A groundhog may be released alive in Ohio provided it is 1) Not injured 2)released outside the limits of any incorporated city or village and 3) you have the permission of the landowner. Groundhogs may be euthanized. (If you choose this option, please do so humanely and know your local firearm laws)
Are there groundhogs in Ohio?
When Ohio was first settled, groundhogs, also known as woodchucks ( Marmota monax ), were a rare sight. However, as Ohio’s forested land was cleared for agricultural production, the number of groundhogs increased. Today, groundhogs can be found in all of Ohio’s 88 counties as well as throughout most of North America.
How do you kill groundhogs?
The Giant Destroyer by Atlas – are effective smoke bombs that produce a special gas when dropped into burrows. These fumigants will effectively kill groundhogs. The product consists of 4 tubes per card.
Is it legal to shoot groundhogs?
Check with your law enforcement center to find out if you aren’t breaking any laws by shooting the pest rodents. Although landowners can use the shooting to reduce the groundhog population or to maintain a low population of groundhogs where necessary, shooting is not the best way to eradicate groundhogs.
What kind of damage can groundhogs cause?
Farmers have been known to sink tractor tires in the ground because of the big hole that lies below the surface of the field. Most homeowners deal with groundhogs denning under their porch or shed and damaging their gardens. A den that is built next to a building or house can cause structural damage as their burrows can weaken foundation.
Can I kill a groundhog on my property in Ohio?
Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. If you choose not to relocate the groundhog, they can either be released on-site where the animal was originally trapped or you may humanely kill it.
Should I kill groundhogs?
The short answer is YES, you should. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage.
Can you shoot woodchucks in Ohio?
(a) Outside the limits of any incorporated city or village, (b) On public or private property without the permission of the landowner, (c) Squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, mice, shrews, voles, rats, rabbits, mink, muskrats or moles may be released or may be euthanized.
Who gets rid of groundhogs in Ohio?
Groundhog Trapping, Control, Removal And Exclusion Services In Ohio – Call CWR 24/7 To Get Rid Of GroundhogsCleveland And Northern Ohio Groundhog Trapping And Removal Office: 440-236-8114.Akron And Summit County, Ohio Groundhog Trapping And Removal: 440-236-8114.More items...
How do you kill a captured groundhog?
A shot to the head will kill a groundhog as quickly and easily as it will kill any other animal or person, but you will need to check to see if you can discharge a firearm in your area, as this is only usually permissible in rural areas. Although a humane option, be careful as this can sometimes damage the trap itself.
Can I kill a groundhog with a pellet gun?
Trust me I am not endorsing illegal activity, but most modern air rifles are not toys and are plenty powerful enough to kill a groundhog with proper shot placement.
When can you shoot groundhogs in Ohio?
Groundhogs can typically be hunted year-round, though spring and summer is most popular. In Ohio, groundhog hunting is closed during the seven-day deer gun season. Hunters also need the appropriate permission from landowners, and should be mindful of the full range of their weapon.
Can you eat groundhog?
"The simple fact is, groundhogs are eminently edible and delicious," writes Everett J. Castro in Mother Earth News. "Like rabbits and squirrels (both of which are valued food animals), whistle-pigs are vegetarians. Thus, their meat, when properly prepared, is quite tasty and tender."
Is it legal to trap animals on your property in Ohio?
In Ohio, it is lawful to trap or take live nuisance wildlife animals if you have a commercial nuisance wild animal control operator's license. However, it's unlawful to trap or take a nuisance animal if you are not licensed, and if you are licensed, certain conditions must be met.
Do groundhogs damage property?
If not properly controlled, groundhogs can cause serious structural damage when burrowing. Their tunnels break apart building foundations, and they will often chew through electrical wires and irrigation systems that may be in their way. For best results, use multiple groundhog control products at once.
Can I relocate a groundhog?
If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened.
Are groundhogs native to Ohio?
When Ohio was first settled, groundhogs, also known as woodchucks (Marmota monax), were a rare sight. However, as Ohio's forested land was cleared for agricultural production, the number of groundhogs increased. Today, groundhogs can be found in all of Ohio's 88 counties as well as throughout most of North America.
What animals can take over groundhog holes?
Other wildlife such as fox or skunks will take over groundhog holes when left vacant. If you are dealing with a nuisance groundhog on your property there are a few things you can try to prevent damage. Placing fencing around the garden or underneath your porch is a way to keep them out.
What do groundhogs do in front of a hole?
They usually will have a large mound of dirt in front of the hole called a porch. Groundhogs use this to stand high to get a good view of their surroundings before making their move to venture around. Farmers get crop damage to corn, soybeans and other crops planted in fields.
