What does varmint stand for?
Varmint or varmit is an American-English colloquialism, a corruption of "vermin" particularly common to the American East and South-east within the nearby bordering states of the vast Appalachia region.
What is the difference between vermin and varmint?
varmint- an irritating or obnoxious person vermin bad person- a person who does harm to others 2. varmint- any usually predatory wild animal considered undesirable; e.g., coyote varment animal, animate being, beast, creature, fauna, brute- a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
What is a varmint model?
Since varmint hunting is a form of pest control, and minimally regulated by law, the definition of what constitutes a varminter model tends to vary by regional pests. The definitive varmints are ground burrowing animals such as groundhogs and prairie dogs.
What kind of animals are varmints?
Common varmintsinclude various rodents, coyotes, crows, foxes, feral cats, feral hogs, and groundhogs. Some animalsonce considered varmintsare now protected.
What animal is considered a varmint?
Common varmints include various rodents, coyotes, crows, foxes, feral cats, feral hogs, and groundhogs. Some animals once considered varmints are now protected. Vermin: Vermin is a term applied to various species regarded as pests or nuisances, and especially to those associated with the carrying of disease.Jun 28, 2020
Is a coyote considered a varmint?
The most popular targets are coyotes — “varmints,” as they're commonly called even by some wildlife officials.May 22, 2018
Is a Fox considered a varmint?
Common varmints include various rodents, coyotes, crows, foxes, feral cats, feral hogs, and groundhogs. Some animals once considered varmints are now protected. Vermin: Vermin is a term applied to various species regarded as pests or nuisances, and especially to those associated with the carrying of disease.Apr 3, 2020
Is a rabbit a varmint?
Rodents and lagomorphs that can damage croplands or pastures: beaver, gophers, groundhogs, muskrat, coypu (also known as nutria), prairie dogs, porcupine, and rabbits.
Is a raccoon a varmint?
Answer: A raccoon is neither. Rodent is a scientific classification (rodentia), and raccoons are mammals. They are also not vermin.May 17, 2017
Is squirrel a varmint?
Ground squirrels are most often considered a pest and can do great damage to crops in some areas. Consequently farmers don't care for them and classify them as varmints rather than small game. Ground squirrels are generally shot to thin them out rather than to provide meat for the dinner table.Oct 22, 2021
Is a squirrel a rodent or vermin?
rodentsThus, squirrels are mammals because they breathe air and give birth to live babies rather than laying eggs. They are rodents and close cousins to other rodent species such as rats and mice.Oct 3, 2018
Is it varmint or varmint?
As mentioned, “vermin” typically (but not always) refers to smaller animals. “Varmint,” on the other hand, includes larger predators that are problematic to farmers, like feral dogs, weasels and coyotes.Nov 24, 2017
What good are raccoons?
Raccoons are mostly useful in regards to the food chain on earth, as well as the aquatic food chain. With a diet consisting of insects, crabs, crayfish, lobsters, frogs, rodents, fish, birds, turtle eggs and more, raccoons are useful because they help to control animal populations.
Why are rats considered vermin?
Rats are usually unwelcome visitors in our gardens – they are generally considered vermin and can spread potentially serious diseases, including Leptospirosis, which can lead to Weil's disease. They can set up home beneath decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and compost heaps.Jan 18, 2022
Are rabbits rodents yes or no?
The majority of these small mammals are rodents (Rodentia), but there are two exceptions: rabbits and ferrets. Rabbits do not belong to the Rodentia order, they are lagomorphs (Lagomorpha order).
What is the difference between a varmint and a critter?
As nouns the difference between varmint and critter is that varmint is a pestering animal such as one that kills or harasses a farmer's livestock or crops while critter is a creature, an animal.
What is considered a varmint?
1: an animal considered a pest specifically: one classed as vermin and unprotected by game law. 2: a contemptible person: rascal broadly: person, fellow. Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about varmint.
What does varmint mean on a rifle?
Varmint rifle is an American English term for a small-caliber precision firearm or high-powered airgun primarily used for both varmint hunting (the elimination of outdoor animals which harass properties) and pest control (the eradication of indoor infestation by destructive species).
What is a good varmint rifle?
OUR TOP PICK: Remington 700 SPS Varmint 223 Rem 5 Round Bolt Action Rifle.
Is varmint a bad word?
Varmint is an informal word that means “wild animal” or “critter.” Your uncle Bob might see a mouse and yell loudly, “Get out of my kitchen, you varmint !” You can also call a human a varmint, especially if it’s someone who’s driving you crazy. Varmint, since the 1500’s, has been an American slang version of vermin.
Is a rabbit a varmint?
Common varmints include various rodents, coyotes, crows, foxes, feral cats, feral hogs, and groundhogs. rodents and lagomorphs that can damage cropland or pastures or carry disease: beaver, groundhogs, muskrat, coypu (also known as nutria), prairie dogs, porcupine, rabbits, rats, and squirrels.
