Squirrel Admonishment

[The avantgardener]

49 minutes ago, felixthelogchopper said:

I can see any attempt to prevent the culling of grey squirrels causing a lot of conflict with groups concerned with red squirrel conservation. I'd like to know how an air rifle shooter could demonstrate being 'properly qualified'. Another possible opportunity for NPTC, perhaps?

Tin can at 30 yards?

[saintsman54]

On 28/05/2019 at 09:27, Billhook said:

After he gnawed through the strap holding the metal cap down, I replaced it with a chain so he gnawed the top of the post nearly through to the Tek bolt so it wasatthis stage I decided to have a word in his ear.  He relaxes his body to enter the feeder but with the stolen nuts and fright of seeing me he cannot relax easily to escape

 

 

This made no difference as he was back inside the  next day!

As the Grey Squirrel is a non native invasive species, it is an offence to release a trapped squirrel! I am not sure if a feeder cage counts as a trap though... https://www.rsne.org.uk/squirrels-and-law 

[felixthelogchopper]

3 minutes ago, The avantgardener said:

Tin can at 30 yards?

I know plenty of people that could do that but I still wouldn't let them loose on live quarry.

[Big J]

Pine martens are apparently the single best control measure for greys. Where the numbers of martens has increased, the greys have retreated and the reds have started to reestablish. 

[The avantgardener]

9 minutes ago, felixthelogchopper said:

I know plenty of people that could do that but I still wouldn't let them loose on live quarry.

Tin can at 30 yards with a Blunderbuss?

[The avantgardener]

4 minutes ago, Big J said:

Pine martens are apparently the single best control measure for greys. Where the numbers of martens has increased, the greys have retreated and the reds have started to reestablish. 

I think the only long term issue will come from the RSPB/ Bird Conservation groups as Martens will predate birds and eggs also. Some of the woodlands near me are completely wrecked by the greys, a healthier woodland would surely increase bird habitat and offset their predation.

[Billhook]

1 hour ago, saintsman54 said:

As the Grey Squirrel is a non native invasive species, it is an offence to release a trapped squirrel! I am not sure if a feeder cage counts as a trap though... https://www.rsne.org.uk/squirrels-and-law 

When you come to visit me in prison, could you bring some marrons  glacés, as I do not think they serve them there.

[Billhook]

There is certainly some muddled thinking as the law says “It is therefore illegal to kill a squirrel by drowning, asphyxiation or bludgeoning todeath.“. But in the next part it says it is ok to put it in a sack and hit it over the head

First point must be what is the difference between hitting over the head and bludgeoning

Second point must be how do you know where the head is if it is in a sack?

It must surely also be more cruel to put it in a sack, then in the back of a car , then into a vets waiting room full of dogs and cats, then wrestling it out of the sack before holding it down for a lethal injection.

[felixthelogchopper]

30 minutes ago, Billhook said:

There is certainly some muddled thinking as the law says “It is therefore illegal to kill a squirrel by drowning, asphyxiation or bludgeoning todeath.“. But in the next part it says it is ok to put it in a sack and hit it over the head

First point must be what is the difference between hitting over the head and bludgeoning

Second point must be how do you know where the head is if it is in a sack?

It must surely also be more cruel to put it in a sack, then in the back of a car , then into a vets waiting room full of dogs and cats, then wrestling it out of the sack before holding it down for a lethal injection.

Indeed. Shooting or instant trap like a Fenns or similar in effect should be considered as mandatory.

[openspaceman]

11 hours ago, Billhook said:

Second point must be how do you know where the head is if it is in a sack?

You're supposed to hold the top of the bag in one hand and allow the squirrel  to pop its head out  so the priest could deliver the last rites in your other hand in practice if it got its head out the body would follow too soon after for me to do anything about it.