Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002391
09/27/20 09:26 PM
09/27/20 09:26 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,978 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,978
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
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My thoughts are that the bigger money is in exclusion. Bats are huge too.
Better yet, excluding bats. People tip big for bat work.
I do it as a side gig when it isn't cold. My carpentry skills combined with critter knowledge makes way more than just trapping.
Beaver are easy here. I generally push people off a bit till I have two or three jobs at once. Leave the dock, set seven or eight traps, $150/ beaver and I have a good night. Two checks and done hopefully. My 22 mag has also paid for itself ten times over.
Last edited by Hutchy; 09/27/20 09:29 PM.
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: DelawareRob]
#7002406
09/27/20 09:35 PM
09/27/20 09:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,275 ny
upstateNY
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,275
ny
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If you think nuisance work is a "side hustle" your going into it behind the eight ball already.Wrong attitude.I have trapped all my life,,and been running my own nuisance controll business for the past 28 years.You have a huge responsibility when taking on nuisance work.Nuisance work entails a LOT more than setting a few mink traps on the creek bank.Thats all Im going to say.
Last edited by upstateNY; 09/27/20 10:06 PM.
the wheels of the gods turn very slowly
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: upstateNY]
#7002417
09/27/20 09:40 PM
09/27/20 09:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,978 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,978
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
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If you think nuisance work is a "side hustle" your going into it behind the eight ball already.Wrong attitude.I have trapped all my life,,and been running my own nuisance control business for the past 28 years.You have a huge responsibility when taking on nuisance work.Nuisance work entails a LOT more than setting a few mink traps on the creek bank.Thats all Im going to say. My situation and where I live makes evenings and weekends possible. I wouldn't know a lot of places I could make it work as part time like I do
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002419
09/27/20 09:42 PM
09/27/20 09:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 95 Florida
bjansma
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 95
Florida
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The better money is in the repairs and prevention(exclusion)
Your ability to do well or go full time probably has more to do with your proximity to a large enough human population than anything else.
Bob Jansma
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: upstateNY]
#7002421
09/27/20 09:44 PM
09/27/20 09:44 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8,773 East of the Mason-Dixon Line
DelawareRob
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8,773
East of the Mason-Dixon Line
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If you think nuisance work is a "side hustle" your going into it behind the eight ball already.Wrong attitude.I have trapped all my life,,and been running my own nuisance control business for the past 28 years.You have a huge responsibility when taking on nuisance work.Nuisance work entails a LOT more than setting a few mink traps on the creek bank.Thats all Im going to say. Oh, I agree... it is a full time job, even to be part time. That is why I said considering, it would be super hard to do that without it being a primary business. I could do it as a once here or there thing for small things, or more than likely, just tell people to call my friend Bud, who does it professionally. Because they pay him for his knowledge and experience .
Who is John Galt?
You don't rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your training.
Semper Paratus
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: upstateNY]
#7002423
09/27/20 09:45 PM
09/27/20 09:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 183 West Point , Mississippi
porkchop024
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 183
West Point , Mississippi
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If you think nuisance work is a "side hustle" your going into it behind the eight ball already.Wrong attitude.I have trapped all my life,,and been running my own nuisance control business for the past 28 years.You have a huge responsibility when taking on nuisance work.Nuisance work entails a LOT more than setting a few mink traps on the creek bank.Thats all Im going to say. I understand fully what you are saying . And I would love to do it full time . And maybe it will come to that . For right now just getting started out I can’t afford to quit my main income in hopes of it working . The people I have done jobs for have seemed to be please , because they are returning customers over the years.
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002424
09/27/20 09:45 PM
09/27/20 09:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,978 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,978
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
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I have never trapped bats. I’m sure there is good money in it , but I just never hear of anybody around here having bat problems . Would definitely give it a try if I got a call , but I wouldn’t know where to start to trap them . Most of the jobs I have got calls from are from beavers . I see you charge per beaver you catch . That’s what I also have been doing . I feel it’s fairest for the landowner and the trapper . Although I do also charge a set up fee if I set a trap, but I do give them a free look around . Sometimes I don’t see sign and I will tell them that I don’t feel like they are there but if they insist on me setting a trap , they will be charged a set up fee of 100 dollars . Normally always charge for your time. I charge per critter because I am cocky enough to think I can always pull it off. I have never once had a complaint about a bill, but I will charge for gas if it takes longer. I also have regulars who just want me to keep their island and docks beaver free. I don't even ask, just trap them if I see a problem. And send the bill.
