Goodnature A18 Squirrel Trap.

[jimmer.13]

Jimmer13, thanks. There are plenty of nuthatches, woodpeckers and treecreepers in that part of the wood... perhaps because I sited my trap next to one of my feeders! I thought that as the feeder was already drawing squirrels in, they would get curious enough about the A18 to pop their heads in for a sniff. The trail camera caught them checking it out, but my counter remained resolutely at "0".
I did try smearing lure on the trunk and on the black plate, but I supect this is easily washed away by the rain.
I may try relocating the trap to an adjacent area of hazel coppice which hosts fewer creeping birds... but then there's the dormice to think about! Are they hibernating at this time of year? (Google beckons)

What lure are you using pal? the stuff I was given is quite waxy and sticks well but the amount of rain does mean Ive had to apply it more frequently.
It took ages for my first kill as it can do with tunnels as you probably know but after the first strike.... bang they just kept hitting.

Try rubbing a fresh kill around the area of the entrance to the trap and see how that works chap.

 

[fizzbangwhallop]

The one I set up in my back garden is about as much use as a box of frogs... it’s been out there over a year and the counter is still only on 9.... 2 or 3 of those testing it to see if it actually worked.

I tried smearing peanut butter all the way up inside and around the trigger but even with a trail cam pointing at it, I never actually saw a squirrel sticking it’s head up inside. No bodies on the ground but that could be down to the local cat so I’m assuming it possibly caught one or two squirrels and a few more mice.

The peanut butter was being eaten though...mice no doubt and the gas does leak after a few weeks, so the squirrels get a warning hiss but no more.

I’ve had loads more success with the magnum trap

Magnum Bodygrip 116 Trap | Kill Rats, Squirrels, Mink

The Magnum Bodygrip 116 Trap is a larger version of the 110 trap featuring a stronger spring for the control of rats, grey squirrels, rabbits and mink.

collinsnets.co.uk

I bought a compartmented box to go with it from Collins Nets but couldn't find it on a quick look just now....picture, 1000 words etc...

cheers


Fizz

 

[jimmer.13]

Probably ninja squirrels in your area pal probably a bit backward where I live.
I use all sorts of boxes tunnels etc with my fenns nosey buggers always have to have a look in but I have never tried a box around the A18s .... I might give it a try and see if it improves the catch rate.
I look at it this way and strategise my economy of effort.. the amount of time to check over 100 traps daily and in relation to successful kills...... how long to sit and wait with the rim fire ...... or poking or shooting drays with others..... against several traps working 24/7 that need checking occasionally. I think the op was about the very point and if they work. For me yes they do ....... out of six traps I have running, 5 have been quite successful. No luck with the 6th but that could be down to many reasons. You can check 100 fens in an infested wood and draw blanks for days then go a different day and the sack is full. The price is off putting but I think judging one trap in one location might not give a true picture. I move mine about depending on where the population is dense and try to draw away from the plantation I’m protecting just as i do with the fenns and baited traps.
It’s good to see other people’s methods and theories as the only day you stop learning is the day you step off this mortal coil..

Best of luck in the war on grey terror

 

[purdeydog]

Have used the A24.

For what it's worth, they do work, but two big problems:

1- You are tied into them for the lure and CO2 canisters, if they go bust or products are out of stock then you are stuck.

2- The CO2 needs to be purged from the system once you unscrew the cartridge, they are a one use deal.

All in all, a very clever mousetrap for catching people (i.e paying too much!)

FYI
You can use your own bait, you don’t need to use theres.
You can buy co2 canisters from other outlets, they dont need to use the Goodnature ones.

 

[User00040]

FYI
You can use your own bait, you don’t need to use theres.
You can buy co2 canisters from other outlets, they dont need to use the Goodnature ones.

Good to know.

But when someone else pays the bills I insist on using all original, from the factory.

Same goes for ammo!

 

[hunta]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will be getting one to try and I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[MattJ]

Any updates from users of this trap? The thread seems to have gone a bit quiet.

 

[monarman]

Our head forester bought 6..... complete waste of money and time! I shot more in 2 days with the rimfire and thermal than they caught in 6 months ....

 

[Greenmist]

I always thought the idea was more suited to squirrels, the ones for rats are a total waste of time in my experience, my old boss bought two, you can buy a lot of fenn traps for the same money

 

[Loler UK]

I've had 100s in them. They still require trap craft, it's not a fit and forget deal.

 

[Kevinfish13]

I've had 100s in them. They still require trap craft, it's not a fit and forget deal.

Do you have any hints or tips as to where to site them ? Do you site them near feeders as there will be squirrels coming to them anyway ?
Thanks.

 

[Pelyma]

Does anyone know why you can no longer use tunnels that are open both ends for squirrels?

 

[Squirrelbasher]

I’ve had a Larsen smashed and a load of fenns stolen or broken in the last couple of weeks, so I wouldn’t spend out on expensive traps.

 

[shakey jake]

Does anyone know why you can no longer use tunnels that are open both ends for squirrels?

where did you hear this?