versed on the firearms act and he will proceed by what he is told by his sergeant. Who is also probably not well versed on the firearms act either.

I had this self same argument back in 1999 whilst shooting feral pigeons of a large factory site. We were tenants in the basement with a firearms business and at the request of the site owner were legally reducing the pigeon population which were causing havoc on the top floors.

On his first visit the police officer told me that he was seizing the air rifle as evidence. I pointed out to him that in order to do this he had to suspect that a crime had been commited and as this was not the case I would bring a civil case for theft.

On his second visit he started the conversation with "My sergeant says" always a bad sign. After 40 minutes of argument I suggested that he go and without saying anything to anyone phone the head of the firearms department who for emphasis I named. This I explained would save a lot of embarrassment if his sergeant should be wrong.

On his third visit......................... well there was no third visit and we were left in peace.

If you decide you have to shoot the vermin make sure you have your defence readily available, copies of fact sheets from the internet as a for instance. Make sure you shoot from on high in a downwards direction this will ensure no pellets can leave your property.

And finally if you can find another solution to the problem take that route.

Colin

[frogga]

I'm very lucky I live in a very rural location, with a minor road on one side of the property and a common with dog walkers at the back. I would never shoot with people around and would always be very cautious as to where the aim/ safe direction is. I'm very fortunate the garden is large and I could hide in the shed with a window that looks straight at the veg patch (less than 10 metres away) and a shot looking down. I'm thinking if it caused trouble with the police then my job may be jeopardised so safety and care is paramount.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Rural is good the people there including the police have a better understanding of what you are going to do than townies.

I would think you would only get a problem if a townie was walking his doggy and saw what was happening.

Colin

[frogga]

Getting a dog is another option I am considering, may make a very good birthday present for my daughter rather than telling the other half I'm getting one to keep squirrels at bay, and it's also a much safer option than shooting.

[veggiechicken]

Frogga, I really believe that trapping should be your preferred option. Before we found out that it was illegal to release squirrels into the wild (because they are vermin) we caught at least 8 in a few days (and released them in the woods some distance away). Since the rat man was coming to lay bait for rats, when we knew he was coming we'd set the trap and he'd shoot the squirrel in the trap and dispose of the body.
I have always had dogs, the squirrels think they are just for playing with.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Dispose of the bodies, only way is via a game pie.

Potty