corn question....

So our popcorn ripening in the garden is getting raided by mice.  Were wondering if it would be best just to pick the ears and let them ripen inside the husks, or remove the husks and let the immature kernels dry down.  Or any other deterrents that could be put in the rows in the garden to keep the critters away?  Some of the cobs are already fully ripe, just not quite dry.

I think if it's dry enough to attract mice you could pick it. I'd shuck it and spread it out somewhere inside, maybe with a fan.

This is my first year growing popcorn, but I've grown lots a sweetcorn for many years and some field corn.

What kind did you plant? I'm growing Smoke Signal. I think about 50 plants. I thought, it was doing good. I'm gong out to check for mice now

Thanks for the advice on this.  I think we will pick a bunch of the more mature ears and see if others will just make it through.

The variety, I think, is 'Dakota Black' from this seed company:  http://www.prairieroadorganic.co/Prairie_Road_Organic_Seed/Vegetable_Seed.html

Mine came from Bakers Creek. No mice so far, but it's not very dry yet. Most of the shucks are still green. They sure seem tiny compared to sweetcorn.