OT-trapping woodchucks

Farmall 656 · Jun 8, 2018

My dad has a couple of woodchucks that he has been trying to trap for a few weeks. He has a large Havahart live trap that seems to be "highly tuned" according to the great tapper of the north. He has used carrots, apples, marshmallows, one at a time, 2 at time, hanging, in front of the trip, way back in the trap, in a pile, scattered and well you get the picture. So far the woodchuck is up 20 and dad 0. Do you guys have any tips, tricks, or best methods of trapping a woodchuck, whistle-pig, ground hog, or other variations?

Bill in IL · Jun 8, 2018

Cover the trap so it's dark and looks like a hole. Don't know that there is any "hot" bait for woodchucks.

IH4386 · Jun 8, 2018

I just got two of them about an hour ago. We had them dig under one of the grain bins, the area around the bins is all mowed grass and I have found it best to sit and wait for them to come out in the evening and get far enough from the hole entrance and then take the shots needed to prevent them from going back in the hole. I sat off to the side of the entrance hole on a lawn chair and waited, it takes a lot of patients not to spook them as they take forever just scanning the area before they come out for evening feeding. Good luck

TimV · Jun 8, 2018

Muskmelon or cantaloupe are long-time favorites he didn't mention. I've also had success with the Hav-a-Harts that open on both ends--seems to give animals less sense of going into a confined area. Granted woodchucks are burrowing animals and I wouldn't think they're naturally claustrophobic, but I've caught a lot of them that way. Also, if possible, put the trap directly in their travel path--I often place them right outside the hole and block off any approaches other than through the trap with sticks or something similar to funnel them through the trap.

jeffcat · Jun 8, 2018

Also take a couple of pieces of Double Bubble gum. Chew them up and stick them on the trigger. Also did you try nice cheep stinky peanut butter. Musk mellon/ cantaloupe. You need the smell. Also if he has been handling the trap with his stinky human hands, that doesn't help either. Going to need the trap out in the weather for quite awhile to get rid of the stink. Also cover it up and pile stuff around it like a refuse pile. Trick him.

Duane WI · Jun 8, 2018

If they dig under a concrete shed floor just stick a pipe down the hole. Pack dirt around it and get what ever engine you want and hook the exhaust to the pipe with some kind of heavy radiator hose. Let is run until you feel satisfied the job is complete.

jeffcat · Jun 8, 2018

Isn't it just a thrill when they twitch their tail? Stuff em back in the hole wayyy down and fill it back up with dirt. My Savage in 223 with balistic tips un-zips them real good !

730virgil · Jun 8, 2018

my nephew took care of one by tossing a cherry bomb down it's hole

JD Seller · Jun 8, 2018

I will add the cantaloupe works well. One question: is your Dad a mechanic?? If he is his hands will smell like oil/grease to animals. I have found this out setting traps. Put on latex non powdered gloves when handling the bait. You will have better luck. The same is true with cologne or after shave lotion. Your sent will be on anything you touch for a long time.

huntingreen2day2 · Jun 8, 2018

I have caught 6 going under my shed this year with Conibear traps.

Mike(NEOhio) · Jun 8, 2018

I like this trap.

Mike(NEOhio) · Jun 8, 2018

Pics did not post. Try again.

onefarmer · Jun 8, 2018

I've caught coon and chuck by putting bales on all sides including the top, with just the door sticking out. Put dry cat food under the trigger and wait. You might catch every cat you have at first but one night and they learn.

Mike(NEOhio) · Jun 9, 2018

Pictures worked this time.

RayP(MI) · Jun 9, 2018

I have had good success putting muskmellon chunks on the ground and setting trap over the top of them. Critter works hard to get to bait and is very likely to trip the trap.

n9lhm · Jun 9, 2018

My grandfather used to burn them out. Five gallons of water down the hole, then a gallon of gas, and a match. The advantages are: It disposes of the carcass for you, and it smutties up the hole so another groundhog won't move in for a very long time. Even if he isn't in the hole when you burn it, he won't go back there.

Use at your own discretion. Of course you can't use this method near a wood building.

DoubleR · Jun 9, 2018

I have a trap like the picture you have and can only remember getting one groundhog a few years back with it. I tied allot of different things for bait, I have caught about a doz coons so far this year with it. I wire a small ear of corn in it for bait. I use the conibear 220 trap over their hole for groundhogs. I got about 20 of them the first year I started using them about 10 years ago. I get about a half doz a year with them now but I think I got the population down and under control on them now. When I find holes I will put the traps over them and will usually have one in a day or two.

Dick L · Jun 9, 2018

I have never been able to trap a chuck in one of those. My bet method in disposing of the chuck is my 22 rifle. I cleared them out early but night before last I see 4 more have showed up. Thought I would try removing at least one today but rain puts them back in the dens.

D beatty · Jun 9, 2018

The best way we have found to get rid of them is shoot them or gas them.

WGM · Jun 9, 2018

I use a can of sardines in the live trap and a 22 rifle. Works great. Rarely get the bait stolen.

Dave H (MI) · Jun 9, 2018

I have trapped many dozens of chucks in the garden over the years. 1/2 ear of sweet corn wired to the pan inside the trap works every time. Bruise it a little on one side to release the scent. Catches coons too. No skunks so far.

Mike M · Jun 10, 2018

Wrong type of trap. Get a connibear !

Mom has a ground hog that like to go into the bottom of her trash burner and eat up the ashes. All else fails try some ashes for bait.

OT-trapping woodchucks

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