GroundHog Hunts 2025

[WV Hitman]

I'd love to show some pics, but my computer died. Have to use my wife's, so no access to pics.
This year was fair. Since I've taken over 14,000 groundhogs in WV with 100% handguns I go to ID for rockchucks and add the total together. This year it was 405 with a lifetime total of 16,555.
Of note was my 4th albino groundhog which in size is the 3rd largest groundhog I've ever taken. He's getting mounted to be with the other 3.
My "lowly" handguns used were .223 Contender, .22-250 XPR-100, 6mmAI, .250 Sav.AI, .41 Mag. Raging Bull, .475 Linebaugh, suppressed Ruger MKIII .22 (I've done over 850 with this one).
I switched to handguns in 1978. Don't own/haven't shot a rifle since.

 

[ohlongarmisle]

View attachment 1703993Rem 700 20 Vartarg
Hart 12 twist barrel

Nice country been through it recognize the rocks,good shooting got me beat with that long shot, my farthest was just at 400 yards with the 204, Hornady 40 grain V-max.Nice rifle collection I only have two groundhog rifles, CZ 17 Hornet ,and the lowly Thompson Center Venture, they both get the job done , good shooting.

 

[HillbillyLongRifle]

LOVE your style of rifles. Great shooting too. I have a question for you.......

Do you have a preference on brand and weight of pull with the triggers you're using? Just curious. WD

No preference on triggers.

Thanks

I just want a nice clean light break on my rifle triggers!

I have Jewel, factory Remington Walker triggers ive adjusted too my liking, Cz and Brno factory triggers ive lightened up and some i did away with the Set feature on the CZ 527s!

Most of my triggers are 1.5-2lbs pull

I do have a New Bix and Andy i got from Mr. Zac Donovant at Old Dominion Custom Rifles awhile back that im really liking as well!

 

[ohlongarmisle]

No preference on triggers.

Thanks

I just want a nice clean light break on my rifle triggers!

I have Jewel, factory Remington Walker triggers ive adjusted too my liking, Cz and Brno factory triggers ive lightened up and some i did away with the Set feature on the CZ 527s!

Most of my triggers are 1.5-2lbs pull

I do have a New Bix and Andy i got from Mr. Zac Donovant at Old Dominion Custom Rifles awhile back that im really liking as well!

HB, why did you do away with the CZ set triggers? I've got mine set at 1 pound, and it's incredible ,personal preference or are the aforementioned triggers better?THX

 

[troupe]

You all make me want to move right now ! I do miss the hills as well as shooting a groundhog. More fun than deer hunting to me. You are very blessed to be in the area that you are. I love SW Virginia and would love to live there.

 

[steve210]

Nice job on the guns and the hogs Chance

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Hillbilly, some great photos there in beautiful country. Compared to here on the Orygun high desert, that country is green and lush and ours appears dried out and crispy. Juniper and sage is quite the opposite to lush.

Question IRT the tripod setup shown in a couple of your pics....do you have an ARCA rail screwed into the synthetic stock on the rifle? If so, do you leave it in place all the time or just when tripod use is in the mix?

Thanks for a bunch of great pics! Makes me wish spring greenup was closer....we haven't even got to winter yet!

 

[17VLD]

Like every one else I love your style of rifles and choice of calibers. Would you tell us about the barrel contour of the different makers you chose, especially the Hart 20VT in the first two pictures. Thanks Hillbilly.

Matt

 

[TonyinKY]

Do you eat them? If not, you should try one.

 

[HillbillyLongRifle]

I did not get rid of the triggers on the 527 cz rifles but several i have adjusted where i want them and take the set feature out.

The Arca rails are screwed on the stocks and left in place all the time.

Most barrels are #5 contour up too Rem Varmint. That first 20 Vartarg is just a little bigger than Remington varmint contour.

Ive ate Groundhogs my whole life just about and the young ones are the Best my opinion with biscuits and gravy!

 

[RGRobinett]

Chance, if you keep showing of those hillbilly shootin' stix, despite your cool rifles, people are going to start believing your moniker is correct! GREAT pics and rifles . . . envious in the fly-over country! Thank you for sharing! RG

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Very nice collection of small caliber rifles.

You read my mind.

 

[GotRDid]

Had this guy taunting me while Bow Hunting, so set plan to ambush him and his girlfriend.
Yesterday they were out in the rain and made a solid shot on him; he made it the 2-3 yds back to the woodpile on the edge of the ridge that drops 100+ feet to the lake below. No recovery as too treacherous.
Female returned about 20 minutes later and it did not bode well for her….





147 gr Subsonic Federal HydraShok.

 

[HillbillyLongRifle]

View attachment 1707433

View attachment 1707448
Had this guy taunting me while Bow Hunting, so set plan to ambush him and his girlfriend.
Yesterday they were out in the rain and made a solid shot on him; he made it the 2-3 yds back to the woodpile on the edge of the ridge that drops 100+ feet to the lake below. No recovery as too treacherous.
Female returned about 20 minutes later and it did not bode well for her….
View attachment 1707440

View attachment 1707449

View attachment 1707443
147 gr Subsonic Federal HydraShok.

Nice pictures

 

[HillbillyLongRifle]

Groundhogs are my Favorite target and Pasttime !