Thanks for all the responses guys. I did a little experiment this morning, I set up a tube trap and a Koro on top of a fence 20 yards from my office window, and baited them with peanuts in the traps and a few teasers 2 or 3 feet out from the traps. Didn't set the traps, just wanted to see how the squirrels responded to the two different types of traps.

The first guy that came along did stop about 3 feet short of the tube trap and looked at it for awhile then headed the other direction. First guy that came to the Koro didn't seem to have any fear of it and took the peanuts right away. Once they got a taste of the peanuts, they lost all fear of the tube trap pretty fast, and in short order they cleaned it out. And then they went completely through the empty tube trap and the Koro about 10 times looking for more.

So far looks like they don't have any problem entering either trap. I did notice that jays and mockingbirds both were interested in the peanuts in the koro, so I could easily see the koro catching birds if left uncovered, where no birds showed any interest in going into the tube trap.

So it was kind of fun to sit and watch the animals actually react to the sets.

Another good reson not to use baited traps - bycatch! (Birds)

Good thought Dave. I guess I never thought about birds in a killer trap. Since we use all cages, we just let them go.

I've had good success with the gophinators for ground squirrels.
I also use the smaller comstocks.

Baxter, what species of ground squirrel are you catching?

California ground squirrel. I used them in my backyard. Ironically I caught a gopher snake with your traps

Hey Baxter, I've caught the same species in our gopher traps, but the traps are probably a little undersize for that big a squirrel.

Anyway, thanks for all the responses guys. Here's the new squirrel trap design I came up with....

Steve, that's really very timely. I happen to have a couple of those some plant holders collecting dust above the garage. Won't my customers be thrilled when I put them to use like that?

Put them right out on the front lawn, Paul!

Oh yeah, right along with a nice new sign that says "Steve Albano's New Squirrel Trap"!

OUCH. I bet it got a little light headed, you think?

Just had a call to remove a squirrel from a bird feeder pole just like that. Lady was a real nut case but it paid well

real nut case eh

I hate to be a wet blanket and perhaps in reading the laws wrong but there's a part in the "Method of Take" section that makes me think using these lethal traps here in CA is illegal. Correct me if I'm wrong...

(a) Application. A person who is a property owner or tenant may apply to the department for a permit to take elk, bear, beaver, wild pigs, deer, wild turkeys, or gray squirrels that are damaging or destroying, or immediately threatening to damage or destroy, land or property.
(b) Permit Period. Permits issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year, except that permits for elk, bear, wild turkey, or deer shall not be valid for more than 60 days. Permits may be renewed if damage or threatened damage to land or property continues to exist.
(c) Form and Conditions of Permit. Applications shall be made on form entitled "PERMIT TO KILL DEER, BEAR, ELK, WILD PIG, GRAY SQUIRREL, BEAVER, WILD TURKEY, OR MOUNTAIN LION CAUSING CROP OR PROPERTY DAMAGE" (FG WPB 543 (new 5/05)). The department may add terms and conditions to the permit necessary to protect wildlife and ensure public safety. To be valid, the permit shall contain a statement signed by the applicant that he/she has read, understands, and agrees to be bound by all the terms of the permit.
(d) Methods of Take.
(1) Animals taken pursuant to a permit may be taken in any legal manner except as
herein provided and in accordance with the provisions of Section 465.5 of these regulations. Permits to take deer shall include conditions that comply with Fish and Game Code section 4181.5. No iron-jawed or any type of metal-jawed traps may be used to take squirrels or bears. No poison may be used. The department may specify the caliber and type of firearm and ammunition, archery equipment or crossbow to be used based upon safety considerations. The department may require that a permittee take animals alive by the use of live traps.
(2) The permittee and/or agent shall ensure that all animals are killed in a humane manner instantly and prevent any injured animal from escaping.
(e) Government Employees and Designated Agents.
An employee of a federal, State, or local government agency or local district with responsibilities including but not limited to animal control, animal damage control, irrigation, flood, or natural resource reclamation, while acting in his/her official

steve you forgot one thing that goes with that photo.

Livetrap, I think by now we just assume that everything in California is illegal until proven otherwise.

Well good thing none of this occurred in ca then

I use a #110 conibear and three nails or screws, first take two nails or screws and nail them about two inches apart horizontally on the tree then put the other nail any where you want sorta as a stake to hold the 110 so it doesnt fall then put the conibear on the two nails and bait it on the whiskers it works great.

Snares

Newt has some tiny mink snares that would work really great on greys.