Trapping Critters for Catch and Release Using Live Traps

[@wrath187]

A man that respects nature for what it is, we need more people like Bobby.

[@mhpgardener]

What did you use for bait? I'm still trying to catch the groundhog thats eating my sweet taters. I have some corn in it tonight, been using cantalope. ... And that watery stuff from the sky is called RAIN..... I hear its on the endangered list in many parts of the country.

[@suziereihl4347]

Thank you so much for going through the whole process. I had to watch 4 videos to find one that showed me how to release the trap door. Especially with a hissing scared animal in the trap. Great video!

[@mhpgardener]

I have no idea. Things just get done. I'm not close to being retired, by definition anyways. But being self employed, I can set my own schedule. And if I work extra hard, me and my family benefit from it...not a boss somewhere else. That itself is a very motivating factor. Thanks Randy.

[@mhpgardener]

Before I bring in the chickens, I'll set these traps every night for several weeks, trying to catch everything around here. And I'll do everything I can to make the henhouse as animal proof as possible. Chickens and wild animals just don't mix very well. Thanks Deb.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. I agree, there is too much time and effort put into gardening to allow the animals to just have their way. Especially when you think about the damage they can do in a very short time.

[@Sheikyerbouti8]

Hey amigo. Glad you caught the culprit. I've had lots of problems with raccoons, and I've gotten quite good at trapping them. They can't resist friskies cat food. It has to be friskies. Not sure why, but they won't turn it down. Put the friskies UNDER the plate. A smart raccoon will go into the trap, and take the bait out without springing it, but if they have to claw around under the trigger plate, you'll get them every time. Just a suggestion from my experiences.

[@mhpgardener]

If I had waited a few more days, I could have added groundhog to the list. I finally got the rascal that was munching on my sweet taters.

[@mhpgardener]

I've never dealt with wood chucks, so I don't really know. I did use cantaloupe for the ground hog.

[@mhpgardener]

What I would do is mark the animal with dye. While it was in the trap, just pour some red dye or something on it. The color should stay on him for awhile. At least long enough for you to find out if there is more than one.

[@mhpgardener]

That is way too high. Tractor Supply has them for a lot less, as do other places. What is doing the rooting in the ground?

[@missmamtube]

Good night Irene, lololololool, great teaching and the Good Book says that a little laughter is good for the soul:) Thank you for sharing and God Bless all !

[@perbain]

Thanks Bobby. We use these same traps and have gotten 5 raccoons and 3 possum this year. We do have chickens and started setting them when we saw what happened to Mrs. Volfe's chickens. Great video.

[@lindabarber1718]

Funny! My husband and I were all set to do this to capture a groundhog BUT you made me think about a couple of things. That we could catch a fox or raccoon and that something could be rabid. No other videos brought that up so it is obvious you have way more experience than most folks and more sense. So this TN woman is going to leave it to a professional! The last guys that did this for us did catch one coon before getting the groundhog and I'm a bit scared of raccoons (rabid or not)! Thanks again!

[@mhpgardener]

Thats true Sheila. You always have to be paying attention. Speaking of bats..I can't remember the last time I saw one. They used to be all around in the evenings, and now they're all gone.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. Using the string was the safest way I could think of. I wanted to be on the opposite end, so the animals would have a wide open space to leave.

[@jerahmaya77]

Awesome tutorial man. You have a smooth and entertaining way of explaining things. Thanks so much!

[@juliesheridan4551]

Thank you, Bobby! I'm glad your video is still here. I caught a racoon instead of the woodchuck, and I was afraid, but you walked me through it. I used a bungee cord as the pull rope. Worked well.

[@BexarPrepper]

Once again some great information. Thank you for sharing so much with all of us. Blessings!

[@radar2119]

"Undisclosed?" We all know you dropped them off at your mother in-laws place.

[@randywendel]

Hey Bobby, how on earth do you have enough time to do everything. You don't look old enough to be retired. I wish that I lived next door to you so I could help you and learn from you. My garden never produces like yours does and I wish I had more time to spend working in it. You are truly an amazing man and I know God has a special place for you.

