Groundhog problem

Hi, I hope this is the right forum for this, but just as the title says, I have an issue with a groundhog.

I believe it is just one at the moment, my dog pulled one out and killed it last summer but I have a new one this summer. He is getting quite large and I'm afraid my dog is too old to be fighting these things. I've tried wire mesh over his hole with a flap for him to escape, I've tried boarding up around the garages, I've tried blocking everything off except for a path to my neighbors.

I do not have a garden, but my neighbors have a massive one, yet he insists on living in my yard. Everytime a hole becomes inaccessible he simply digs a new one under a different shed or even under the boards I've nailed down next to the shed.

My neighbors like I said have this garden, but the groundhog can't be bothered and they also have no dog where as I do...Why does this groundhog insist on living in my yard and how do I get rid of him?

 

There are a couple of solutions depending on your location/circumstance

.22
Crossbow
Trap

 

Or you could adopt the little guy as a companion animal.

 

Groundhogs are determined, hardy animals that won’t be stopped until they are captured/killed. Even when you do get this guy, once a hole is established then in the future others are likely to find it through the scent and move in.

Once you get rid of him it may behoove you to dig a perimeter trench about 10 to 12” deep, fasten hardware cloth or something equally sturdy but breathable (not chicken wire) to the shed and run it down in to the trench. Maybe even fill it with rocks for the most part.

Many do live trapping but it can be time and labor intensive, plus what do you do with the hog. Relocating him is not fair to anyone near the relocation area and maybe nnot legal either. Killing him in the trap is potentially dangerous. I’ve done it with a .22 pistol with cb caps in the past, but I was nervous about it.

Body grip traps are lethal to the captured animal. I’ve used them a lot in the past but the danger with them is they show no mercy to people, non-target animals, pets, etc. Many people don’t even recognize what they are as they don’t look like a typical trap which sets up a potential disaster. They will break a humans bones plus it will take another person with knowledge, tools and strength to get it off of you. Like I said-no mercy from body grip traps. They do work well and quickly though if circumstances permit. Search them on-line to learn about them. Otherwise live trap. Is it possible that you could shoot it from your house? Be aware of safety and legal concerns.

If you are willing and able to protect your shed as described above, then hiring a pro nusiance wildlife trapper to get rid of it could be a good idea. Do it yourself doesn’t mean we have to do everything ourselves. Keep us posted.

 

I used to use a .22 to keep the woodchuck population in check. If I didn't they would eventually figure out how to get into my garden and wreak havoc. Then the town changed the gun discharge rules so the .22 was no longer an option.

I trapped a couple and killed them with a pellet pistol. As PABugman said, they are tough critters. The pellet gun didn't get the job done humanely so I looked for another method. I ended up using my hunting bow. I was surprised at how effective it was out to 25 yds or so. I also bought a pistol style crossbow that was fairly accurate at the same range.

I haven't had a woodchuck in my yard in several years.

 

I found a great way to get rid of these guys. If you have a dog you have all the arsenal you need. On a whim when picking up the poo in the yard I threw it into the holes. The hogs didn't appreciate it and moved out. Now they are back into the woods where they belong. If I see a new or encroaching hole from the woods, I chuck (no pun intended) a shovel full of poo into it. Don't know if cat poo would work, but it's worth a try. If you don't have a dog, offer to clean up your friends yard that has a dog!!!

 

Win-win situation: the yard looks better for having the waste removed/buried and the groundhog is also gone.

 

I’ve heard of people using scents/urine that can be bought at trapping supply houses to repel and discourage groundhogs and the like. Don’t know if it’s working but it sounds like a good idea. Coyote, fox, bobcat scents/urines, etc.