Hi, I've got a pecan orchard where we are killing 700-900 squirrels a year with guns, but i need to kill them while I'm not standing there with a gun. I've tried setting up snare poles using plastic coated floral wire. I thought this would be good to use because it sinched really easily. When we came back to check the snares, they were sinched tight but there were no squirrels in them. This has happened several times to all 6 snares on each of the poles. Any idea what we are doing wrong? Thanks for any advice.

Two footed squirrel?

Might want to check our regs in Georgia.

I got no issue whatsoever but the guys in the green trucks might.

If you've already done the cya work then disregard.

Loops on the snare are probably too big if they’re closed. Make the loops smaller and you’ll probably start catching them.

As mentioned above, two footed squirrels. The number being messed with is way too many for a couple squirrels. Put a camera up and see which person is responsible for it. I run squirrel poles in Alaska and having one or two messed with is normal, but all 6 closed down says human problem to me.

However, the plastic covering on the wire is probably made from Soybeans and they are eating it or trying to eat it. They might be trying to take it back to the nest too. Most of the new cars have wires coated in Soybean plastic. Switch to all metal. Preferably not brass, it's too soft. If the metal snares are closed, it's humans.

There’s no way it’s humans. Bu I will put a camera on it. We have a 500 acre pecan farm here and the squirrels are just out of hand we lose thousands of pounds each year to these tree rats. No one hunts them any more so as soon as we clean them out they just reload. If anyone has any other ideas I am open to suggestions. Here’s pictures of the set and what it looks like when I come back.

How big around is the leaning pole? I would go small, a piece of 2x2 is plenty. The snare loop should be just big enough for the head and ears to it in. You want the head to fit and not the shoulders. A squirrel does not need a 4" pole. A 1x2 would work as long as it does not flip. Stake it at the ground to make it solid.

Don’t have any Mung around you if you do put the word out their big on squirrel hunting

If your having trouble with snares you might want to try 110 conies

If they can get their feet on something then they free themselves
if you look at some of TrapperRons post poles are between trees
just enough for them to hold onto and the head just fit so their feet stop the snare.

I'd think #110 or even #55 body grippers would be much more fool proof. They can be had for around $3 each used all day long. Spend $500 and get a pile of them. I bet you'll clean up on squirrels. Three nails in the pole to hold them in place and you'll be good to go.

Looking at your pictures, I'm thinking you are right. Squirrels getting away. The loops look too big to me. I use a 1 inch thick running pole between two tree's like Northof50 mentioned about Trapper Ron's squirrel posts. I use a very small circle, about 1 1/4 across or diameter. If they are one a skinny running pole, and the snare is about 1-1 1/2 inches above the pole, they should be centered and get caught.

If you can, add a couple of skinny running poles between two trees, with about 6 or more snares on it. I think you will start catching more squirrels. I see (you picture) with the thick tree support pole, it leaves them too much room around the snare. I also think you should tighten up those snares on your running pole, they are loose, use pliers, it will help get the snare set before they move it around on the pole. Just a little more attention to detail and I think you will be happy. If you put them all at 3 oclock, tight to the pole, it pulls them onto that side and they usually jump from the side you tied it on. Tighten them up so the snare won't move.

Does not look like humans messed with it from the pictures, Thanks, much easier to help you. I don't like the pole on the ground, that would be harder to snare them. Horizontal skinny pole is what you want. Nothing touching the ground.

One trick that works up here is a red mechanic's rag. I put one in the middle of a running pole, 4-6 snare on each side and lure on the rag. They red color seems to be the attraction along with the lure. They will shred the rag if they make it through the snares. It's pure white in the winter, so the red really stands out in Alaska. Might work down there too. I get 2-3 on a pole that way in one check. Good luck, hope you start hammering them.

Yup, and scrounged up bits and pieces of drain pipe would make nice sets.

Try one of these maybe, multiple catches. They are called “Squirrelanators” (sp).

Can you use poison?

Trucks are black now, but yes...they will have a problem with his method.