[@scottmanb2005thegardenpit]

I had the same problem last year with squirrels. I bought a trap for squirrels late summer last year. I trapped and released a bunch of them throught the fall. I even caught a few rats, but I didn't relocate them. I have seen a few squirrels this year, but I have seen very little damage from them. I tried to trap them with no luck. I will wait until the fall to try again when there isn't as much food around for them. Nice video, Bobby

[@madroofer36]

I knew a guy that owned a car lot that used to catch raccoon's and possum with those live traps, instead of taking them somewhere and letting them loose he would shoot them in the head with a 22 pistol while they were still in the cage. I asked him what use there was in using a live trap if he was just going to kill them anyway! It's good to see you just take them somewhere else and let them go! God Bless you man!

[@fishnmetal4383]

Depending on where you live you can't use other types of traps so if he wanted them dead but couldn't use a kill trap that's probably why.

[@carnivalwrestler]

I use old blankets and wrap them around the cage (very carefully) and carry the animal that way to the release spot. I can then tip the back end of the cage up while pulling up the trap door (tricky, and I have to use two hands to release the catch and pull up the door part way, then I grab the back end of the trap which is double wrapped in the blanket and tip it up. Raccoons sometimes take a moment to get the idea, but they run out after a few seconds. For skunks, the blanket is essential, and you should put it over the trap entirely, except for the entrance, when you set it. Then you can transport the critter without getting sprayed. And when you let it out, it might take a minute and go part way out and back in a few times, but eventually it will go out, and it won't spray you.)

[@mhpgardener]

I wonder if the Animal Control guy would be any help? I don't know that I'd want to be messing around with a skunk. They put a smell on you that Ajax won't wash off !

[@mhpgardener]

Chickens are on my list. I just haven't gotten to them yet. I said something to my wife today about gathering fresh eggs, and she said " no way, there might be a snake in the box. " Oh well, as long as she cooks the eggs, I reckon I can bring them in. :-)

[@mhpgardener]

Sounds like you had a mean one. The foxes I've seen around here have been fairly small and thin, not overly aggressive.

[@TheOntarioGardener]

You gots all sorts of animals there Bobby! At the farm we caught a BIG coon once. He was eating all the cat food, and living in the barn walls. He barely fit in that trap though, lol. Also, it was used to catch a feral cat one time, so she could be taken to get fixed. They work pretty good. Thanks for sharing.

[@mhpgardener]

I might could use those if I moved the traps down by the creek. Our cats don't usually wander too far off.

[@nishavenue84]

i love that you release them....the fox was beautiful i've never seen a grey coloured one before just red ones up here.. much respect to you ol fella.... i grew up in the boreal forests of northwestern ontario canada... where nature and wild animals are boss... co-existing with them while gardening is not hard to do with a little effort and preventive measures....

[@hectorcalderon3011]

What size is that that you're demonstrating the newer model

[@mhpgardener]

Same here. I take a bunch of them to a fella about 10 miles away and he releases them on his property where they are use to train his dogs.

[@mhpgardener]

It was cool to see them take off into the woods.

[@jerzeys2finest89]

Thank you for letting the animals go. Quick question,how many greenhouses do you have and how many acres of land do you live on if you don't mind me asking?

[@mhpgardener]

I have 2 greenhouses, and plenty of land. But I only use about 2 acres for gardening.

[@MrClayDust]

just a note on the possum they will eat your melons, they start at the blossom end then hollow out the fruit. thanks for all the great vids.

[@dramey03]

if one had chickens, and had fox problems, is there a way for one to tranquilize the fox and than "tag" it to know if its a single problem fox or multiple ones? or would that be a complete waste of time and unnecessary

[@dogfood137]

thanks for the video nice job I have wood chucks can I use mashmellows

[@earthalien77]

q. how do you carry the trap without it biting or clawing you?

[@mhpgardener]

Thx bro. Me too. They make it much easier to protect my gardens.

