RobA,

I can't offer any advice to directly deal with your question but here are a couple of thoughts.

You state that you do not want to set traps. Does this mean you don't have traps to set or you don't want traps on your property? If its the former, contact your State DEP. They should be able to provide a list of trappers to assist you. Also, before implementing the scorched earth approach I would definitely check your State's game regs to see if this is acceptable.

Russ