How big are groundhog holes?
The major problems that they cause are the large holes they dig and the damage that occurs from this animal. Their holes can be 8-12 inches in size.
How often do you have to check a groundhog trap?
Each trap must be labeled with your name and address, checked every 24 hours and animals removed within 24 hours of being trapped.
How tall should a fence be for a groundhog?
However, groundhogs are good climbers and diggers. Fences should be at least 3 feet tall and made of heavy, thick wire such as hardware cloth. Burying the lower portion of the fence into the ground at least a foot should help to prevent them from digging underground.
Can you remove a groundhog yourself?
If you do not want to remove the animal yourself, the Division of Wildlife licenses nuisance trappers that can be contracted with to remove the problem groundhog for a fee. There is an open hunting season on groundhogs, meaning they may be hunted any time of the year.
Can you live trap a Nuisance groundhog?
Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. If you choose not to relocate the groundhog, they can either be released on-site where the animal was originally trapped or you may humanely kill it. Refer to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidelines on euthanasia.
Where do groundhogs live?
Groundhogs live in open grasslands, pastures, and woodlands where it is easy to see predators such as man, hawks, or coyotes coming. Groundhogs prefer sandy, gravely soil perhaps because it is easier to dig in. Burrows can be located in forested areas, along heavy fencerow brush, or along undisturbed stream banks. The entrance to the burrow usually has a large mound of dirt around it. It is usually forked with more than one entrance and several passages or rooms. Some burrows have had over 45 feet on tunnels going five feet beneath the surface. The rooms or chambers of a burrow are used for different purposes. There are usually sleeping, nesting, and excrement chambers.
When do groundhogs hibernate?
In the early fall, groundhogs begin to ready themselves for hibernation by spending most of their time eating. Hibernation comes to an end as the first warm days of spring arrive. This is when the groundhog will see, or not see, its shadow (according to legend)! Download Ohio Wildlife Field Guides.
What color are groundhogs?
The head of a groundhog is broad and flat with small ears and eyes. The coarse fur is usually grizzled grayish brown with a reddish cast. The legs and feet are typically dark brown to black colored and are well suited for digging. Unlike the dark yellow colored incisors of other rodents, the groundhog's incisors are white to ivory white.
What are the problems groundhogs cause?
The burrows and feeding habits of groundhogs can cause significant damage to human-built structures, crops and gardens. The holes they create can be a hazard to farm animals and equipment. Since they hibernate, they may gorge on human-grown food and vegetation. They also gnaw on wood to sharpen their teeth.
What do groundhogs look for?
Groundhogs look for soft ground where they can build their dens, which can become quite large and elaborate. They may have five or more entrances. They usually pick open areas with a lot of vegetation nearby.
How to put a gas cartridge in a groundhog burrow?
Prepare the gas cartridge for placement by following the instructions on the label. Light the fuse. Put the gas cartridge inside the hole. Cover the hole to prevent the gas from escaping. Remember, this method is only effective if the groundhog is actually in the burrow you fumigate.
Where to use woodchuck exterminator?
Where to use : on lawns, golf courses, parks, open fields, reforested areas, non-crop areas, meadows. If you can’t solve your woodchuck problem in a professional manner, hire professionals. Remember woodchuck extermination should be legal and safe. You can find further details of Groundhogs Control here.
What is the best steel trap to kill woodchucks?
Conibear traps are the most widely-used steel traps to kill burrowing rodents. They almost instantly kill a woodchuck that tries to move through it. But these traps should only be used in the places where you are certain the woodchuck is the only animal that will enter.
When to use woodchuck fumigation?
This is a method under which fumigants – gaseous pesticides – are used to poison the woodchucks within. The best time to use fumigants is in late April or early May. The most widely used fumigant for woodchucks’ eradication is Methyl Bromide.
Can you trap a woodchuck alive?
Groundhogs have been a big problem for farmers for years. They easily destroy plants. In fact, these rodents will feed on practically anything. If you are not interested in trapping a woodchuck alive, you can use kill traps – used by experts – that can be set right over woodchucks’ dens.
Can woodchucks eat your lawn?
Oh, woodchucks…. These pesky invaders can easily find their way into your gardening or lawn, eating your plants and vegetables and digging destructive burrows. There are many forms of groundhog damage control available to farmers and homeowners. Lethal methods are one of them.
Can you shoot woodchucks?