[@kirkndeb]

It is pretty much impossible for a possum to get or have rabies but they can be some pretty mean little craps.They also like fruits and veggies and will destroy a garden.Great video and like others said that fox was pretty funny.

[@FrederickDunn]

Nice demo... when you do get your chickens, just make sure to build solid coops and those night hunters won't get in with them... thanks for the video... I also use the marshmallows...

[@TheRccrf]

+Frederick Dunn Exactly, invest in underwiring. Will save you a lot of dead chickens and headaches.

[@firstaid6706]

Very well done and stated. I am about to go and release 2 pine martens (they act similar to that fox when you are handling the trap, and they do like to hunt everything in your back yard from song birds to your small pets) from another style trap with the rings that hold the door closed, so you can roll the trap 180 and then when the rings fall toward the ground the door should open. This has inspired me to perhaps take my spouse along as the camera person and also do a video on using those traps safely. Years ago I marked a squirrel on his rear with a spot of fluorescent orange spray paint before I released him a couple of km's away from home. Then later when at home having dinner my spouse calls me from the back yard and says, "honey, come and look at this squirrel sitting on the fence, he's got a bright orange bum!". My spouse also claims that from that time on she noticed that aversively conditioned squirrel, whom she claimed now suffered from PTSD, couldn't find any female squirrel mates, so I hid the paint because she threatened to paint my rear end so I could see how I liked going out in public like that. (Apparently she was fonder of that squirrel than me.) So today, no paint, ear tags, or GPS tracking collars, and I plan to drive a few KM's more before the release, I'm afraid if they come back next time they may not be as keen to get chicken stir fry in a trap.

[@curtflirt2]

+First Aid What happened with the squirrel?

[@ircraig2]

Good thoughtful advice. I don't have any traps yet, so I've been using my kid's paintball guns to try and keep the squirrels out of my tomatoes. It's not very effective in keeping them out of the garden, but it's kinda fun seeing them scramble...

[@mhpgardener]

I used marshmallows with the cuff trap awhile back, and did well. So I put them in the live traps and bingo !

[@mhpgardener]

I've always heard that the rabies shots were very painful. Fortunately, I haven't had to find out first hand !

[@mhpgardener]

I had heard that....very interesting. But when in a bad mood, they can be pretty nasty. They hiss a little and then go on about their way.

[@mhpgardener]

Yep, gotta be careful when they are inside the cage. Those little claws can reach out and grab you, doing some damage. Yes sir... the hydroponic lettuce is up and running. I'm saving the video update right now. Hoping to have it uploaded for tomorrow night. It's been pretty warm here, but the lettuce is off to a good start.

[@Viva_la_natura]

The face only a mother could love, haha....You're not kidding. Cheers to catch and release!

[@shadowofjuniperhill]

So nice to see you release them, last summer I trapped 29 ground squirrels and relocated them. Good not to release them too close or they'll be back and not on someone else's property. It was nice to see them go.

[@robertnekoranec5668]

Illegal to relocate

[@fatpius]

I just priced that trap on Amazon and it's nearly $90 plus shipping...guess I'll just have to let them have at it. I did cut some wire fencing and put it down in the ground where they're rooting/up-rooting my maters. Very frustrating!

[@mhpgardener]

I've never had a problem with possums in the garden. They usually go for the cat food. I know they can be pretty nasty, but they've never caused any trouble around here.

[@Sheila6325]

2 cases of rabies here in Maryland this week. ( Front page news here) It's caused a huge uproar. An apartment building has bats, and one of the tests showed up as babid. So now 2 children have to go through the shots. You can never be too careful when it comes to wild animals.

[@LeeSerrano]

As long as you don't hurt them it's a good thing! They are just looking for food & ways to survive.

[@sazicalmir4157]

How do you catch a fox? I have been having trouble with a fox taking the bait out of my traps anytime i set them, and it's a big trap..

[@mhpgardener]

Ouch.... he had a really bad day. I've caught plenty of possums and they sure do like to hiss a lot. But once free, they turn tail in a hurry.

