How we save our corn from critters without buying commercially made products.

Good evening friends! How are you? Blake has been so devastated about the loss of all of his Choctaw red corn and they an heirloom to my Mississippi past. Had high hopes this year after the work I put into growing them this year, but all went to flames by critters chewing every last ear.
Don't know what to do or where to go. How we protect our corn this late without netting or other complex commercial material? Are there any natural or homemade remedies to stop squirrels or other pesky creatures? Did all I could to protect my corn, but weather and creatures are too much. Please drop off any feedback if you need me. Good night.