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Caught Something? Here's What to Do Next
Caught something? Let’s safely release it in the next few minutes.
Pick what you caught and we’ll walk you through it step-by-step.
After you’re done, we’ll show you how to reset the trap and (if you want) share your win.
How to safely release a rat in 4 quick steps
- Put on thick gloves. Leather or heavy garden gloves — rats can bite through thin fabric.
- Transport the trap away. Drive or walk at least 2 miles from your property to prevent homing. Wooded or rural areas near water work best.
- Open the door facing away from you. Set the Ratinator on the ground, release the door, and step back 10 feet. The rat will bolt toward cover.
- Wait 60 seconds, then confirm it’s empty. Tip the trap gently to check. If more than one, repeat at a different angle.
Want the full step-by-step with diagrams? Open the Field Guide →
How to safely release a squirrel in 4 quick steps
- Cover the trap with a towel or blanket. Squirrels calm down significantly when they can’t see movement around them.
- Transport 3–5 miles away. Squirrels have strong homing instincts. Release near mature trees with canopy cover — parks, forests, or tree-lined creeks.
- Set the Squirrelinator on the ground, remove cover, and open the door. Stand behind the trap so squirrels exit away from you.
- If the basin is full, tip gently to guide them out. They’ll scatter toward the nearest tree within seconds.
Want the full step-by-step with diagrams? Open the Field Guide →
How to safely release mice in 3 quick steps
- Take the Mouseinator outside, at least 1 mile from your home. Mice can find their way back from shorter distances. An open field or wooded area away from other homes is ideal.
- Open the access door and tilt gently. Mice will scurry out quickly. No need for gloves — they won’t engage if there’s an exit.
- Check that the trap is completely empty before heading back. Multiple mice often hide in corners.
Want the full step-by-step with diagrams? Open the Field Guide →
How to safely release a skunk without getting sprayed
- Approach slowly and quietly. Skunks spray when startled. Move in slow motion. No sudden sounds or steps.
- Drape a large towel or sheet over the trap from a distance. Toss it gently — a covered skunk is a calm skunk. They rarely spray what they can’t see.
- Transport at least 5 miles away. Wooded areas near water are ideal. Keep the trap covered the entire drive.
- Open the door from behind, step back 20+ feet, and wait. The skunk will waddle out once it senses freedom. Do NOT rush this step. Give it 5–10 minutes.
- Retrieve the trap after the skunk leaves. Wash with mild soap and water before re-setting.
Want the full step-by-step with diagrams? Open the Field Guide →
How to safely release a chipmunk in 3 quick steps
- Transport at least 2 miles from your property. Chipmunks are burrowers with strong homing — release near stone walls or brush piles where they can find immediate shelter.
- Set the trap on the ground and open the door. They’ll dart out instantly once they see an opening. Stand clear of the exit.
- Confirm the trap is empty and check for bedding material. Chipmunks sometimes stash food inside — clean out any debris before resetting.
Want the full step-by-step with diagrams? Open the Field Guide →
General safe release steps
- Wear thick gloves regardless of what’s inside.
- Cover the trap with a towel to keep the animal calm during transport.
- Drive at least 3 miles away from your property to a natural area with cover (trees, brush, or water).
- Set it down, open the door from behind, and step back. Give it several minutes — don’t rush.
Not sure what you caught? Check the Field Guide for species identification →
Reset your trap so it catches again tonight
- Clean the trap. Rinse with water only — no soap or chemicals. Animals avoid human-scented traps.
- Re-bait with fresh attractant. Replace bait every 2–3 days. See the Field Guide for your species’ best bait.
- Re-position on the same route. You just confirmed this is an active path — put it right back where you had it.
- Set it before dusk. Most activity happens in the first 4 hours after dark.
Help the next rancher beat this problem faster
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Show other ranchers this actually works.
We feature real customers on our product pages and emails so nervous first-timers can see it works in the real world. No gore, please — just your trap doing its job.
Every month, we pick one “Trap Hero” from the photos and send them a FREE trap.
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Tell a neighbor
If this solved your problem, odds are a neighbor has the same issue.
In a few days we’ll send you a way to share Rugged Ranch with them (and save on your next trap). Keep an eye on your inbox.
Questions? Just reply to your last email from us or contact support@shopruggedranch.com