Depredation Permit

[LauraCatherwood]

I am a new chicken owner and got my first four girls back in December. Several weeks ago, my daughter and I both forgot to close up the coop. We woke up to two dead chickens and it was heartbreaking. Definitely Raccoons. I understand that this was my fault, and do take complete responsibility for what happened. Just this past week, lovely raccoons found a way into the coop through the ventilation along the roof eave, which we thought we had secured, and killed my favorite girl, along with one of our new ones.

Yesterday, we better secured the coop, we hope, and I obtained a Depredation Permit. I live in a suburban, older neighborhood. I don't have a reliable working gun, so what is the next best way to take care of the problems when we trap them? Drowning? I've never killed anything, but I am also not playing games.

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

I used to catch the varmits in the trap then shoot them.
Now, I catch them in the trap and toss it into the pond with a rope attached so I can retrieve it in about 15-30 minutes.

 

[falconertomt]

In your case, I would use a live trap, tie a rope to it, and sink it in a body of water for 20 minutes or so. Make sure you are not at a well used area when you do that.

You may not need a Depredation Permit, Check with your local Wildlife Division about the status of Raccoons. They also may be able to trap them and re-locate them far away where they will not come back. You may also be able to get a Furbearer permit which would allow you to trap them.

You may also put out feelers in your area to see if there are any hunters/trappers that can come and take care of them for you.

 

[LauraCatherwood]

Thank you falconertomt. I think sinking the trap in water is my best option.

I do need the Depredation Permit in our area in order to trap and dispatch. There is no permit needed if you catch said varmint in the act, but I don't much fancy staying up all night watching and waiting. Also, I have checked with our Wildlife Division and relocation is illegal.

I'm not thrilled by any means at killing an animal, but I do want to protect my girls. It has been a rough week!

 

[falconertomt]

Thank you falconertomt. I think sinking the trap in water is my best option.

I do need the Depredation Permit in our area in order to trap and dispatch. There is no permit needed if you catch said varmint in the act, but I don't much fancy staying up all night watching and waiting. Also, I have checked with our Wildlife Division and relocation is illegal.

I'm not thrilled by any means at killing an animal, but I do want to protect my girls. It has been a rough week!

I hear ya. I live on the edge of a wild area, and in less than a year have had both skunks, racoons and feral cats in my back yard (my neighbor feeds them >.< ). I certainly do not condone needlessly killing animals, but sadly I have not found a way to train them not to come around.

Good luck, and safe hunting.