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: Hutchy]
#7002428
09/27/20 09:49 PM
09/27/20 09:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 183 West Point , Mississippi
porkchop024
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 183
West Point , Mississippi
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I have never trapped bats. I’m sure there is good money in it , but I just never hear of anybody around here having bat problems . Would definitely give it a try if I got a call , but I wouldn’t know where to start to trap them . Most of the jobs I have got calls from are from beavers . I see you charge per beaver you catch . That’s what I also have been doing . I feel it’s fairest for the landowner and the trapper . Although I do also charge a set up fee if I set a trap, but I do give them a free look around . Sometimes I don’t see sign and I will tell them that I don’t feel like they are there but if they insist on me setting a trap , they will be charged a set up fee of 100 dollars . Normally always charge for your time. I charge per critter because I am cocky enough to think I can always pull it off. I have never once had a complaint about a bill, but I will charge for gas if it takes longer. I also have regulars who just want me to keep their island and docks beaver free. I don't even ask, just trap them if I see a problem. And send the bill. Do you charge a certain rate per hour ? Or per week ? I just feel like if I charge them for a service , and don’t have anything to show them for my work , then they feel ripped off or took advantage of . That’s why I have charged per nuisance in the past .
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002430
09/27/20 09:53 PM
09/27/20 09:53 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 16,608 Oakland, MS
yotetrapper30
trapper
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trapper
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 16,608
Oakland, MS
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I know a few people that do nuisance work here in MS. They charge by the hour.
~~Proud Ultra MAGA~~
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: upstateNY]
#7002433
09/27/20 09:55 PM
09/27/20 09:55 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 930 Tug Hill, New York
Albert Burns
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 930
Tug Hill, New York
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If you think nuisance work is a "side hustle" your going into it behind the eight ball already.Wrong attitude.I have trapped all my life,,and been running my own nuisance control business for the past 28 years.You have a huge responsibility when taking on nuisance work.Nuisance work entails a LOT more than setting a few mink traps on the creek bank.Thats all Im going to say. ^ This. I've been at it 31 years this year. In that time, there has been just 24 days I did not have traps to check. It's hard to really explain to someone that doesn't do this exactly what it entails. I will say like the other people have already stated, there is a bunch more money to be made doing the exclusion and repair work, than the trapping aspect of it. I enjoy the trapping part, (and don't want to become a carpenter), and am lucky enough to have a couple excellent contractor companies that I can refer, and co-ordinate with to do the larger repairs.
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002435
09/27/20 09:57 PM
09/27/20 09:57 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,914 Adirondacks, NY
Fisher Man
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,914
Adirondacks, NY
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I found that the cost of liability insurance was way too high for a part time business. Some specialties mentioned here that are needed; bat exclusions, squirrel exclusions, removal of coons and flying squirrels from chimneys, skunks without spray, nuisance beaver, snake removal, just to name a few.
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002441
09/27/20 10:03 PM
09/27/20 10:03 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,963 Central Ontario, Canada
Crit-R-Dun
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,963
Central Ontario, Canada
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I've learned the lesson about free consults/estimates. If I attend a site there's a set up and consultation fee. I've been burned by the odd individual looking to get set on the right path after already making a mess with their walmart cage traps. I like charging by the animal, it keeps you focused on solving the problem not making a wage. That fee might also include vehicle mileage, travel time, a bait and lure fee, relocation of incidentals, and exclusion work. I'm a little cocky too Hutchy and don't mind a little gamble, sometimes the payoff is big other times you're humbled, lol. I've never advertised at all, my work has all been word of mouth (and good networking) but if I wanted to go big I would rely heavily on the internet and social media.
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: Crit-R-Dun]
#7002447
09/27/20 10:10 PM
09/27/20 10:10 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,978 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,978
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
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I've learned the lesson about free consults/estimates. If I attend a site there's a set up and consultation fee. I've been burned by the odd individual looking to get set on the right path after already making a mess with their walmart cage traps. I like charging by the animal, it keeps you focused on solving the problem not making a wage. That fee might also include vehicle mileage, travel time, a bait and lure fee, relocation of incidentals, and exclusion work. I'm a little cocky too Hutchy and don't mind a little gamble, sometimes the payoff is big other times you're humbled, lol. I've never advertised at all, my work has all been word of mouth (and good networking) but if I wanted to go big I would rely heavily on the internet and social media. I hate the occasional humbling lol. I don't advertise, although I did make cards for referrals. Everyone knows me anyway here. I have a good deal in that I generally only work seasonal cottages on my trapline. I manage a construction company here looking after a lot of those same cottages, so no one else is doing nuisance work here too. I do the odd bear job too. People pay big to have you haze bears with rubber bullets and stuff also. Sometimes it actually works. They pay extra to have me re train a bear to fear people and "save it's life" Then I shoot it in hunting season anyway lol
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002475
09/27/20 10:31 PM
09/27/20 10:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,963 Central Ontario, Canada
Crit-R-Dun
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,963
Central Ontario, Canada
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Thanks for all the advice so far. The pros and the cons . That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear about. I understand it’s hard work involved and I’m up for that challenge. One thing about me I have always worked extremely hard with any job I have ever done , so therefore if my dream does come true and I can have enough work to do it without having to punch a time clock , I will put all effort in it to make sure it doesn’t fail. For right now I’m just testing the waters to see how it works out. I've done 45 and expect to hit 50 plus beaver for September and it's strictly a side hustle. I have to pinch myself, for me It's like getting paid well to go fishing.
