HELP: Unknown Predator destroying my garden

[JS]

In the past few days, I have noticed my backyard garden has been invaded by an unknown predator. Right now I am growing beans. I have noticed that any leaves or branches within 1 foot or so from the ground are practically gone or destroyed.

I would like to get some advises from your experts in this forum what I should do to prevent further problem. I am suspecting a rabbit ? but may be not. I am almost certain that it happens at night time. BTW, I live in Dallas, TX area.

Thanks in advance,

JIMMY

[Pat Kiewicz]

not anymore

Night and low to the ground does indeed sound like rabbits. A 2 foot fence (with openings less than 1 inch) should keep them out.

Groundhogs feed during the day. Around here they get up early in the morning, rest somewhere during the middle of the day (often in less elaborate burrows) and 4-6pm is a prime dining period.

Deer feed at night but would browse much higher.

[Mel M Kelly]

I had that problem last year and I put some HOT!! PEPPER on them and that did it.

From Mel & Donnie in Bluebird Valley

[ctlady]

Make sure it's a wire fence if you put one up. We put a plastic one up some years ago and couldn't figure out why the damage was continuing. Upon a closer check of the fence we found square holes about 4"x4" had been chewed out in several places. It was amazing how perfectly square and neat those rabbits made those holes.

[JS]

How you going about putting "HOT PEPPER" on a rabbit? could you detail how you did that?

Thanks,

[Charlie]

I just this minute returned from the garden after encountering a two-thirds grown rabbit, in the green beans, mowing them down. The cat, and the owls, had missed him when he was smaller.

I didn't miss. .177 at 1100 fps.

Joe doesn't like dogs, I don't like rabbits in my space. Destructive and usually loaded with fleas and internal parasites and other diseases. They are simply food for those higher on the chain.

Charlie

[rachael simpson]

we usually just catch the rabbits, then give them to my sis, who tames them.......nice shot though.

you could make you a rabbit stew, or roast...hear that fried rabbit is a bit tough....

[George]

You have to wait till it stops twitching. Actually, once you get to that point, even cold pepper will work.

G

[Charlie]

Some think a little salt and onion helps too.

Charlie

[Leon Fisk]

Mmmmm.... that sounds like a nice gun. RWS maybe?

My RWS model 48 matches those specs. It wasn't cheap, but I'm not at all disappointed with it.

They have been a major problem here this year for some reason. I think it has something to do with the current drought. So far in a little over a month the RWS has zapped a dozen of them and they still nipped off some of the morning glories last night. It looks like I'll have to remove a few more. Thank goodness the garden is finally fenced good enough to keep out the deer and rabbits.

[Charlie]

Gamo - Hunter 220. RWS are very nice rifles as well.

No they arent' cheap, but of course they are a real tool, not your old Daisy! :-) I love shooting mine. The accuracy, as you know, is excellant. Some years, when the grasshoppers are bad, I shoot them for practice.

Whoa, that is some good gardening! ;-)

This has been a slow year for me, the cat has been doing well. Only two rabbits and one squirrel have had to be dispatched.

Last year we had a rat try and set up shop under one of the low decks. That was a good hunt, took a blind, but the old Red Ryder zapped him!

Didn't even shoot me eye out!

Care Charlie

[Leythos]

300 Win Mag with a 180grain BT bullet is a good way to control pests :)