Opossum problem in city limits eating cat food.

**Sleeperj21** · 11-11-07, 04:43 AM

Is it illegal to shoot them with a 22lr or an air rifle? We also have a problem with coons. I tried to get some one out there to trap them but there to dam busy. I got to the point were I wanted to take my 40S&W. We live on an acre whats your input we live in Tampa FL. I know a 22lr isn't that loud please give me suggestions.

**deputy29** · 11-11-07, 04:50 AM

Don't know what the laws are there, but here in Western Washington I just bought myself a live catch trap. Whatever I catch I just relocat 5 to 10 miles away in the woods. I live in a unincorperated city where I can shoot but it's not a good idea. Contact you local PD or better yet Wildlife Department and find out what you can do.

**Sleeperj21** · 11-11-07, 04:55 AM

Thanks I lived off of 64 acres with surrounding woods so I would have no problem hitting them with a 30-30 or a 12 gauge. That's including armadillos and hogs.

**Beans** · 11-11-07, 05:30 AM

Yes, you need to contact your local PD or SD. Laws are differeent everywhere and they are the ones to best help you.

**OfficerResource.com** · 11-11-07, 05:33 AM

We are not going to tell you to break the law that would be just stupid! Go spend $15 and buy a live trap. Then relocate them

**Cidp24** · 11-11-07, 06:21 AM

OPOSSUM AND SWEET POTATOES

1 opossum (about 2 1/2 pounds)
2 1/2 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste
Flour
1/2 cup water
4 medium sweet potatoes
2 tbsp. sugar

Clean opossum.
Trim excess fat from opossum and discard. Wash quickly inside and out with warm water; drain thoroughly. Rub salt and pepper well into the opossum inside and out. Sprinkle inside and out with flour. Lay the opossum on its back in a roasting pan. Add water, cover and bake in 350 degree F. oven until about half done (45 - 60 minutes). Split peeled potatoes in half lengthwise and place in pan around opossum. Add more water if needed. Cover sliced potatoes and opossum and cook 30 more minutes.

Your 'possums should taste exceptionally good since they have been eating cat food rather than garbage and dead things.

Seriously, since they have found a good food source you almost HAVE to check with local authorities for laws and either kill them or relocate them a long way off. They'll find their way back if you drop them too close.

**mavriktu** · 11-11-07, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Reca

We are not going to tell you to break the law that would be just stupid! Go spend $15 and buy a live trap. Then relocate them

Yeah,what he said,and dont let us catch you putting a baby bottle nipple on the end of the .22 barrel as a silencer either.

**SARG** · 11-11-07, 07:14 AM

*Crap.....How come I never thought of that*

**jmur5074** · 11-11-07, 08:42 AM

Why not just put the cat food up higher, so the opposums can't get to it?

**mavriktu** · 11-11-07, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by jmur5074

Why not just put the cat food up higher, so the opposums can get to it?

In order to do that,you would have to buy the cat food a plane ticket.Have you ever watched a possum climb?? those suckers are slick.

**SARG** · 11-11-07, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by mavriktu

In order to do that,you would have to buy the cat food a plane ticket.Have you ever watched a possum climb?? those suckers are slick.

Originally Posted by jmur5074

Why not just put the cat food up higher, so the opposums can get to it?

Mav....This must be very embarrassing for you....especially with your signature line.

**mavriktu** · 11-11-07, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by SARG

Originally Posted by jmur5074

Why not just put the cat food up higher, so the opposums can get to it?

Mav....This must be very embarrassing for you....especially with your signature line.

What???? the fact that some folks insist on calling them what they are "officially" called or the pure fact that they are Possums??

Cant help (obvious) yankee influences.

By the way:
http://www.opossumsocietyus.org/opossum.html

**Pudge** · 11-11-07, 01:06 PM

Sleeper, you will have to check your local laws/ordinances as it varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Here you can't even shoot an air rifle, paintball gun, crossbow, or bow within city limits.

**Ducky** · 11-11-07, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by mavriktu

What???? the fact that some folks insist on calling them what they are "officially" called or the pure fact that they are Possums??

Cant help (obvious) yankee influences.

By the way:
http://www.opossumsocietyus.org/opossum.html

I think sarge is referring to the fact that jmur said "Why not just put the cat food up higher, so the opposums can get to it?" instead of can't.

**SARG** · 11-11-07, 04:44 PM

I can EXPLAIN it to you,But I cant UNDERSTAND it for you

**jmur5074** · 11-11-07, 04:46 PM

I'll fix it.

Why not, if the possums can get the cat food even if it's up, put one bowl out for the critter, and one for the kitty?

**Ducky** · 11-11-07, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by jmur5074

I'll fix it.

Why not, if the possums can get the cat food even if it's up, put one bowl out for the critter, and one for the kitty?

Because possums are greedy little bastards.

**Sleeperj21** · 11-11-07, 07:15 PM

I bought an pellet gun with night sights no lie 1000 fps.

**conalabu** · 11-12-07, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by Sleeperj21

I bought an pellet gun with night sights no lie 1000 fps.

That's great, but did you check your local laws?

**Pedro56** · 11-12-07, 09:05 AM

I declared war on squirrels, they get .177 pellets in their wee little asses. I had a Possum living under my porch that went after my kids one day he got the business end of an arrow from my bow.