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002510
09/27/20 11:12 PM
09/27/20 11:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,696 Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,696
Newark, Ohio 83 years
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Do you do politicians or relatives... ??? You can probably make a fortune about now.
Garry-
“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”
Have been trapping 77 years…
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002514
09/27/20 11:25 PM
09/27/20 11:25 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,990 Montana
beartooth trapr
trapper
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trapper
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,990
Montana
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Do it pork chop, i started one 20 years + ago and I've never spent over 300.00 a year advertising. 2 things ill give you is set price and stay with it, never let them jew you down. Sign up with any and all wildlife related / d.n.r.c fish& fuzz huh. They bring more work than i want for FREE right. I still work a full time job, but has a trappers dream for a work schedule.
Let me sugar coat this
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002623
09/28/20 07:36 AM
09/28/20 07:36 AM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 296 NY
trappermac NY
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 296
NY
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First, if you work a day job it will be tough because people will not settle for you removing captured animals when your shift ends. And its not ethical to think thats acceptable. Then you show up with your ladder to do a squirrel job and they want to see a copy of your liability insurance. So that means you had better start a business as either a DBA or LLC, get a business bank account, insurance, and start investing in $100 raccoon traps as your havahart or tractor supply traps aren't going to cut it. Now your truck needs to be well stocked with tools and materials to do exclusion work, even if only minor. You don't just remove coons, squirrels, woodchucks, etc. You exclude after you remove. Be ready for calls in the middle of the night for a bat in the house, be ready to follow all state guidelines for bats when you perform that work. You can't tell them you'll check it out this weekend when you're off work. You'll need about three different size ladders, foam gun and foams. If trap and transfer you'll need property owners permissions for release sites. You'll have to keep accurate records and submit yearly to your state agency aling with permit fees. I could go on and on here, trust me. It's one thing to do the occasional beaver removal job, far another to do this as a business. The business deserves respect. The guy who traps a few beaver and so thinks how hard can it be is going to have a hard row to hoe ahead of him. Fifty percent of the job is interacting with people, advising them, explaining why they have an issue, what can be done to prevent, what you're going to do, the cost for removal, setup and tear down, per animal cost, and the exclusion needs to be proposed up front. They want to know what its going to cost. Then what guarantee you going to give, how long is it good for, are you going to do a follow up call to ensure your work was satisfactory? Remember, there are no set hours for this work. You are essentially on call whenever the client calls. As a thing you do once in a while for someone, under your terms timewise, its fine. But, if you are going to take it in a business direction be prepared for what comes with it.
Last edited by trappermac NY; 09/28/20 07:37 AM.
Member NYSTA, NTA, FBU, ECTA
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: trappermac NY]
#7002679
09/28/20 08:35 AM
09/28/20 08:35 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,275 ny
upstateNY
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,275
ny
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First, if you work a day job it will be tough because people will not settle for you removing captured animals when your shift ends. And its not ethical to think thats acceptable. Then you show up with your ladder to do a squirrel job and they want to see a copy of your liability insurance. So that means you had better start a business as either a DBA or LLC, get a business bank account, insurance, and start investing in $100 raccoon traps as your havahart or tractor supply traps aren't going to cut it. Now your truck needs to be well stocked with tools and materials to do exclusion work, even if only minor. You don't just remove coons, squirrels, woodchucks, etc. You exclude after you remove. Be ready for calls in the middle of the night for a bat in the house, be ready to follow all state guidelines for bats when you perform that work. You can't tell them you'll check it out this weekend when you're off work. You'll need about three different size ladders, foam gun and foams. If trap and transfer you'll need property owners permissions for release sites. You'll have to keep accurate records and submit yearly to your state agency aling with permit fees. I could go on and on here, trust me. It's one thing to do the occasional beaver removal job, far another to do this as a business. The business deserves respect. The guy who traps a few beaver and so thinks how hard can it be is going to have a hard row to hoe ahead of him. Fifty percent of the job is interacting with people, advising them, explaining why they have an issue, what can be done to prevent, what you're going to do, the cost for removal, setup and tear down, per animal cost, and the exclusion needs to be proposed up front. They want to know what its going to cost. Then what guarantee you going to give, how long is it good for, are you going to do a follow up call to ensure your work was satisfactory? Remember, there are no set hours for this work. You are essentially on call whenever the client calls. As a thing you do once in a while for someone, under your terms timewise, its fine. But, if you are going to take it in a business direction be prepared for what comes with it.
