How to Hunt Snare Ground Squirrels With a Badger As a Predator
If you have ever wanted to kill a ground squirrel, then you’re not alone. It’s a common problem for many backyard hunters, and the best solution is to set up a snare in a tree and wait for the animal to fall into it. But if you don’t have a tree nearby, staking the tree is a great way to lure the squirrel to the trap and get a noose around it. Using a badger as a natural predator will make the whole process easier and more effective.
Table of Contents
Baits
Before you use baits to hunt snare ground squirrels, you should understand the basics of trap construction. The bait is used to attract the animal into the trap and induce it to activate the trigger. To ensure a successful catch, the bait must be placed at a suitable distance from the trap’s trigger mechanism. Baits must also be placed in a location that is safe from aerial predators.
If you are targeting a single ground squirrel, use a snare made of wire and placed on the tree that the ground squirrel travels on. These traps are highly effective because they catch multiple squirrels at once. Make sure to test the snare by placing your hand through it and making sure it tightens. Baits to hunt snare ground squirrels should be made of crunchy peanut butter.
Location of snares
The first step in putting up snares for ground squirrel hunting is to secure them with a tree or branch. If possible, you should use both branches and trees for more security. When setting up the snare, consider the natural layout of the area to lure squirrels through it. Squirrels will naturally follow the path that requires the least amount of energy. If the area is in an open field, a tree branch or a log will work perfectly.
A dena’ina elder told me that snares were used to trap birds, ground squirrels, and other small game. These snares were made from bird feather shafts, sinew, and wood. They were waterproofed with spruce pitch. In addition, dena’ina women would use these snares to catch birds and other animals.
Getting a noose on a squirrel
Getting a noose on your squirrel is relatively easy once you know how to make the noose. To make it easier, you can cut a piece of paracord into three hand-lengths. Place the noose end over the end of the wire and make a small loop on one end of the wire. Then, feed the wire through the loop and pull it tight. Once the squirrel is caught, the noose is tightened.
To set a snare, find a suitable location for the animal. Woodchuck burrows, stream-bank holes, and hollow logs make great locations for a snare. When setting the snare, make sure the hook is attached to a sturdy anchor. Be sure to place a stake or a log nearby to keep the snare open when the animal steps in it.
Using a badger as a natural predator
Using a badger as a predator is not uncommon. In fact, badgers are some of the most common carnivores in grasslands. They prey on burrowing animals, birds, insects, and even reptiles. Typically, badgers live alone but are sometimes seen hunting alongside coyotes. Both animals have similar hunting styles, but badgers are more able to find prey by waiting or chasing it underground. Because badgers and coyotes are solitary animals, they have few natural predators. However, bobcats and coyotes are both capable of taking badgers as prey.
Badgers are nocturnal animals. They spend the majority of their day underground, making it an ideal time to use a badger as a predator. During breeding season, American badgers typically enlarge the burrow system of a different species. They can mate at any time of the year, but they are most active in the fall. During this time, the home ranges of the individual badgers overlap and solitary badgers can meet potential mating partners. After mating, the female badger gives birth to a litter of one to six cubs. Using a badger as a natural predator to hunt ground squirrels can be an effective solution to your pest problem.
Releasing a squirrel
Releasing a squirrel after snaring it is not always the safest option. Many squirrels are extremely nervous when being caught, so they often return to their old territory when released. Studies show that zigzagging as you drive has little effect on releasing a squirrel, as does driving straight. You should also consider dropping off the squirrel at night, when the chances of it returning are minimal.
People often think that releasing a captured animal is a good idea because they are doing a good deed. However, these “humane” traps may actually be causing more pain and suffering to the squirrel than any other method, and they may be considered animal cruelty. This practice is completely illegal in many areas. If you’re considering hunting a ground squirrel, here are some tips:
What is the best way to set a trap for a ground squirrel?
The best way to set a trap for a ground squirrel is to find their burrow and set the trap right in front of the opening.
What is the best bait to use for a ground squirrel trap?
The best bait to use for a ground squirrel trap is a combination of oats and peanut butter.
How big does the trap need to be for a ground squirrel?
The trap needs to be about 6-8 inches long and 3-4 inches wide.
How many traps should be set for ground squirrels?
It is best to set 3-4 traps at a time.
How often should the traps be checked?
The traps should be checked every day.
What happens if a trap is not checked for a few days?
If a trap is not checked for a few days the ground squirrel will die and the trap will need to be replaced.
How can you tell if a ground squirrel is caught in the trap?
You can tell if a ground squirrel is caught in the trap if the trap is sprung and the ground squirrel is inside.
What should be done with a ground squirrel once it is caught?
The ground squirrel should be killed and its body disposed of.
What is the best way to kill a ground squirrel?
The best way to kill a ground squirrel is to shoot it in the head with a small caliber rifle.
What is the best time of day to hunt ground squirrels?
The best time of day to hunt ground squirrels is in the early morning or late evening.
What is the best time of year to hunt ground squirrels?
The best time of year to hunt ground squirrels is in the spring or fall.
Where is the best place to hunt ground squirrels?
The best place to hunt ground squirrels is in an area with lots of trees and brush.
How many ground squirrels can be harvested in a day?
The limit is 10 ground squirrels per day.
What should be done with the ground squirrels after they are harvested?
The ground squirrels should be skinned and cleaned as soon as possible.
What are some of the diseases that ground squirrels can carry?
Ground squirrels can carry diseases such as plague and rabies.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
