Long Smokes

steve-o · January 18, 2011, 01:19:52 AM

This may be a dumb question, but have any of you had any problems with critters trying to break in to your smoker on the overnighters? I have raccoons in my neighbourhood, and cant help but think they would try and steal my food if I left it out overnight. Or is just assumed that it be in somewhere safe if unattended?

Habanero Smoker · January 18, 2011, 01:55:28 AM

I live out in the country, and my land is bordered on two sides with deep woods. I have all sorts of critters out here form mice to coyotes and a mountain lion that is occasionally seen in the area. I've never had any problems with any animal trying to break into my smoker during an overnight cook. A couple of members reported black bears breaking into their smokers, but all reports were done when the smoker was not in use.

I have more problems with critters chewing up the gas caps and gas lines of my outdoor equipment.

Wildcat · January 18, 2011, 05:53:40 AM

I would think that most critters would shy away from anything hot. I have coons, possums, foxes, coyotes, black bear, and several other critters here and never a problem.

FLBentRider · January 18, 2011, 06:07:11 AM

We have racoons, etc. No issues here, but we have dogs too...

OU812 · January 18, 2011, 06:49:07 AM

I live in the country also and feral cats were my only problem.

SoCalBuilder · January 18, 2011, 07:35:30 AM

Only the occasional nosy neighbor ;D

Quarlow · January 18, 2011, 07:59:37 AM

I think that the smoke keeps most critters away.

steve-o · January 18, 2011, 10:14:47 AM

Good to know. After a few more shorter recipes I will have to try an overnighter ;D

muebe · January 18, 2011, 10:15:43 AM

Quote from: Habanero Smoker on January 18, 2011, 01:55:28 AM
I live out in the country, and my land is bordered on two sides with deep woods. I have all sorts of critters out here form mice to coyotes and a mountain lion that is occasionally seen in the area. I've never had any problems with any animal trying to break into my smoker during an overnight cook. A couple of members reported black bears breaking into their smokers, but all reports were done when the smoker was not in use.

I have more problems with critters chewing up the gas caps and gas lines of my outdoor equipment.

WTF.....A Mountain Lion!!! :o And I thought Los Angeles was dangerous :D

Quarlow · January 18, 2011, 12:22:28 PM

LA is dangerous, you have more cougars there than mountain lions in the wilderness. :D :D :D

muebe · January 18, 2011, 11:00:35 PM

Quote from: Quarlow on January 18, 2011, 12:22:28 PM
LA is dangerous, you have more cougars there than mountain lions in the wilderness. :D :D :D

Touche ;D

Habanero Smoker · January 19, 2011, 01:27:22 AM

Though I wouldn't want to have a close encounter with a mountain lion, I wouldn't mind running into a few cougars myself. :)

Mountain lions have been spotted in my area off and on for about seven years. I personally saw one about four years ago in the woods on my property. Our DEC is claiming though they have received many reports, they have yet to find any physical signs of one.