I have a nuisance possum problem.

[magnanimous_j]

I think the water barrel is going to be your cheapest, quietest option.

[WSU]

Sounds like shot placement.  If the pellets go through the skull and out, you just need to hit the brain. 

[wadu1]

I use Aguila Colibri .22 LR Subsonic Rimfire Ammunition at 450FPS, quieter than my 1200FPS air rifle. 

[hunter399]

Well make yourself a pigsticker ,ice pick on a stick u can get into the cage,or paracord though a small pipe that can be put into the cage , you get the idea,sticker on the vital a few times come back later all done,make something like this but smaller.

[jamesfromseattle]

Well make yourself a pigsticker ,ice pick on a stick u can get into the cage,or paracord though a small pipe that can be put into the cage , you get the idea,sticker on the vital a few times come back later all done,make something like this but smaller.

Can't speak for the legality of this, but "a guy I know" duct taped an old arrow to the end of a broom handle.  The arrow is skinny enough to get in the holes of the cage and long enough to reach the other side.  Not the most pleasant way of doing it, but it's a quick and humane death--especially if you use a broadhead.  If the broadhead doesn't fit through the cage, try removing a couple blades from it.

[lokidog]

I use Aguila Colibri .22 LR Subsonic Rimfire Ammunition at 450FPS, quieter than my 1200FPS air rifle. 

 

I've used CB shorts and they are about as loud as a loud hand clap out of a rifle, still pretty loud out of a pistol though. 

I had a possum once that was attacked by my wife's dog, heard the skull crunch, then I shot it in the head with a .22.  It was late, so I just tossed it on top of an old fridge on the porch.  In the morning, I went to dispose of it and it was gone.    I found it down the deck wheezing away behind the wood pile.  They can be pretty tough little jerks.

[runamuk]

I am now totally sold on the traps designed to drown in trap. No moving off property, silent, just need a un visible spot and a hose. I mostly deal with skunks.

[hunter399]

Well there's one other way that may be better but will take a bit longer.Take trap put it in big black garbage bag and tie it tight make sure you have no holes ,should run out of air,but no way to tell how long ,size of animal,size of cage,size of bag,it might kick a few times but should go to sleep from co2 later than sooner.