Shooting option to eliminate woodchucks. If best groundhog deterrent and repellent options don’t work, consider shooting. This method of lethal woodchuck control can be considered as a good option only if you live in a removed location. If you live in an urban area shooting might be illegal.
How to get rid of groundhogs in my garden?
Set the trap up near one of the groundhog’s burrow openings or an area they frequently search for food like the garden. Bait the trap with something groundhogs love. The best option is cantaloupe, flavorful treat groundhogs have trouble resisting with an odor they can pick up from quite a distance.
What to do if you have a groundhog?
Sometimes the best or only solution for a groundhog is trapping it. You may need to trap the groundhog if it’s burrowing close to your home or under your deck where it can cause serious damage or pose a risk to you and your family.
What do woodchucks use their claws for?
These rodents use their sharp claws to dig complicated and multi-chambered burrows that are used for nesting, building food reserves, and hibernating. Each den or chamber in a woodchuck burrow has its own purpose — including the bathroom. Don’t underestimate just how extensive a single groundhog can make its burrow.
What is the noise of a woodchuck?
In addition to the normal squeaking bark you may hear from a groundhog like this, the groundhog can also make a very high-pitched whistling no ise. This has earned them the nickname “whistle pig.”. You have worn or gnawed trees and siding.
How to protect your garden from woodchucks?
You’ll need to consider that woodchucks can enter your garden in three ways: they can burrow into the garden, walk right in, or climb over fencing . There are a couple of options for protecting your garden with a groundhog-proof fence.
What repels groundhogs?
Potential groundhog repellents include coyote or fox urine, red pepper flakes, Tabasco sauce, garlic, lavender, and even human hair. You can make your own groundhog deterrent spray by mixing water, a bit of dish soap, and Tabasco sauce plus crushed garlic cloves into a spray bottle.
When will woodchucks be in 2021?
April 22, 2021. March 22, 2021. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are unique animals known for burrowing. These large rodents can reach up to 12 pounds and they’re found across the eastern and central U.S. and into Canada. Unlike some rodents, you can have a groundhog problem without ever seeing the animals as woodchucks spend most ...
How often should you remove animals from a trap?
It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to monitor traps, snares or any other device used to take or capture nuisance wild animals, and remove all animals from their traps, snares or other devices once every calendar day, except:
Is it illegal to take wild animals?
(1) It shall be lawful for any person to trap or take live, nuisance wild animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to trap or take nuisance wild animals, except as provided in this rule.
What is Antifreeze?
Antifreeze is a liquid that helps in lowering the freezing point of water. In this manner, it protects a system from the negatives effects of ice formation. This is commonly known for automobile usage. Adding it to the water, it is used in the cooling systems of vehicles. It helps in preventing damage to radiators.
Poisoning Groundhogs: Legal vs. Illegal
So here, we are talking about killing an animal. Killing groundhogs with bubble gum is very common to the lawn owners that have seen groundhogs destroying their crops and plants. And antifreeze is a poison for any small animals like rodents.
The Idea of Antifreeze for Groundhogs
Antifreeze is known for helping the engine of your vehicle when there is extreme temperature. When the outside temperature will change from hot to cold, coolant is pumped throughout the engine block. In this manner, the operating temperature is kept uniform.
How to Kill Groundhog with Antifreeze
Here, we will tell you a short method of killing groundhogs with antifreeze that has ethylene glycol. Check out the method, it will surely work.
Wrap Up
Killing these cuties might hurt you a bit but you cannot let them ruin your property! And if you are tired of them hurting your property, safeguard them by killing groundhogs with the help of antifreeze. They will tell you that you can’t do it, but the right amount will eradicate them for sure!
Do you need a hunting license to kill a groundhog?
You do not need a hunting license to kill a problem groundhog. While wildlife is generally protected under the law, protection is removed if the animal is damaging or destroying personal property. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a home’s foundation. But depending on where the property is, ...
Can a groundhog be relocated?
Domestic animals such as cats, or captive-bred or captive-raised animals may not be relocated on game lands. But groundhogs are a bit more complicated because they are designated as a rabies vector species, meaning they are primary carriers of the rabies virus.
Can you shoot a groundhog in a safety zone?
But depending on where the property is, discharging a firearm could be unsafe or violate municipal ordinances. Although shooting a nuisance groundhog isn’ t considered hunting, if shots were fired within the safety zone established by another home (150 yards for firearms), it could result in a citation.
Can you live trap groundhogs?
There is always the option of hiring a certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, though homeowners might be reluctant to pay for services. Homeowners can also try to live-trap groundhogs themselves. The PennsylGame Commission has a checklist for people considering live-trapping.
