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Alfalfa & Woodchucks ?

When is it generally the best time to hunt woodchucks in alfalfa. The fields were cut and bailed this week but I am not seeing any woodchucks before dark. I live 30 minutes away and I am trying to figure this out. Fields are in NJ.

Many Thanks.
 
Seems like it takes a few days, as the baling equipment spooks them pretty good sometimes. Also, I've noticed over the years that there seems to be a "dead" time in Aug. to mid-Sept. when 'hogs aren't out much. Could be they're weary of the heat, or resting up for the big feed before winter. Boy, do I love that target-rich time just after the soybeans are off and before the cold sets in. :D
 
Bangs,

Many thanks. It has been very hot this summer in NJ and it make sense, they are staying low.

I will keep scouting the alfalfa but beans will be coming in mid Sept and I will be on those fields as well.

I must admit, scouting is a big part of my hunting. It is very important to me to know the culture of what I hunt.

Best.
 
depending on moisture and temperature it may take a few days for the alfalfa to have some new juicy re-growth to get them interested in foraging out there again.
 
My daughter just shot 10 yesterday morning in a recently mowed alfalfa/hay field. But the farmer didn't mow it real short and it ws already green.
I find the best times in the evening are from 2 hours before sunset to about a half hour before sunset. I can't say never, but I rarely see them within a half hour of sunset.
 
Steve3 said:
Bangs,

Many thanks. It has been very hot this summer in NJ and it make sense, they are staying low.

I will keep scouting the alfalfa but beans will be coming in mid Sept and I will be on those fields as well.

I must admit, scouting is a big part of my hunting. It is very important to me to know the culture of what I hunt.

Best.
I was in Jersey City a few weeks ago to see the new grand-baby; man it was hot. Meant to go over to Cameraland in mid-town Manhattan to look at scopes, but the thought of hot subways and streets took the wind out of my sails. Only saw one roadkilled groundhog during the trip over and back.
 
Bangs said:
Seems like it takes a few days, as the baling equipment spooks them pretty good sometimes. Also, I've noticed over the years that there seems to be a "dead" time in Aug. to mid-Sept. when 'hogs aren't out much. Could be they're weary of the heat, or resting up for the big feed before winter. Boy, do I love that target-rich time just after the soybeans are off and before the cold sets in. :D

Am drooling waiting for that time this year. Last cutting of alfalfa, and beans combined at the same time is definitely my favorite time to get into em. The fall WOOOoomp of a vmax hitting a fat fall chuck is as good as it gets. ;) WD
 
Personally, I would try em early in the mourning. I have found that there are your mourning pigs, afternoon pigs, and evening pigs. I like mournings, not as hot and lots o times you may see or get a shot on other varmints such as coyotes. Try it... ;D

www.varmintsforfun.com
 
1/2 hour before sunrise and into the first hour.

2 hours before sunset. Usually the last 15 minutes, it shuts down completely.


As in bow hunting, your entry into the field is KEY. Unless you are hunting juveniles!


I like a freshly cut field = they are most vulnerable since they were so "use" to the tall grass.
 
Nomad47 said:
Yeah, I always miss that fall cutting of the beans. :( I'm either in AZ or on my way there.

Nomad, if you would stay here for just one or 2 of these Octobers and get after them, you'd be spoiled. A fellow has to watch closely though as deer bow season is in then and a fellow don't make friends shooting chucks whilst another is up in a tree near the field waiting on "that big buck". ;) WD
 
I've had some of my best hunts in freshly cut fields, even while the hay is laying raked before baling.

I've found that temperature and extensive lack of rain more than anything else affects their presences in the field, the hotter and drier it is the less I see. I've had my best success 3 hours before sun set until sunset.
 
Re: Alfalfa & Woodchucks ?

I, like many, have hunted them all day, and to me it seems to vary. Time of year, and heat seem to play a role. As far as the alfalfa, the only difference I can see is.... can I see? From the hour they cut it until it is too tall, I'll see em out. Animals around farms become accustomed to routine noises from people and equipment, and are disturbed little as long as it is routine. Your presence will be noticed. If your not seeing chucks out of particular holes, could be cause there ain't no one home. A little trick is to take some loose hay, grass, or what ever and stuff it in the hole. Just enough that hey have to push it out when they come out. When you come back, at least a day later, a still stuffed hole is a pretty good sign it's occupant has recently met his end or moved. For now it is a "dead" hole. Not unusual for a new tenant to soon move in though. Keep an eye on weather it stays stuffed or gets "freshened" up. Once your sure it's an "active" hole, you just have to be patient. Try different times of the day, and different approaches to your predator perch. Happy shooting!
 

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