The critters are my mnemesis. I noticed the other day all my new corn shoots were gone. Don't know who ate them, but I have constructed a blind in my backyard and am prepared to wait them out with my Daisy BB gun. I say I don't know who the miscreant is, but I have an idea, as there are recurring troublemakers in our neighborhood.
When my corn shoots disappear, it’s usually birds - crows or grackles. The squirrels don’t bother them until they have ears.