We are having a particularly intense infestation of 'rockchucks' this summer. A rockchuck is a yellow-bellied red marmot, a close relative of that Phil character that is used to, um, predict the remaining winter in early February. While active, they decimate flowers and vegetables, so aren't desirable. We live very close to the edge of a National Forest, and while we recognize that we live in their territory, I'm more than happy to relocate the marauding garden terrorists back to those forests. Enter the live traps.

 

It took a few reads of the simple instructions to pick up all the nuances. The sheet is written for several related models, with different details for each. After those reads and some head scratching where hair used to grow, the actual setting up was fast and easy. I followed some internet advice, worth every penny I paid for it, as I selected a bait for our particular visitors. Nothing. Last evening at a neighborhood meeting, I found out that watermelon and cantaloupe rinds are favored here. We'll see how we do, hopefully better with the right bait.

 

The trap itself is easy to set up, and it's a size that should fit and hold our rockchucks. Perhaps as important, the size is just right to fit into a large garden-waste trash bag. That's essential before placing a scared animal in the back of the car for a ride back to a wilder place. Plus it will contain any excess pee and droppings that would otherwise end up in the car. It's a ten-minute drive or so to get them beyond any normal 'homing' range, no need to traumatize them unnecessarily.

 

Neighbors who use traps these speak highly of them. I will to after the right bait draws the several beasts who have been feasting on my flowers.

 

I'll update if the results are less than great.

 

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Update after a few successful weeks of use --

 

Thanks to watermelon rinds as bait, 'Rocky' and 'Chuck' have found new homesteads to enjoy, several miles from ours. Neither seemed particularly happy to be in the trap, although each did manage to consume all of the rinds during their visit time. They each thanked me for the food and the rides by chattering their teeth as I gathered them up for the vacation trip.

 

A large lawn-sized leaf bag is just the right size to put the trap in for the rides in the car. It took a little careful lifting and sliding to get the trap into the bag each time. I'll be honest that I tried to do it all gently, but it proved more challenge than I was ready to suffer. The traps went on-end on the folded-out bag, spilling the guest into the bottom end long enough to pull the bag over the trap. Once the bag was tucked closed, safe to put it into the car. Quiet back there with the bag clocking the view. This wasn't a sightseeing tour, apparently; they must have misread the travel brochure. After several miles of forest service road, a pile of rocks seemed the perfect spot for a new rockchuck nation to spring up. Open the door, and the little guys hotfooted it over to the rock formation. Then almost immediately turned tail and hauled butt across the road and off into the forest. After all the love and care I'd put into choosing a new home for them...

 

The bags got tossed and the traps were thoroughly cleaned with the hose and brush. Ready for the next varmint attack and invasion. Rockchucks apparently go somewhat dormant in later summer and fall. The traps will come back out when they decide to come help harvest our garden veggies and flowers again.

 

More: The traps are shipped pretty much ready to use. They don't fold for storage, so be ready for the storage space they will use up. The traps themselves are constructed from plated steel wire mesh and sheet metal parts, and easily resisted the teeth and claws of the rockchucks. Still, I'm not sure they will last if left in outside storage over long periods. I suspect the wire will rust at the weld points given sufficient time and exposure. That probably wouldn't affect function, but appearance would suffer.

 

Hope this helps!

This is a well-constructed, easy-to-use trap by HAVAHART. Some reviews complain about the length as it relates to one's ability to place the bait. This is easily solved by placing your bait on a small dish (I used wet cat food, one small carrot and a pear, cut in half for my bait) then tilting the trap so that the dish moves to the end of the trap. (See photo, it's where the raccoon's head is).

 

I placed my trap where I knew the raccoon(s) were getting into my neighbor's trees. He has tried various methods to keep the raccoons away, from his pear trees for a couple of years now, with little success.

 

My luck was great, I caught either THE or A raccoon the first night. I'll try setting a trap again tonight in case there is more than one.

 

My captive was quite docile, but I still took the precaution of wearing thick gloves. I covered the trap with a couple of towels to reduce its stress while transporting then placed the trap on the ground and opened it. My raccoon didn't want to go, at first, but I tipped the trap slightly and, once he turned around and saw the woods, he high-tailed it out of there.

 

I'm very, very satisfied with my purchase. Not sure I'll ever need it, again, but it sure fit the bill for this project.

 

11 days and four raccoons caught and relocated. I suspect that the bad reviews are from people who simply do not know how to properly use the trap, as the mechanism is exceedingly simple. Read the instructions, practice setting and engaging the trap BEFORE you attempt to catch a critter and you’ll be fine.

 

For bait I’ve used carrots, grapes, pears, peanut butter and wet cat food.

Excellent product; very pleased customer. Caught 2 troublesome raccoons first night I set up. 1 40lbs, the other 50 lbs. so this is a very strong trap.

Some important advice. I watched the catch as it occurred. The raccoons were suspicious and tried to tip it over to set off the trap and get the food. I intervened and placed a cast iron deck chair on top of the trap so they could not tip it over and keep it in the upright position. This worked well. (A 25 lbs weight plate or dumbbell would work too.).

I baited with dry cat food—they love it! A little at the door, a little more inside, and even more at the trip plate. Be sure to put a little on the trip plate to help them trigger it.

They were calm after the catch, but I waited a few minutes for them to calm down just the same. The towel cover for transport really helps keep them calm, but still be very careful to avoid getting bitten. I recommend relocating 10-15 miles away, as my neighbor only did 5-7, and his returned a few days later. -EA