by Richard Drake, Guest Writer
Several years ago I planted two pecan trees, a Choctaw and a Paper Shell. Last year I was finally going to have a nice harvest but the squirrels got them. Mostly, they just knocked the nuts off the branches and took a few bites. The ones that they missed two large black birds took care of them. I must have planted very tasty pecans because they don't bother the large native pecan tree in my neighbor's yard. Native pecans shells are very hard so I guess the squirrels are very selective.
So I decided to take action. During this past spring I put a wire cage around the trunks and wrapped them with a plastic mesh, called deer netting. I started thinking about some tasty nuts this year; but no, the darn squirrels just viewed the netting like it was a set of stairs and climbed up and did their nasty job. Talk about being mad. I couldn't even find an appropriate swear word to use.
I just finished with Plan B. I wrapped the trunks with shiny metal. It's so slick that the little imps can't get a grip. "No grippey, no climbey". I will just have to wait until next year to see my results. I got my handy pellet air rifle out of the closet. I have tried to sight it in, but I guess that I just too excited about the 'tasty" stew. I can't hit the bull's eye in the target.
For the birds when they return, I have another plan. I am going to buy a 22 rifle. Living in a strict home owner's association, I read the rules and no fire arms shooting is allowed except: those land owners who live along the Brazos River can shoot feral hogs. We live along the river and the trees are down hill from our patio. I will claim that I was shooting at hogs on the river bank. No one will ever know the truth unless Marcia tells. She won't tell unless asked a direct question. She always tells the truth.
If anyone has a another idea, please let me know. Also, send your recipes for squirrel stew.
---30---for Mil's Place
Richard Drake 8/22/14
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