Anyone Going After Woodchucks Soon?

[dbHunterNY]

I was hoping to actually get something to show for my hunting license, and a fur cap seemed like a good trophy. Wanted to avoid things like smoke/gas.

Thanks for the other tips. I tried some of those without success, but I think weather was against me. It was windy and cold most of the time, so that may have kept him underground longer. Won't have a chance again for a few weeks, hopefully with better luck.

 

 those are generally the best times.... right now they're waking up and seeking each other out.  so they're a little less visible.  kind of like the "October lull" for deer hunting.  once june hits little ones are running around and they all have they're own holes and are eating like mad.  they can come out more off times like mid morning and 3pm.  once you find out when one comes out it tends to stick to the same schedule.

[dbHunterNY]

if it's just one hole in your back yard take dry grass and cover the hole, pushing it in just enough to not get blown away by the wind.  check it throughout the day when you're around and that'll give you an idea of when it's coming out or if it's a male and basically left to go seek out a female. 

[jrm]

Thanks. Will give it all a try.

Not sure if the dry grass trick will work. There are two _large_ holes. The way the earth has sunk around the holes, they are now large gouges in the earth with a hole at the bottom. The gouge is large enough to stand in. It would take a bit a grass... maybe I can rig something up. I might set up my trail cam to get an idea of his schedule. It will be a few weeks before I can get up there... ideally before those young ones start running around.

This is the first year I have had chucks in my field, and I don't want it to be the start of a population explosion. With the size of the holes they are digging, my dogs might chase one into the den or my horse could easily break a leg. I don't know if this one building his home around my septic tank will cause any other issues.

Thanks much for the advice.

[dbHunterNY]

the idea is where the hole necks down to wood chuck width.  just don't go shoving your hand way in there.  it might get bit.  I've also used dried twigs forming an "x" across the whole.  just has to be something that won't blow away but can be easily pushed out of the way by the chuck.  trail cam on field scan mode attached to a post far enough away would work perfect.  the camera click or noise if right there close might freak them out at first.  I've always been meaning to try it for off schedule chucks but when I can get out is when I can get out.  my schedule doesn't really change that often.

Edited April 21, 2015 by dbHunterNY

[jrm]

that makes sense. got it. Definitely didn't plan to stick my hands in there. Where is goes to chuck width is almost 3ft down. It's this mass excavation that has me wanting to evict this guy. Sticks will work.

Thanks again.

Edited April 21, 2015 by jrm

[stoneam2006]

I've got one that took up residence around my septic tank. The holes are dangerous - big enough to fall into. I have seen the resident only once or twice, never when I am ready.

Any tips on getting these buggers to come up out of their holes?

160 conibabear trap will take care of him....

[jrm]

That a thought.

Does that require a trapper license?

I have a valid hunting license, so I assumed I was good to go with rifle or bow (but still wasn't sure if one was needed). I know that it is open season on woodchucks all year, but was under the impression you still needed a license to hunt 'em. If so, I figured that extended to trapping.

[dbHunterNY]

you're definitely right about needing at least a basic small game hunting license to hunt unprotected species like chucks.  I don't know for sure but am pretty certain you need a trapper license to use a trap... legally.

[stoneam2006]

That a thought.

Does that require a trapper license?

I have a valid hunting license, so I assumed I was good to go with rifle or bow (but still wasn't sure if one was needed). I know that it is open season on woodchucks all year, but was under the impression you still needed a license to hunt 'em. If so, I figured that extended to trapping.

I honestly do not know....did not think you needed a hunting licence to take unprotected species tho either....

[dbHunterNY]

"resident owners primarily engaged in farming, lessees and members of their immediate families do not need a hunting license when hunting small game on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating."  however, it says you need a license to hunt unprotected species so I'm not sure if one trumps the other.  that and being an indian on a reservation is the only exception I know of where you don't need a license.

[stoneam2006]

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27801.html

Yep even unprotected species need a licence

[stoneam2006]

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/81531.html

But according to this page from my interpretation is that nothing is required if damaging property....

[fasteddie]

The "3 S" system works . Shoot , Shovel & Shutup ..............

[dbHunterNY]

didn't get out this morning to turkey hunt but did get out mid day for a couple hours.  didn't see many woodchucks but did see three of them so I got three.  I've had better outings but a few chucks down isn't bad.  all three shots were just under 200 yards and out to around 250-260 yards i'm still holding right on them.

[GreeneHunter]

I think one died under my shed .... Stinks !

[dbHunterNY]

I think one died under my shed .... Stinks !

 

yea they'll dig and burrow anywhere they aren't supposed to be.

[GreggNY]

So I've always read the replies saying to just ask farmers and they will be more than happy to let you shoot groundhogs on their property. But how true is this in NY (we all know NY is 'different' than most of the country)? I'm in lower NY, but would gladly drive upstate or to WNY to shoot some ghogs. Since a lot of you guys live out that way, do you think some farmers would be receptive to asking for permission in a respectful/polite way? Any advice on this from locals in farm country? Thanks in advance.

[fasteddie]

Most of the farmers around here would welcome a person to shoot woodchucks on their farm property . I did this back in 1990 and got permission to shoot chucks . Then I got a couple of calls from farmers asking me if I would kill some on their property . I quit doing it when gas got up to $4 a gallon .

[GreggNY]

Most of the farmers around here would welcome a person to shoot woodchucks on their farm property . I did this back in 1990 and got permission to shoot chucks . Then I got a couple of calls from farmers asking me if I would kill some on their property . I quit doing it when gas got up to $4 a gallon .

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure it was a lot easier and more welcome 24 years ago, but I might just have to give it a shot. 

[cdmckane]

One farm gives me permission to hunt deer as long as I get up there to hunt chucks after each cutting of hay.  They're tired of breaking stuff hitting their dens once they collapse.

[GreggNY]

One farm gives me permission to hunt deer as long as I get up there to hunt chucks after each cutting of hay.  They're tired of breaking stuff hitting their dens once they collapse.

 

I would take that deal any day! 

[hunterintheshadows]

coyotes have seriously damaged to chuck populations whe i hunt, though it could have been me as well!!! just waiting to see good numbers like i used to