What to do?

[ChrisS_NC]

I have a desire to hunt tree rats and such but no desire to clean/eat them. The only victim that I would be willing to process is Rabbit. I don't currently know anyone interested in my bags so I'm having a hard time coming around to hunting for just sport. At least when fishing i can always throw trash fish back plus I don't feel guilty culling them if it benefits the other populations where fishing.

Any suggestions or advice?

Well, my take on it is that unless you, or someone you know, will make use of small game that you kill (unless they're causing damage your property), maybe just let them live to see another day. But that's just my opinion, for what it's worth.

Now, if you're talking crows/grackles/starlings, then all bets are off-- take 'em out with extreme prejudice.

Bryan

[Big_Bill]

Hey Chris,

Squirrels are pests and dangerous ! I left them alone until these little chewers almost burned down my house. They chewed into my attic, and chewed on everything in sight, I set live traps and spread camphor all around the area they nested. The night that I went up to check out the live traps, was the last straw, these little chewers gnawed exterior, rodent proof wire that I used to install a ceiling fan with, leaving three bare wires from the box to the fan, 6 feet of bare wire. I don't know how they survived as the three wires were only 1/16th. of an inch apart in spots, but it sure scared the heck out of me.

After this, any and all rodents found on my house, have been found dead by it latter !!!

I hope this helps, squirrels are dangerous and destructive critters !

Bill

I don't eat squirrel either...  I do hunt them.

Squirrels are considered a varmint species here, and as such it's allowed to shoot them if they're causing property damage or potential health problems.  I shoot them because they cause damage to my outbuildings.

I've used a variety of methods to dispose of their bodies.  Before the dog-owning neighbours moved in, i'd leave them out for the crows.  Never saw them more than a day.  Once the dogs moved in next door, there arose an issue where the dogs would eat the carcass and become sick, so I will either dispose of them in the compost bin (municipality provided), or bury them.  Trash is a viable option, but they're biodegradable, so compost it is.

That said, it's probably somewhat unethical to shoot them if they're not causing trouble and you're not gonna eat them.  I'm no longer sure that'd stop me, tho.

J

[ChrisS_NC]

"That said, it's probably somewhat unethical to shoot them if they're not causing trouble and you're not gonna eat them."

That is where I am with them. They are not causing any problems and probably won't for me because of my dog but I think there are just too many of them. I've got no problem capping a Raccoon or possum that is in our chickens outside run or the coop itself. If a squirrel got into the coop I'd do the same. I'm just not sure about the whole "hunt for the fun of it" thing that some people have.

I also don't understand what is wrong with NC. Squirrels, Raccoon and Possum all require a license to kill even if they are being a nuisance, at least according to the 2 Wildlife enforcement officers I have spoken with. So I'm gonna get licensed just in case. About the only thing that you can shoot around here without one is a Silhouette  and Beaver (with permission from the land owner). Kinda nuts.

[leftcoast1]

Grey nutters have a season and require a hunting permit in Florida unless they are causing property damge. I wouldn.t eat them around my place cause they are dirty animals. Outside of the city I would try them (a little better diet more natural food).

[shadow]

Well everything that I harvest I eat unless as said becomes destructive then it must be put down. I've let many a critter go it's way, the icebox was full and there's no need to kill for a thrill as I say. Only take what is needed and let MaNature do the rest, it keep's her happy with you and keep's the Airgun God's smilin down on you, just my pellet's worth hehehe. Ed

[longislandhunter]

I agree,,,, like Ed I eat what I harvest, but I don't have any problems removing critters that are doing damage to your property.  

Jeff

Chris, I think your only viable option in this situation is to develop a taste for squirrel meat-- LOL! Your ethical quandry would disappear, along with the nutters  ;~)
I know that there are several recipes here or there on the Hunting Gate.

Bryan

[ChrisS_NC]

Almost everything works as a stew... I wonder how it would taste as an Indian "Squirrel Curry"

It sounds like a great way to fix it to me. Ed... Jeff... whadda ya think?

Bryan

[Splash]

I always liked squirrel and dumplings,hmmm.

Mike

[ChrisS_NC]

Just how many Squirrels does to take to equal one chicken anyway....

CHICKEN CURRY   

1 or 2 chickens, cooked, skinned, deboned
6 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 lg. onion, finely chopped
2 1/2 tsp. crushed garlic
1 1/4 tsp. ginger root, scraped (optional)
4 tsp. curry powder
6 tbsp. water
1/2 lb. fresh tomatoes, chopped, or 1 lb. canned, drained, chopped
6 tbsp. plain yogurt
2 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garam masala (optional, can be bought at Indian stores)
2 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice


Fry onions, garlic and ginger in oil for 7-8 minutes until onions are soft and golden brown. Reduce heat to low. Add curry and 1 tablespoon water. Fry for 4 minutes stirring constantly. Stir in tomatoes, yogurt and 1 teaspoon salt. Increase heat to medium. Add chicken and remainder of salt. Pour in 5 tablespoons water (omit water if using canned tomatoes). Bring to boil, stirring until all chicken is evenly coated. (Sprinkle with garam masala.) Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add lemon juice just before serving. Serve over hot rice with a variety of toppings. Using two chickens this makes a good amount for serving some and freezing the rest for another meal.

[longislandhunter]

I think squirrel tastes good just about any way you make it....    :)

Jeff

Man, that recipe sounds tasty, Chris! I'd go with a pound-for-pound substitute to start out with. But I'd guess it's not critical.

Bryan