Well said.I would like to see what percentage of "trappers" could pass the test we have to take to be able to get our State Nuisance Control License here in N.Y. Its an eye opener.
Last edited by upstateNY; 09/28/20 08:45 AM.
the wheels of the gods turn very slowly
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002695
09/28/20 08:51 AM
09/28/20 08:51 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,165 Central NC
traprjohn
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,165
Central NC
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nobody has mentioned a Contract yet!
The contract MUST have the clause "traps damaged or stolen from clients property are the clients responsibility to replace or repair."
Liability Insurance HAS been mentioned but deserves it again.........for when you slip on a attic truss, AND FALL THRU A CEILING INTO A BEDROOM !
I earned a good living for 7 yrs doing ADC work, mostly beavers and bats, but also a few coon, opossums, snakes, skunks.
You MUST have the customer base nearby. Being rural where I live, I had to drive 30-60 mins to large towns with pops of 50-150k for work.
And as an FYI, we have a separate ADC Forum.
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7002991
09/28/20 03:56 PM
09/28/20 03:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 296 NY
trappermac NY
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 296
NY
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I'd recommend a video called "Running a Nuisance Control Business", available at Wildlife Control Supplies for about $20, and a book "Wildlife Control Handbook" by Steve Vantessel, probably at Amazon. Both can show you the way.
Member NYSTA, NTA, FBU, ECTA
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7003022
09/28/20 04:27 PM
09/28/20 04:27 PM
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Mark June
Unregistered
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Mark June
Unregistered
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Some real good advice on here. If you treat it like a hobby, you'll get paid like it's a hobby. Having been in the predator control business and lure business for almost 40 years, my only advice is that trapping is a vocation. Not a vacation. If you can say few will out work you, then go for it and charge accordingly. John Q Public will track you down once you have a reputation far and wide. Or review you out of biz online if your reputation is not worthy. Good luck!
Blessings, Mark
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Re: Starting a nuisance removal business
[Re: porkchop024]
#7003402
09/28/20 10:44 PM
09/28/20 10:44 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,447 Monroeville NJ
Jonesie
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,447
Monroeville NJ
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I started to do wildlife control way back in 1979. I wish I had the info then that you all can get now. The first lession I had to learn, even though the catching the animal is the same, meaning baits lures methods, the business is no where near the same. I had to learn, I have to get them all, I have to solve the problem. not leave seed. Next lession I had to learn was how to deal with what my market will pay for, not what I wanted to do. I did not set out to become known as the squirrel man or the man who talks to animals. but that is what my area gave me and I learned them. I had to develope the 6 phases of the grey squirrel, 6 coon phases and skunk phases. and I had I learn how to call a coon with pups using my mouth to get her to charge me inan attic, or call the squirrels with my mouth t get them to come. (learning the animals and how to deal with them) I had to learn that I was not in business to make friends, but to solve problem, and make money!!!!!! And to do that, I had to become a businessman and charge as a business to make money , it is not a hobbie, it is a job and business. You have to learn to be business minded and also learn the behaviors more than the habits of the animals you are hired to control. I learned that if I could answer the 4 w's what, where when and why there is not a job I can't solve. Maybe with a trap, maybe with pressure, maybe by excluding. As a fur trapper I was a location based on method trapper. After all these years as a full time ADC business, I find now I am a method based on location trapper. You have to learn to key in on one animal and get it. The dominate squirrel or coon or skunk first, then the family groups fall into place. Learn from others and realize that no matter how much you know there is 5 times that to learn. even though I give many seminars, lectures and instructions and have for years,I still take as many instructions as I can. Some days ADC is a great job, other days it sucks. I was on a 10-12 pitch roof today doing bats tomorrow I may be in a beaver swamp. next grabbing a rabied skunk or coon and catching moles in between.
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