[@JcLazy1]

Where did he put the string ?

[@jenniferhayes6482]

what was the second animal a fox???

[@jenniferhayes6482]

Chris Gilliam oh alr

[@sapphireotaku3399]

Jennifer Hayes Yes, Grey Fox.

[@MamaHomesteader]

Just a note of caution you may want to extend to your viewers about the subject . Be familiar with State and County laws concerning the trapping and moving of wildlife.Some places can be VERY fickle about that whole process, and knowing the laws can keep you outta a whole lot of hot water :) Keep em comin!

[@mhpgardener]

Sheeesh..29 squirrels... are you sure they didn't get back to the car each time before you did and catch a ride back home? LOL Do you have any cats? Ours just love to hunt squirrels.

[@joecil1]

After losing half my muskmelons , I got the ground hog. (live trap) still have fence up. planted winter carrots today. I'll be glad to put this year in the book. More watery stuff fell from the sky today, googling it now to see what it may be...

[@2Real4U2]

Heya Bobby, I have the exact trap as your old model. Was hoping you would go over that one. Mine has the long trigger rod on the inside of cage and it's hard to move the trigger plate up to get the hook set at top. My other more severe problem is the front door will not lock shut and the critters are escaping through front door? It has 2 springs near the top of the lock flap mechanism that looks like it is upside down and a metal thingy at top in front of the carry handle that looks to serve no purpose as it sits now almost looks like another silver carry handle but is assembled so it doesn't move. I think this was assembled wrong in China. If you could do a quick video on that, it it would be much appreciated. Thanks in Advance and God bless and Willing. Lol

[@robertshrewsbury4241]

We have 5 Feral cats around our house and will be trapping them soon and then the City will come and pick them up. So sad that some people do not Neuter their animals and leave a mess for others. I have not trapped any animals since the 50's, however I still remember how. I remember trapping a menagerie of animals, including birds in box-traps, but the most difficult was trapping a skunk and they smelled up the trap a lot. Formalin works good to eradicate the smell. This is informative and I was not very up to date, because I made my own box-traps when I was a child. Thanks!

[@michaell7877]

Okay, the big question, what happens if you catch a skunk? I’m not trying to be funny. I want this one local cat, and take him to the pound, I dont know who owns it. What do you suggest?

[@1949RL]

Hey Bobby,noticed a little jump when you let the fox go.Kinda funny how that works called fight or flight reaction.LOL. Good vid. See Ya.

[@mhpgardener]

Its cool to see the animals up so close. If I could talk to them like Dr Dolittle, maybe we could reach some kind of understanding. :-)

[@mhpgardener]

Yep....thats definitely something else to consider. Most times the Mommas are pretty easy to spot.

[@723lion]

this is the best vid with best advice! thx!

[@mhpgardener]

723lion Thank you.

[@stillsmokin5339]

what do you use for bait? i want to start trapping for fun

[@cactusladysouth1000]

what brand trap is that?

[@mhpgardener]

We had plenty of rats when I was growing up. They'd get in the hog and chicken feed all the time. We set huge traps for them. And sometimes the traps would disappear. Those rats were just huge. I hope you catch whatever is eating the maters.

[@umarsayyad9597]

Sir I was trying to catch animal who is keep killing my chickens but idk why he won’t go in it.

[@brewmiester11]

Hey Bobby, Good video; the first squirrel I caught, I wasn't sure how I was going to get him out. My trap is only a month or so old and exactly like your newer one. It is better to catch your pets in a live trap than a conabear or leg hold trap.

[@georgemartin1935]

How far away do you release coons

[@lilhunterbp]

what did u use to catch the fox

[@warrenfleming6472]

What bait are you using

[@aperson1181]

what brand, model is this?

[@mhpgardener]

Hehe..yea, that possum wasn't too smart. The fox was just showing off for the camera. He had been very polite up until then. Thanks TJ.

