Fuck those damn things.
I've planned a small orchard in my backyard several years ago. This year the squirrels got every one of my apples. Next year I intend to shoot every one I see. Damn, thieving nigger rats.
Unsolicited advice here... I've got a small orchard. A few good barn cats are helpful but won't take care of the problem the way you want. I did the shooting thing for a few years too. Was taking too much time. Deployed several of these traps (amazon.com) a while back. Almost felt bad b/c they are so effective. Slice of apple with some peanut butter and you'll be clearing and resetting multiple times a day. I bring them in at night b/c I don't want a live skunk half dead in one. Mind your p's and q's if your state has a squirrel season. Otherwise, get used to being tired of clearing the traps. Also, if you or your neighbors don't eat tree chicken, you'll want to discard them out away from the property to keep the clean up critters from getting used to wandering into your orchard or near any domestics you have. Last thing, the kill is quick but it ain't instant for the big boys. Takes a couple seconds and they'll flail a bit. Just something to consider if you've got little ones about or more sensitive types within visual range.
Wow, thank you for the advice. I attempted to put bags around the fruit or nets over the trees. They weren't very effective.