What is the best caliber for varmint hunting?
Assembled with the help of professional hunters across the globe, here are the 10 best cartridges for varmint hunting ever made.
What is varmint ammo?
Varmint X rifle ammunition is designed specifically with sleek, polymer-tipped bullets that are explosive on impact. Varmint X combines the proven lethality Winchester is known for with today’s latest technology, giving hunters their ammunition of choice for pursuing everything from prairie dogs to coyotes.
Where did the term "varmint" come from?
The term varmint (and vermint) has been found in sources from c. 1530–1540s.
Where is varmint found?
Varmint or varmit is an American-English colloquialism, a corruption of "vermin" particularly common to the American East and South-east within the nearby bordering states of the vast Appalachia region . The term describes species which raid farms from without, as opposed to vermin (such as rats) that infest from within, thus referring mainly to predators such as feral dogs, foxes, weasels, and coyotes, sometimes even wolves or rarely bears, but also, to a lesser degree, herbivores and burrowing animals that directly damage crops and land.
What is a varmint in Adventure Time?
A wild rabbit – considered a pest by many, due to its destruction of farm crops. Vermin ( colloquially varmint (s) or varmit (s)) are pests or nuisance animals that spread diseases or destroy crops or livestock.
What is a varmint rifle?
Although "varmint/varmit" is not the prevalent usage in Standard Written English, it is a common descriptor for certain kinds of weapons and pest control situations in the Appalachian and nearby states and the American West and South-west which have adopted terms such as varmint rifle and varmint hunting .
What are some examples of vermin?
Examples of vermin include goats on the Galápagos Islands, rabbits in Australia or cats on Prince Edward Islands. Rats, mice, and cockroaches are common urban and suburban vermin.
What is a vermin?
Definition. The term "vermin" is used to refer to a wide scope of organisms, including rodents, cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, ferrets, stoats, sables, rats, and occasionally foxes . Historically, in the 16th and 17th century, the expression also became used as a derogatory term associated with groups of persons typically plagued by ...
Is a pigeon a vermin?
Pigeons, which have been widely introduced in urban environments, are also sometimes considered vermin. Some varieties of snakes and arachnids may also be referred to as vermin. "Vermin" is also used by some people as a term of abuse, either individually or collectively.
What is a varmint rifle?
Since varmint hunting is a form of pest control, and minimally regulated by law, the definition of what constitutes a varmint firearm tends to vary by regional pests. The definitive varmints are ground burrowing animals such as groundhogs and prairie dogs.
Why do varmints hunt?
Hunting of varmint has typically been to reduce crop loss and to stop predation of livestock. This hunting, like all forms of harvest, has imposed an artificial selection pressure on the organisms being hunted. The selection pressure on varmints is likely for younger reproduction ages and quicker maturity.
Skunks
Of the many animals we consider varmints, the skunk stands out for its stink. We know that one of the reasons this small mammal thrives is its ability to ward off potential predators with a raise of the tail. Another is its broad diet, but that can cause trouble at our doorsteps.
Raccoons
Raccoons often mean trouble for rural, urban, and suburban residents alike. They steal the seeds out of bird feeders and eat the fish out of backyard ponds; they knock over trash cans and scatter the contents; they move into attics and garages; they ransack food sources from crops to campsites.
Coyotes
When humans altered once-flourishing ecosystems by creating farms, cities, and suburban areas, there was a subsequent boom in both vermin and larger animals like skunks and raccoons. This led to an increase in disease and the downfall of other species, like songbirds.
Vultures
Humans have an odd relationship with vultures. While some cultures, such as that of Ancient Egypt, have elevated the vulture to the point of sanctity, others have labeled it as a nuisance.
Red Foxes
Ask anyone with a chicken coop what they think of the red fox, and you'll probably get a range of less than favorable responses. The wily fox is well known — and well disliked — for its ability to ravage chickens, rabbits, and ducks.
Crows
There's a reason farmers invented the scarecrow. Crows are the bane of farmers' existence because they are fond of newly planted crops. For example, the birds are known for ruining corn crops by pulling up sprouts to eat the softened corn kernels. They are also loud and harass anything they see as a threat, including people and their pets.
Opossums
Opossums have a bad reputation, especially around homeowners. These creatures typically shelter in dens made by other animals, but it's not uncommon for them to lodge in homes; you can find them denning in attics, crawl spaces, basements, porches, and sheds.
What is the most attractive varmint animal?
On top of all of this, taxidermy mounts of foxes are arguably the most attractive of any varmint animal. 5. Bobcat.
What is the best way to hunt varmints?
1. Coyotes. Arguably the best varmint to go after, considering the devastating impact they can have on your local deer property, coyote hunts are also among the best ways for hunters to stay active and sharp during the winter months.