[@Sheikyerbouti8]

Well, I can see how that would be a problem (I don't have any cats myself), but you can still try my trick of putting the bait under the trigger plate. It works on the smartest and wariest of raccoons. I had one that would remove the bait and eat it outside the trap, so I wired bait to the back end of the trap, and he would eat the bait inside the trap without setting it off. This went on for weeks...until I put the bait under the trigger. He was the biggest raccoon I've ever seen. Cheers.

[@theresaconley3455]

Thank you very much it really helped me plus I'm a female😊

[@mhpgardener]

Yes mam. a little laughter is great..... I try to have fun with whatever I do, as long as I'm safe about it.

[@mhpgardener]

I've heard a couple folks mention that about possums and rabies. Indeed, they can be quite nasty if they want too. That mouth full of teeth can do some damage.. Thanks.

[@randbarrett8706]

I like how it takes animals a second to recognize they’re free and bolt

[@usesmachines]

Awww, possums are so CUTE :) Really pleased you release the animals you trap - good things will come back to you for your kindness. Thanks for all the gardening tips, it's great stuff. Thanks so much for sharing :)

[@fredferd965]

That's mighty sporting of you, neighbor - you let the possum free first, to give him a running start before the fox could catch him. If you'd done it the other way, the possum wouldn't have gotten very far....

[@thetrainwreck1469]

I just love your southern accent.

[@mhpgardener]

Sounds like the common practice of having exotic animals for pets. Eventually, most of them get released and they become someone elses problem. Hopefully your dog catcher has been informed about the drawbacks to his plan.

[@mhpgardener]

Yes sir...foxes and chickens don't mix very well. Thanks.

[@rchopp]

I'd be afraid of catching a skunk we have a few of those, I'm not sure how I would handle that..any thoughts on that..lol

[@phaylen]

How in the heck do you release them without standing in front of it and getting attacked?

[@gf3030]

Shoot them first, they cant attack you if there dead.

[@1995FIRSTskybits]

gf3030 Moron!

[@gf3030]

Hows that being a moron? Last I checked a dead critter cant attack. Sounds like a moron would let them out alive.

[@ricosdiamante2572]

Can we have the local animal control take and release them Instead ?. I've got skunks ,beavers ,stray cats, possums just from what I've seen . One cat actually tried to steal a drumstick while I was barbequing the nerve of him.

[@IllumTheMessage]

Ever get a ground hog in one of those?

[@davidandcarolh]

Great vid, thanks I enjoyed it. I'm a southern boy and would have been not as trusting when it came to releasing that fox. I have a friend that lost a chihuahua to a fox before he finally trapped it. Anyway that took some courage and you should be commended for it. Keep up the great work. Hello from Texarkana Arkansas and God bless.

[@mhpgardener]

Hehe..yea, he was behaving so well. That dog barking caught me off guard a bit.

[@NewEnglandgardening]

I've forgotten to close those at night before when I was catching squirrels and groundhogs and ended up with some skunks. Luckily they seem to only want to sleep during the day and I was able to release them without getting sprayed. I did hold a piece of cardboard between me and the cage though.

[@EllenlifeOneEarth4ever]

One mother and 3 baby raccoons hanging out on my back deck. Yeah during the summer two of my cats go outside. I really appreciate your video.

[@mhpgardener]

Coyotes eating melons....thats a new one on me. Maybe they are just thirsty? Either that or they have very good taste in vegetables....cuz I like watermelon too ! LOL

[@honeybacres]

Nice work with the traps. The possums here in Australia are a bit nicer looking than the possums there. That can make them look a bit deceptive. As cute as that look they will bit and scratch if they feel threaten.

[@mhpgardener]

If you're not gonna check them in the morning...that sounds like a decent thing to do.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. Well, if I caught a skunk, I'd have to call for backup...LOL I've talked to some folks who were sprayed by a skunk, and they didn't like it at all. Its a smell that stays with you for a very long time. Some how or other, he'd have to come out. I reckon I'll cross that bridge when I get there. :-)

[@ccdogpark]

Rabies is the reason many states prohibit catch and release somewhere else. In theory, you could easily be transmitting that problem to a wider area.