Rotten mood - Page 4

Iowa Dave · 12-19-2019, 04:59 PM

Hi Tom
Here are two facts about Iowa
1. Our state bird is the Eastern Goldfinch. As you know, finches like to sing and do have a nice
clear note song.
2 During World War II the supply of fibers to make rope was cut off by the war in the Pacific. Farmers in Iowa raised hemp plants. The fibers in the stalks were suitable for making hemp rope. Stalks were harvested and the rope shortage was conquered. Seeds escaped cultivation and established a wild crop in the rich black soil that we have, even in unfarmed areas. As the plants matured, the large seed heads made a wonderful food source for our native birds.
And the goldfinch, back then were called wild canaries fed on the seeds. And sing they did. I know you will find a way to use this important information to brighten your day.
Jake says hello to Lefty.
Iowa Dave

Ron in BC · 12-19-2019, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I have a 50' X 160' lot and the bears have the rest of BC. - 364,764 mi²
They can stay the hell out of my yard.

They only have to walk a few feet from wilderness that extends hundreds of miles North to be in my yard. I usually yell at them or make noise. They usually leave but if they climb a tree I take my slingshot and harass them until they get annoyed and leave. Better that than let the "conservation" officer come by and shoot them. It's a real downer when you have friends over for dinner and then suddenly you hear a loud bang. What's that they say. That's the sound of a 12 gage on the front boulevard killing a bear.

Ron

HABBERDABBER · 12-19-2019, 05:58 PM

I'm a bit of a Chicago Bears football team fan, and this talk of blasting bears is........most disturbing.

GO BEARS!

HABBERDABBER · 12-19-2019, 06:01 PM

Dave,
Same deal with hemp in Wisconsin, as in Iowa, so I understand. I seem to recall it was called "ditch weed", back in the 70's. I'm a little hazy on details on that.

gbaglo · 12-19-2019, 06:10 PM

I've had a bear in the back yard a few times in 35 years. I will not report the bear. They would want me to remove bird feeders ( although I quit feeding birds six months ago because they attract rats ). I'd have to put my BBQ somewhere. They'd want me to put the organics garbage in my freezer until pickup day. Bears have broken in to cars, houses and sheds.

I've got a 800 sq. ft. house with no basement and no garage. I'd have to move out.

I do have bear bangers, bear spray and flares.

cpaharley2008 · 12-19-2019, 06:37 PM

Why don't they tranquilize and relocate them, that is what they do with the black bears down here.

gbaglo · 12-19-2019, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Why don't they tranquilize and relocate them, that is what they do with the black bears down here.

They do. The bears come back shortly after. And, it's not humane to dump a bear in another bear's territory.

Ron in BC · 12-19-2019, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Why don't they tranquilize and relocate them, that is what they do with the black bears down here.

They do and they put a yellow tag on their ear. But they have an amazing ability to travel huge distances back to what was their home turf. When I see a bear with a yellow tag I know that it's a virtual death sentence if the conservation officer is called. Second chances are rare. Most neighbors know this and don't call but not all folks share our view that peaceful co-existence is possible.

Ron

cpaharley2008 · 12-19-2019, 06:52 PM

I handle the neighborhood TNR for cats and relocate skunks and possums. I imagine living up there I'd be feeding the bears rather than the cats....

gbaglo · 12-19-2019, 07:10 PM

What is TNR ?

rubicon327 · 12-19-2019, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

What is TNR ?

Learned something new. Trap-Neuter-Return
https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how...ed/what-is-tnr

cpaharley2008 · 12-19-2019, 07:25 PM

Trap, neuter, release. Costs me $16 to take them to SPCA for neutering and bring them back and release. I have done this dozens of times. Occasionally some do not want to leave so I have to find them a home or take them in myself. I put out food and have heated water bowl and shelter for them in the winter,

cpaharley2008 · 12-19-2019, 07:26 PM

TNR is a great program, it keeps rats and other rodents at bay and keeps kittens to a minimum.

Mike Lewis · 12-19-2019, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Trap, neuter, release. Costs me $16 to take them to SPCA for neutering and bring them back and release. I have done this dozens of times. Occasionally some do not want to leave so I have to find them a home or take them in myself. I put out food and have heated water bowl and shelter for them in the winter,

Umm, you trap skunks? Could get tricky.

Iowa Dave · 12-19-2019, 08:10 PM

If you catch them in a live trap that is confining enough that they cannot raise their tail they can’t spray and can be moved if a cover is put over the live trap. It takes confidence , a Steady hand and a soothing voice to open the door of the trap and walk away.
I like the tube traps made out of plastic sewer pipe. Sturdy.
Iowa Dave

padlin · 12-19-2019, 08:14 PM

We're not allowed to "move" pests off our property, it's release them where you got them or do them in. A family of skunks can do a number on your yard in no time.

I covered the top and 2 sides of a Hav-A-Heart, kind of a tube trap now.

Mike Lewis · 12-19-2019, 08:29 PM

I was wondering how to trap a skunk. I didn't think of covering the trap. Thanks for the info.

I haven't spotted a skunk, but I have everything else: opossums, armadillos, and those damned squirrels. I'm not making much progress getting rid of them.

I was concerned that I might inadvertently trap a skunk when trying to trap something else.

ColoradoSwany · 12-19-2019, 08:41 PM

Thank you, Jim! Good work with the neighborhood cats in particular.

Iowa Dave · 12-19-2019, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I was wondering how to trap a skunk. I didn't think of covering the trap. Thanks for the info.

I haven't spotted a skunk, but I have everything else: opossums, armadillos, and those damned squirrels. I'm not making much progress getting rid of them.

I was concerned that I might inadvertently trap a skunk when trying to trap something else.

While it is possible to purchase wildlife control supplies like Hav a Hart cage traps at hardware and farm stores. The more complete suppliers are animal damage control (ADC) equipment vendors. The guys at snareshop.com in the little burg of Litterdale Iowa are real good to deal with. They have a complete selection of cage and tube traps, lures and baits, and instructional videos. Depending on how serious you want to get, they can accommodate your needs. I’ve bought from them for quite a few years. They are also a full line sporting goods store DBA Sommerfield Outfitters.
Iowa Dave

cpaharley2008 · 12-20-2019, 06:27 AM

There are regulations on wildlife relocation and I have been in touch both with the local wildlife rehab as well as state. They informed me if they pick it up it is put down due to the rabies situation. what I do with the wild thing they do not care. I contacted a local federal dam supervisor who told me he works 8-5 daily, what happens after those hours he does not care...so the release is on federal or state property, so there are ways of relocation if pursued, regardless of regulations.
The secret to the skunk was wrapping the cage in a shower curtain and make sure it can not raise it's tail. Raccoons are kind of cute, possums not as pretty. I also have a small trap for squirrels that may get in your attic or kittens. Once you get the kittens you leave then in front of the larger trap to get the momma. Pretty busy for living in a city....just call me trapper Jim

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