Flintknapper
Member
O.K., maybe the subject of “being careful” will last longer in the hunting section than it did under General Gun Discussions.
I am not trying to resurrect THAT thread, especially since it got off topic and was (rightfully) locked, but the subject of “safety” when dispatching caught/caged/trapped nuisance animals is worthy of discussion IMO.
Here is a Raccoon I caught in a live trap two mornings ago. The trap you see is typical (or nearly so) of what most folks use (wire mesh on heavier metal frame).
Let’s avoid the “ethics” or personal feelings you might have about shooting caged animals, that is a separate subject for another thread.
The focus of this thread is to gather information from folks experienced in trapping animals and safely dispatching them while still in the trap.
We can start with Raccoons….. but the “principles” will apply to most animals commonly caught.
Here is MY contribution, please feel free to add to it or submit yours.
1. Nearly all animals (live trapped) will be in a defensive mode (understandably). This is especially true when you first arrive or when you approach the trap…so let them settle down (if they will) BEFORE you attempt to shoot.
2. IF you need to move the trap from the catch site (often desirable), be careful not to let the animal reach through and grab you (coons are famous for this).
You can ignore all the horrible sounding growls, hissing, biting, etc…BUT watch for paws that easily reach through the mesh. Keep the trap away from your body. Don’t ask me how I know. Bobcats and Coons will make you “pay”!
3. With Raccoons, once you’ve reached a site suitable to dispatch the animal, turn the live trap up on end (trip gate down on ground).
This does two things. It eliminates the possibility the animal (or you) will inadvertently open the trap AND it generally provides you a better shot …since the animal now has a more restricted space.
Also, animals that normally climb (I.E. Raccoons, Squirrels, Possum, etc) will almost always do so in the trap, see pic below.
4. Make sure you have a clear/safe area beyond the animal. Try to take the shot at as steep a downward angle as possible. EXPECT the bullet to exit the animal, though it might not.
5. NEVER take the shot from a “distance”. IF possible, literally place the muzzle of the firearm between the mesh of the wire. Yes, you’ll have to reposition several times; the animal will likely move (some) and will be watching you. Take your time.
6. DON’T open the trap until you are certain the animal has expired. CNS (central nervous system) shots are advised (I.E. brain pan or spine in the neck).
7. Small animals are best dispatched with .22 rimfire (or similar) ammunition. My preference is to use a rifle because you can use its length to keep distance between you and the animal. With a pistol…you have to be right upon it…which causes the animal to move (in defense).
I have taken hundreds of Raccoons, Bobcats, Fox, etc…from live traps and have yet to injure myself (with the firearm) BUT it is possible in a number of ways.
Besides having a bullet fragment ricochet/rebound….or a piece of wire mesh hit you, other items such as rocks or gravel could become projectiles if struck by the bullet, so be careful.
Use common sense when handling the trap as well as your firearm. NEVER do the two things together.
If you are moving the trap…then do THAT only. Your firearm should NOT be in your hands or where it can be knocked over.
I am not trying to resurrect THAT thread, especially since it got off topic and was (rightfully) locked, but the subject of “safety” when dispatching caught/caged/trapped nuisance animals is worthy of discussion IMO.
Here is a Raccoon I caught in a live trap two mornings ago. The trap you see is typical (or nearly so) of what most folks use (wire mesh on heavier metal frame).
Let’s avoid the “ethics” or personal feelings you might have about shooting caged animals, that is a separate subject for another thread.
The focus of this thread is to gather information from folks experienced in trapping animals and safely dispatching them while still in the trap.
We can start with Raccoons….. but the “principles” will apply to most animals commonly caught.
Here is MY contribution, please feel free to add to it or submit yours.
1. Nearly all animals (live trapped) will be in a defensive mode (understandably). This is especially true when you first arrive or when you approach the trap…so let them settle down (if they will) BEFORE you attempt to shoot.
2. IF you need to move the trap from the catch site (often desirable), be careful not to let the animal reach through and grab you (coons are famous for this).
You can ignore all the horrible sounding growls, hissing, biting, etc…BUT watch for paws that easily reach through the mesh. Keep the trap away from your body. Don’t ask me how I know. Bobcats and Coons will make you “pay”!
3. With Raccoons, once you’ve reached a site suitable to dispatch the animal, turn the live trap up on end (trip gate down on ground).
This does two things. It eliminates the possibility the animal (or you) will inadvertently open the trap AND it generally provides you a better shot …since the animal now has a more restricted space.
Also, animals that normally climb (I.E. Raccoons, Squirrels, Possum, etc) will almost always do so in the trap, see pic below.
4. Make sure you have a clear/safe area beyond the animal. Try to take the shot at as steep a downward angle as possible. EXPECT the bullet to exit the animal, though it might not.
5. NEVER take the shot from a “distance”. IF possible, literally place the muzzle of the firearm between the mesh of the wire. Yes, you’ll have to reposition several times; the animal will likely move (some) and will be watching you. Take your time.
6. DON’T open the trap until you are certain the animal has expired. CNS (central nervous system) shots are advised (I.E. brain pan or spine in the neck).
7. Small animals are best dispatched with .22 rimfire (or similar) ammunition. My preference is to use a rifle because you can use its length to keep distance between you and the animal. With a pistol…you have to be right upon it…which causes the animal to move (in defense).
I have taken hundreds of Raccoons, Bobcats, Fox, etc…from live traps and have yet to injure myself (with the firearm) BUT it is possible in a number of ways.
Besides having a bullet fragment ricochet/rebound….or a piece of wire mesh hit you, other items such as rocks or gravel could become projectiles if struck by the bullet, so be careful.
Use common sense when handling the trap as well as your firearm. NEVER do the two things together.
If you are moving the trap…then do THAT only. Your firearm should NOT be in your hands or where it can be knocked over.
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