Trapping Groundhog

[markT]

Cousin mom got groundhog under deck. Read where they like cantaloupe and can set a trap. Anyone trap them using cantaloupe as bait. Suggestions?

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have used broccoli(and caught them in livetraps) there is groundhog trapping lure. Haven't tried the lure. They are curious, maybe a mirror in the far end of livetrap?

 

[WyleWD]

Broccoli, red apples, fresh alfalfa or clover have worked for me in live traps. JME WD

 

[TrapperBR549]

You would have to evaluate the legality and safety but I know a conibear will make short work of them, no bait needed.

 

[GT Accuracy]

I’ve always found that trapping and removing woodchucks is a rough affair.

You can absolutely trap them, but they don’t relocate well. Most of the ones I moved to my farm were quickly killed off by predators and or cars trying to get home.

To me, it’s better to trap them and eliminate them with a 22 pistol. Pretty much the most humane way.

 

[pintopete]

Conibear 220 chained well. Cantaloupe may work because it’s odor travels. Otherwise set it directly in their path. Relocate…? Not usually…

 

[markT]

I set the trap with cantaloupe but I’m thinking it’s a coon rather than GH. We saw mud foot tracks on her deck. 86 years old and little worry some.
I’ll check it tomorrow. Soy bean field is 40 yards from trap. I think I know where I’d be.

 

[dgeesaman]

Cousin mom got groundhog under deck. Read where they like cantaloupe and can set a trap. Anyone trap them using cantaloupe as bait. Suggestions?

I tried cantaloupe several times and didn't get any. Might have caught a skunk on that though.

I switched to fresh carrot peelings and got em in a couple of hours. Carrots are available year-round and often already in the fridge.

Use a havahart trap with single snap-down door. If you do catch a skunk, it's easy enough to approach slowly behind a tarp or blanket, cover the trap, and operate the door through the tarp. No need to put the skunk through hell.

David

 

[K22]

A spring trap placed over the hole will work, no need for bait. A farmer I know does this all the time for hogs that cannot be hunted safely, i.e., near house, sheds, etc. and does not want to risk harming his dogs or cats with poisonous baits

It's similar to a beaver trap and its deadly for ground hogs.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I use a pole syringe and pig needle,10-15cc of acetone, broadside chest poke, skunk is done in a very short time.

 

[1911mag]

Wife caught one on Lilly’s and never went for cantelope so she put the ones he knock down and was trapped in under an hour

 

[357Mag]

Cousin mom got groundhog under deck. Read where they like cantaloupe and can set a trap. Anyone trap them using cantaloupe as bait. Suggestions?

Mark -

Boy..... Idunno.....

My Mom said she had caught a coon in one of them 2 trap-door type of live traps.

I lived next door, and was non-plused when I found she had caught a " Soybeanus Digestus ".
I DK what brand of trap it was.

The fully-adult varmint was snarling & snapping, showing his large front teeth to good effect.
This was the noisiest one I had encountered up close, and did seem convincingly - -ssed.

When I took 2 steps closer, thinking I was going to carry the critter elsewhere..... he took exception to it.
Can't quite exactly tell you how, but.... with one fell move, he was out of the trap; and turned towards me.

It was one of the life-defining moments. Instead of my life flashing before me, I had the distinct feeling
I had been projected into a Warner Brothers cartoon.... where the groundhog assumed the role' of
" Tasmanian Devil "..... and I was to be the " Wild Turkey Surprise ".

Like is said about being in combat, time slowed down for me... as I watched the marmot closing, with intent to acquaint me with the meaning of the word " Incisors ".

Don't remember the draw, as I very quickly went right to " front sight, squeeze ".
Well, really..... right to squeeze.....a bunch. Reminds me of the MIL term " sense of urgency ".

5 rounds of .357Mag 125JHP A-WAYY...... all behind him.....as he ( fortunately ) went right past my leg, and into a hole he had dug under the barn foundation. My tinitus now, much worse.
Better THAT, than... up-my-leg; to nibble on my yarbs. ".... Last thing I remember Doc ....."

No time for that 6th round. " C'est la Vie " .

The trap would never be the same. But as some consolation, I did manage to co-erce Mother Bear into retiring from trapping.


YOU wanna trap 'em..... go ahead on !


With regards,
357Mag ( and I mean it )