Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Muskrats...again!

When the snow finally melted, and I wandered around the ponds, I noted LOTS of rat runs. Some pretty severe damage...really bummed me out. One was deep enough to stick the 560 Farmall.

So far, I've sedated 5 in the past 3 weeks. Hopefully, that's the run of them til fall when they seem to migrate in from the local creek. Need to haul several yards of clay in to pack in the runs. That won't be any fun.

Of all the creatures I've seen on my property, muskrats simply have to be my least favorite. Gotta buddy who'll trap them this fall, but hopefully he won't find any then.

Oh well...keeps it interesting, and at 175 yards, challenging, as well. 22-250, 35 grain balistic tip...pure mist.

Sedated? What is that one of those politically correct terms?

He put them to sleep.

22-250's are nice. I have my eyes on a sweet little .204 in a year or two. Until then my .17HMR holds the fort. Its only 100 yards to the back of my pond.

Been lucky so far though, the only visitors I have had is a Mr and Mrs mallard, and I dont mind them as long as they dont bring their friends

I added used chain link fence that projects 2 to 3 feet below water line along the bank. Very effective at stopping the rats. I put it in when the pond was new. Would be a greater chore now with the vegetation grown in. You could add it after the repairs to prevent a repeat.
I got it from a friend in the fence business. Now days the used fence has a high scrap value so you may not be able to get if for free.

Great suggestion on the chain link fence, Wish I'd thought about it when building the ponds...oh well.

As it stands, it's great target practice. From 175 yards, they don't usually even dive if you miss. Sound echoes all around and I think they get confused. I unconfuse them, and have yet to have one get away once I've ZOOMED in...

Once asked the local DNR agent for a "permit" to get rid of 'em. He just laughed and said I've already got all the permits I need...just pick the caliber of permit I prefer and take care of business. I really enjoy having an officer that understands flexibility...

Now THATS a goood officer

You ain't a kiddin' Tom...in some respects he's pretty cool. Unfortunately, he's retiring this fall, I believe. Hard to say who we'll get in his place. Have to build a relationship with whoever it is. Once in a while, I actually need their help.

My pond is in a fairly residential area so we use traps on our burrowing vermin. The pond is in a fairly wooded area but kids like to play in the woods. I may try to get one with my bow just for a challenge.

Wow, that would be a challenging shot. Especially, figuring around here they only come out just at sunrise and right before dark.

Let's see, headband light, bowfishing setup, waders and whole mouthfull o' real sharp teeth, stuck on the end of an arrow...I see a downpayment on the ER doc's Bahamas getaway shack.

We have Ground Hogs too. They might be a little easier to kill with a bow and arrow.

Careful Brett...had a buddy stuck a ground pig once with an arrow. He (the pig) just ran circles around the arrow, stuck in the ground. Had to get out the .22 pistol to finish it off....in town, across the road from the grade school.

Turned out to be a bad day for all involved...'specially the pig.

Ok....maybee I will leave the bow in storage untill it's time to get ready for Deer season.

...ain't trying to discourage ya...might make for a pretty funny tale, in the end.

I can see it now..."my wife TOLD me not to do it, but here's what happened..."