What states have varmint hunting?
In states like Texas and Florida, feral hog hunting is arguably the most popular of all varmint hunting. Their high levels of aggression and razor sharp tusks posit them as potential dangers that need to be culled as much as possible - a role that hunters play graciously.
What are some birds that are good fodder for varmints?
Among birds, crows are one of the most reviled of airborne pests, a factor that makes them perfect fodder for varmint hunters. 4. Foxes. Foxes often wander into suburban areas and make off with kittens or other small household pets, earning them pest status in many areas.
What is the object that farmers place out in their crop fields called?
Crows. There's a reason that the object farmers place out in their crop fields is called a "scarecrow.". Crows - grossly overpopulated in most places - are notorious scavengers and can wreak havoc on everything from a cornfield to a private garden or compost pile.
Is varmint hunting regulated?
However, all of them can make good targets to put on the business end of your rifle, and since varmint hunting is usually less regulated than other types of small and big game pursuit, it can be a great way to hone your shooting skills before the main event rolls around later this year.
What is the best game to play with varmints?
2. Rabbits . Rabbits are great game. There are plenty of these small critters to go around, and in most states, you are free to take home as many as you want. Also, rabbit meat is considerably tastier and more appetizing than the meat of other varmint examples like coyotes, armadillos, and raccoons.
What animals are more valuable than other varmints?
5. Raccoons . The number of messy garbage cans and bins outside residential establishments is proof that there is no shortage of raccoons in the country, so hunters won’t have to limit themselves to just one or two coons. Plus, they are actually more valuable than other varmint animals.
Do you have to limit varmint hunting?
Quantity precedes quality when you’re varmint hunting. Unlike with deers, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one animal. In most states, you are free to hunt as many varmints as you want.
What is a vermin?
Animals injurious to vegetation or to domestic animals.”. In England, the word “vermin” has been defined by statute as follows: “‘vermin’ includes bugs [bedbugs], fleas, lice and itch mites and their eggs, larvae and pupae”.
What is vermin in the dictionary?
1987), defines vermin as: “1. Noxious, objectionable or disgusting animals collectively, esp. those of small size that appear commonly and are difficult to control , as flies, lice, bedbugs, cockroaches, mice, and rats.”.
What is a bat considered as vermin?
“In checking with a standard dictionary, vermin is defined as: ‘ (1) any of various small animals or insects that are destructive, annoying, or injurious to health, such as cockroaches or rats. (2) Any of various animals that prey on game, as the fox or weasel.’. ...
What is a specif animal?
Specif.: Such an animal, or esp. such animals collectively, when of small size, of common occurrence, and difficult to control. Various insects as flies, lice, bedbugs, fleas, etc., various mammals, as rats, mice, weasels, etc., and sometimes such birds as hawks and owls, are classed as vermin.”.
When did the word "vermin" come into existence?
That would imply that the origins of the word “vermin,” dating to at least the early 16th century principally involve small, insect-like animals. Over the centuries, with scourges of mice and rats in Europe, that class of animals has been added to the definition.
Where did the word "vermin" come from?
1991) shows that the term “vermin” as it has been used regularly over the centuries, starting at least in 1513, has been accepted to include rats and mice. The word “vermin” comes from the Latin vermis, which means “worm.”.
Is "vermin" ambiguous?
So, as you can see, the dictionary definitions vary widely, depending on what dictionary you’re looking at. For that reason, most courts have found that there is no universally accepted definition of “vermin,” so, therefore, the term is amb iguous.
Overview
Definition
The term "vermin" is used to refer to a wide scope of organisms, including rodents, cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, ferrets, stoats, sables, rats, and occasionally foxes.
Historically, in the 16th and 17th century, the expression also became used as a derogatory term associated with groups of persons typically plagued by vermin, namely beggars and vagabonds, and more generally the poor.
Deterioration of balance
Any species can develop into vermin if introduced into a region where there are favorable living conditions and few natural predators. In such cases, they are seen as an invasive species and humans often choose to fill the role of the predator to limit the danger to the environment. Examples of vermin include goats on the Galápagos Islands, rabbits in Australia or cats on Prince Edward Islands. Rats, mice, and cockroaches are common urban and suburban vermin.
United Kingdom
Under Tudor "vermin laws", many creatures were seen as competitors for the produce of the countryside and bounties were paid by the parish for their carcasses. The declaration of the red kite as vermin led to its decline to the point of extirpation in the UK by the 20th century. However, the red kite has since been reintroduced to much of Scotland and the majority of England and Wales by the trans-location of breeding pairs from other parts of Europe.
See also
• Parasite
• Pest
• Weed
External links
• The dictionary definition of vermin at Wiktionary
• The New Brunswick Ministry of Natural Resources