have a question for you trappers

[dsmitty]

This weekend, I got out on my first fishing trip. No good, for the water is still too cold for the bass I think, but did come across something. A muscrat (sp?) I believe? Now if this is true, and that is what we saw, my uncle wants it out of the pond. What is the best way to trap this animal? If it is to burrow a hole on the opposite side of the pond from where it is now, it could drain it completely... What is the fastest most effective way to get him?? thanks!

[badger]

They usually make bank dens.Walk the edge of the pond until you see a muddy run leading to his den. If you can get ahold of a colony trap, place that in the run in front of the den. It shouldn't be too deep in this area. If you can't get a colony trap, a 110 bodygripper will do the job as well. Another method is to find where they might be exiting the pond to feed. There will be a worn trail or "rat slide" Set a foothold under an inch or so of water where he must step when entering or exiting the pond.

If you don't catch him right away, don't worry I've never seen rats drain a pond. If not taken care of they will help with the erosion and cavein of the pond banks. That can be hazardous on mower wheels, and human ankles.

[coonskinner]

they can drain ponds but highly unlikely...they are putting dens in the dam where we hunt at deer camp(wn) and now the water is seeping through some of the holes on one side of the dam...so it does happen...:biggrin:

[Redhunter1012]

Our friend has had this problem. Hypothetically, you could get an accurate .22 or small caliber rifle and shoot them and that would work. Or if there is shrubbage and brush, hypothetically, well placed snares would work as well. Otherwise, I'd go with the leg hold traps.

[badger]

they can drain ponds but highly unlikely...they are putting dens in the dam where we hunt at deer camp(wn) and now the water is seeping through some of the holes on one side of the dam...so it does happen...:biggrin:

I could see where it could happen in a case like that coonie. Sounds like you need someone to come to deercamp, and get rid of them for ya!:D

[coonskinner]

I could see where it could happen in a case like that coonie. Sounds like you need someone to come to deercamp, and get rid of them for ya!:D

actually i was talking to the forest ranger about this at camp one year...he brought it up...and he was very concerned about the damage they had already done to the dam...he has trapped them but more come in...:D

[trapperack]

as badger said, colony or box trap is by far the best. if you don't have a box trap or bodygrip, try pushing a footgripping trap up in the hole. when muscrats exit and enter the "run" on the bottom.

ps. i have seen where rats bored threw a dike about 40 feet across and drained the pond level down about 5 feet. cost the landowner about $3000 to fix it. i now have lifetime trapping permission!:coolgleamA:

[cjd3]

Its not just the rat you have to worry about. After you pop em w/ a 22 or trap em, you need to fill in the hole to the den. If not it will make a home for other critters like a turtles. The hole will be a home to all form of pond critters unless the hole is filled in w/ rocks, bricks or pour a page of concreet into the hole at/above the waters edge.Somehow, plug that hole(s) or erision and animal digging will still be a risk.

If in the spring, deal with it asap. If its late summer or fall, allow a trapper in.

[dsmitty]

cool! thanks for the reply's.... do i have to worry about baiting or anything like that?? or just place it on its run?

[badger]

You shouldn't have to worry about bait. Don't be surprised if you catch more than one. There could be more than the one you seen, plus they are breeding now, and you will get some travelers.