Customer Reviews for Tomahawk Deluxe Rigid Trap Squirrels/Muskrats Easy Release Door - Model 603

The trap mechanically works very well. However the 1 inch square holes in the wire are too large. ie: First the squirrels tipped it over and ate the peanuts that fell through. After I staked it down they were able to reach through the wire and pull the peanuts close enough to the side to get them out. I solved the problem by cutting three pieces of clear plixiglass the same size as the trap (about half as long as the trap on the sides) cut tiny holes in the plexiglass and wired them to the two sides and the back. Worked perfectly. I have since relocated 11 squirrels

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10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I only gave the trap 4 stars because the 1" x 1" gridi is too large. Squirrels and raccoons are problem solvers and they will figure out a way to reach through or tip it over to disturb the bait. Also chipmunks can pass through the grids to get to the bait. I solved the problem by wrapping the trap in 1/2" hardware cloth. Otherwise the trap is of excellent quality with a smooth working trip mechanism. I have caught birds, chipmunks, a rabbit,and squirrels. Personally I would go with a bigger trap with 1/2" grids designed for larger animals. That way you can cover a wider range of pests with one trap.

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4 of 4 people found this review helpful

As some other reviewers have mentioned, it took some adjustment to operate correctly. I raised the bait platform and made the trigger as sensitive as can be without slipping shut by accident. I have caught three squirrels in two days. Initially I was puzzled because I checked the trap often and the door was shut, the peanut butter was gone but there were no customers inside. I finally stood watch and saw a chipmunk squirm right out between the 1x1" grid openings, thus the four star, not five star review. I called Tomahawk and a nice representative suggested their model 102SS which has 1x.5 openings. I'm waiting for it to arrive. So, despite the fact I will have to pay for two separate traps, one for squirrels and one for chipmunks, I will be satisfied because the do work. They're sturdier than other brands I've seen. They should last a good long time.

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3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this trap along with a much cheaper ($35) JT Eaton from Menard's. It's an interesting comparison. Both traps catch squirrels! However, the JTE trap is a bit bigger, and its trigger arm is adjustable if you want to fine-tune the sensitivity. On the down side, there's less room on the far side of the trigger plate in which to place bait, and the limited area is further restricted by a securing bar that runs across the space. The arm connecting the trigger arm to the plate is on the outside of the trap and can become disengaged from the plate. The Tomahawk seems to be a bit sturdier, but, unlike the Eaton, lacks a protective hand guard between the handle and the body of the trap, so that conceivably a trapped animal could bite or scratch you through the bars if you're not careful when picking it up. The huge advantage to the Tomahawk, though, is that its back is easily disconnected and lifted away, for those who want to live-release their trapped squirrels. With the cheaper trap, the rear of the trap requires pliers and hard labor to remove, which is okay if your concept is to drown your squirrels in a barrel before removing them.

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1 of 1 people found this review helpful