First Time Turkeys

[Ridgerunner]

What did you use for bait? Is it possible mice or something got the bait without triggering the trap? Or could it somehow get the bait out from the back or side?

I wired my trap to a piece of plywood for stability. I did not want it to turn over easily. Then I built this shell to fit over the trap so the only way in is through the front door. For Lesa's benefit, this all fits inside a 55 gallon barrel full of water and does not float.

I've caught about everything except skunk with this. It being enclosed would help you get close enough without being sprayed hopefully. I'll admit it gets pretty exciting when I move this shell back enough to see if what is inside is black and white.

 

[RidgebackRanch]

I put some canned dog food in a small plastic container and duct taped it to the bottom of the trap. I think it got all the food because the distance from the back of the trap to the trigger is too short. Tonight the bait will be taped in upside down so the critter has to work a little to get it and hopefully will spring the trap.

I can't wait to finish the last section of fencing and give them a way in and out of the pop door so they can be "outside" and be turkeys.

 

[RidgebackRanch]

Had not caught anything in the trap so I used a bigger one and caught a cat. I hope it learned a lesson and won't come around anymore. I really want to get this skunk out of here.

Also we just got 25 Maran chicks yesterday, so I had better get moving on the outdoor projects real fast!

 

[RidgebackRanch]

I need some advice from those of you who have had skunks on your property. If there is no longer any "skunky" smell near the coop is that an indication that it is gone?

I fill in the hole every morning at the base of the coop, and by the next morning it has been pushed out again. Something is in there but now I'm not so sure it's a skunk.

The hole is about 5 inches wide and about 3 inches high.

Any thoughts?

 

[Ridgerunner]

That hole sounds small for a groundhog, but maybe. Groundhogs are always high on my list as a possibility when something is living under a building.

I can't answer that question about a "skunky" smell. The few times I had one den up aywhere close it don't last long enough for me to make that kind of observation. 12 gauge, turkey load, #4 shot, full choke, safe distance.

I haven't tried this but after hearing today's holiday celabrated last night with fireworks, how about occasionally throwing a firecracker in that hole? Make it really uncomfortable for whatever it is to stay there. Psychological warfare.

Also, you might try digging up the dirt right at the hole and raking it smooth to get a footprint you could identify. Maybe sprinkle a layer of flour to get a better footprint. It does help to know what you are dealing with.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

you could always try sitting out there when it is dusk and observe from a slight distance what may come out. my dad used to do this when i was a kid. he'd wait till it came out to see if it was a mother skunk or a loner. moms he would have the guy relocate them. males he would shoot if he got the chance. i couldn't believe how accurate he was with a BB gun hitting one of those. at least that is what i thought he used to take them out. if you do try to shoot one make sure you get it between the eyes to limit the spraying and make it a quick demise.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Good point. If you are using a rifle, pellet gun, something that is a single bullet, definitely go for the head shot but for another reason also. There is not a whole lot of body under all that fur. It's hard to know where a vital spot is.

I embarrassed myself one time with a skunk and my brother's .22, even after I figured out it was shooting high and to the left.

 

[lesa]

I would set up that trap right in front of the hole that is being dug out... I think you will find critter will walk right into it. I have caught groundhogs like that, almost instantly. Good luck! I like the not floating part Ridgerunner. I put sticks through the cage, so the animal can't get to the top. But, that takes a long time and doesn't always work...

 

[Ridgerunner]

A neighbor had pretty good luck just putting up a fence on both sides from the den opening to funnel the critter to the trap. He used over-ripe peaches for bait. I dont know which was more effective, the fence or the bait. He took four groundhogs out of that den.

Lesa, when I put it in my rain barrel that cover comes off before the trap and the plywood wired to the bottom goes in. That plywood wired to the bottom of the trap for stability was sized to fit inside that rain barrel but that top would not fit. Ive never had to do a skunk. Id sure try to keep a piece of plastic with no holes in it between me and the skunk until it was underwater. And Id leave that top on as it went in the water. That might get a little tricky but I think I could manage. Its amazing what you can do when you are properly motivated.

 

[RidgebackRanch]

Thank you everybody!!! All excellent tips. I'm going to put the live trap staked down in front of the hole. If it decides to dig around it there will be several rat traps on both sides. If I had the time I would do a stake out and shoot whatever popped it's head out. If that situation has to wait a month or so then so be it.

Once again thank for the great advice and as soon as some finishing touches are done on the coop I will post pictures.