Critter Gettin' the Corn

[MarkF48]

Corn is just starting to come in after a late start. Had something in the garden pulling down the stalks that have ears that are getting close to ripe. Not sure if it's squirrels, racoon, or possibly a skunk. I did get a skunk a while back in a trap, so I do know they're around the garden, but not sure if they would pull corn stalks down or not. Any guesses for is nibbled at in the pic below what type of critter is that asking for a death wish? It's exactly stripped back as I found it and the stalk was broken at a "joint", not gnawed down. No foot prints evident.

 

[Larry Jones]

Looks like coons. That corn isn't mature yet, they know just when it will be at it's best and will visit your corn patch overnight and destroy it.

 

[rocketfish]

Deer or coons are our worst offenders when it comes to corn damage!

 

[Billy Bee]

It is 'coons for sure, they will be back with friends and relatives until it's gone. I use a "live trap" which is a dead end for 'coons and 2 dog proof traps that look like a pipe. They like marshmallows, cupcakes, and anything sweet. I am surrounded by woods and I trap 10 to 15 every year out of a 40X50 garden. Unless you can sit out all night, trapping is the way to go. Good Luck.
Bill

 

[lakngulf]

It is 'coons for sure, they will be back with friends and relatives until it's gone. I use a "live trap" which is a dead end for 'coons and 2 dog proof traps that look like a pipe. They like marshmallows, cupcakes, and anything sweet. I am surrounded by woods and I trap 10 to 15 every year out of a 40X50 garden. Unless you can sit out all night, trapping is the way to go. Good Luck.
Bill

Billy Bee, do you have some pictures of your traps?

 

[Billy Bee]

Billy Bee, do you have some pictures of your traps?

I don't have any pictures, and I am not savvy enough to load them if I did, but I just looked up " dog proof traps " online and found the same traps displayed that I have. I hope this helps, let me know, if you find them. My kids could show me how to load pictures if you don't find them.
Bill

 

[Toyboy]

Yep, you got coons. I use a .22 on my problem coons.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Yep, you got coons. I use a .22 on my problem coons.

They are clever little rascals; I'm pretty sure they are what's eating my 'maters. I will find one on the ground partially eaten, or completely eaten except for the fibrous parts, as they appear to have been bitten as opposed to pecked. They even get into the bird feeder in spite of the squirrel guard. I'm also pretty sure they used to get the occasional cantaloupe when I raised them. I know they raid my compost, which I don't really mind, but I do recognize that the compost probably attracts them.

 

[ruffdog]

It has been a bad year for coons this year. I have a large live trap and have gotten 7 so far this year. (1, 1, 2, 3) Yes, that was a mama with a smaller one and a mama and 2 smaller ones. With 3 in the trap, it was a bit busy.

 

[nybirdman]

Probably coons but porcupines also love corn.

 

[TCJatko]

I vote for raccoons. We had a rabies epidemic here that apparently took out most of the population; it's been several years since I've had trouble with them.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I had coons wipe out my corn three yrs ago. There was some satisfaction, it got hit on the road the following day. Haven't had a problem the last 2 yrs.

 

[oosik]

At one time or another, I've had the full range of "guests". Coons, porcupines, black birds, deer. Then to top it all off - the coyotes will come in and eat the cobs.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

At one time or another, I've had the full range of "guests". Coons, porcupines, black birds, deer. Then to top it all off - the coyotes will come in and eat the cobs.

From what I recall, you're way out in the boonies. Are you sure that Bigfoot isn't helping himself?

 

[dragoneggs]

I invested in a deer fence with a door on one end for my wife's 20 x 30 ft garden. Then had to cover it with bird netting. Sure do have to fortify to keep the animals from eating more than we get.

 

[oosik]

No, 2LaneCruzer - not any more. We gave up the garden years ago. All the weeding was killing our backs and the last year, the pocket gophers finished off all the spuds and carrots. The wife got hostile when the chipmunks started on her strawberries & raspberries.

However - I still have eight apple trees and get my share, I guess, after the deer and coons take their haul.

When we had our garden - 80x120 - our place was more popular than nickel beer night at Hooters.

 

[Tompet]

Around my neighborhood it was squirrels that took over corn and apples. They can rip the corn right off the stalks and carry it away...looks similar to your photo. Raccoon minor compared to the squirrel damage. Deer are just coming around more past several years.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

No, 2LaneCruzer - not any more. We gave up the garden years ago. All the weeding was killing our backs and the last year, the pocket gophers finished off all the spuds and carrots. The wife got hostile when the chipmunks started on her strawberries & raspberries.

However - I still have eight apple trees and get my share, I guess, after the deer and coons take their haul.

When we had our garden - 80x120 - our place was more popular than nickel beer night at Hooters.

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[ruffdog]

Many use this trap around here. The wire spacing is tight back where you put the bait so they can't reach it from outside the trap. The mechanism for springing the trap is well designed so the coon can't tear it up or bend it. (good trap!)
Havahart Raccoon Trap at Blain's Farm & Fleet

 

[Thomas]

Soon the bears will testing the corn,thats real damage. :confused2: