Saturday, August 8, 2015

Hey Chuck

Son: "Dad, how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?"
Dad: "A woodchuck would chuck as much wood as a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood."
What the heck is that racket? I looked up towards the garden and one of our outbuildings and wondered if Elenka was banging around up there. And then I remembered. The day before yesterday, I had set my Havahart trap up in the garden in an attempt to corral the latest varmint attacking my veggies. In the morning, I checked the trap and had nothing, but I guess an afternoon snack was just too much of a temptation for him. In the preceding days, he had helped himself to some of my lettuce, the leaves of my bush beans, and half of my beet greens. Heck, he mowed down my swiss chard! He had to go. I usually dump any invading critters I catch along the river, far away. Last evening I took this guy only about 3 miles away to an abandon softball field. Let's see if he makes his way back. I doubt it.
There. 
One mission accomplished.
I'll reset the trap this morning to see if there might be any 'family members' around.
There usually are.
After that?
I'll be tackling another age old question.
Which came first chicken or egg?
Wish me luck.

20 comments:

  1. Gosh you are good to these varmints; first, tasty meals and then a joy ride.

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  2. How putting him on a lobster boat heading out for the morning? :-)

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  3. I hope that relocation project worked!

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  4. I think he is on his way back. Keep your trap handy.

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  5. I like that they have a fighting chance with you Birdman :)

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  6. I like that they have a fighting chance with you Birdman :)

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  7. It would be easier to fence off your vegetables! We've got one in the back yard that sometimes shows up if I'm looking outside, but just to eat the grass.

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  8. He has probably spent the morning heading home to your place! A friend used to put a dab of paint on raccoons that he trapped and then took a few miles away to a park. Sure enough, they came home!

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  9. We use a Haveahart trap too and I like to think it works. ;)

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  10. I have four Havahart traps of three different sizes. I haven't had to use any of them lately. You're right, when there's one, there's usually more. The only thing I ever caught one of was an opposum. I was having fun trapping for a while but then I realized I just might get a skunk! So I only trap and relocate when it's absolutely necessary!

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    Replies
    1. Skunks(I've caught 2) I usually just let go. They just want the veggie bait anyway. They won't spray, if they can't see you. Throw a blanket over one end and release other. They'll just waddle away.

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  11. Good luck. That's what you asked for.

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  12. Don't you plant one for you and one for the critters?

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  13. Wonder if they are territorial?

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  14. Our garden is fenced, to the dismay of the deer and who knows what else. There's a shrew or some such in one of our beds. Once I figure out how to find and trap it its days will be numbered though I don't know what I'd do with it...

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  15. Cute little feller.

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