Die groundhog die!

[explodingvarmints]

Just bought a new place and have dicovered a groundhog infestation in the horse barn, and surrounding area. I can shoot if I have to, but that may require more time than i really have. This is a big SOB, guessing around 30 lbs. by the size of the holes. Any ideas on how to speed up the process?

[john warren]

get a live trap and trap them. use carrots or cut up apple for bait. and while your at it they are excelent eating. give one a try. roast slow or parboil and bar-b-que slowly. serve with corn on the cob, corn bread and new potatoes. give it a try if you don't like it you won't be out anything but a little cooking time.

[FixedBlade]

Buy a couple 160 connibear traps and stake them right in the den entrance. You will get whatever is useing that hole.

[explodingvarmints]

I have a niece that loves gorundhogs (2 years old) and two labs that are going to be a new home/property. I thought the traps would cause me to many worries.... Appreciate the tip though.

[jim84]

I also had ground pigs in a field and around the barn, wasn't easy getting them out of their. I used a combo on them trapping and lead still took a while. good luck.

[sullyxlh]

Go get the movie Caddyshack,I'm sure you could get some ideas from it,
Regardless they need to die,the dirt the displace is unbelievable,they'll sink a whole foundation over time,they remove all the dirt then when you drive on it,it'll cave in,
Find all the holes in their tunnel system,put some smoke bombs down em,plug em all up except one and shoot em when they come out that hole. Good luck

[ajmorell]

Pour some diesel fuel down their hole, light a match and observe. Sit there with your gun and if they come squirreling out the other end take care of the issue that way. Actually I don't know that that would work, but it would be awful entertaining:evil:. Short of trapping or shooting them, I'm not sure what the solution is.

[anonymous21]

Those Labs should help with your problem.

[Westlakedrive]

WE used a live trap and some rotting lettuce seemed about the best.
I am afraid the crack in my garage floor is a result of them.
Also used coniber traps etc. and archery.
They are hard to get rid of because their is always one or two that are a bit smarter than the rest and they make 4-5? per year.

[walleyechaser]

Pour some diesel fuel down their hole, light a match and observe. Sit there with your gun and if they come squirreling out the other end take care of the issue that way. Actually I don't know that that would work, but it would be awful entertaining:evil:. Short of trapping or shooting them, I'm not sure what the solution is.

I tried the gasoline route a number of years ago and needless to say I got a lot of "I Told You Sos" but no groundhogs. It seems that the GHs burrow themselves in at the smell of anything like gas and avoid any harm then reappear in a day or so.
I will say that the sight of flames belching out of the ground from their holes was pretty entertaining!
Live traps may get a few but they'll wise up pretty quick so you're probably gonna have to use some lead to finish the job.

[sigman]

If you dont have the time me and my little buddy here can help:D http://mywebpages.comcast.net/siggman/bushmaster

[explodingvarmints]

Sig,
I've got the 223 bull barrel and a ton of ballistic tipped ammo. Time is the issue. My labs kill birds, not 30 pound groundhogs..... they'd probably get pissed at it cause it wouldn't play with them:lol:! I think I'll try flooding the holes with a 3 inch pump from the pond, and have me and the boys stand guard with some 12 gauge turkey loads. Oh ya, I won't be eating the flea-bag either.

[sullyxlh]

I think I'll try flooding the holes with a 3 inch pump from the pond
Be prepared for a giant sink hole,you may be doing more damage than what already there.....and with horses expect some broken legs.

[sigman]

I do eat mine. No kidding. Not much different than rabbit or any other ground or tree dwelling animal taht just eats veggies. And I have the time;)

[john warren]

at all costs keep your dogs away from them. take a long hard look at their teeth and you understand this advice.

[explodingvarmints]

I think I may try to fog him outta there then. I don't have horses, but the new barn was a prof. horse barn. He is all over in the stalls, and I do expect sink holes..... grew up with horses, and these stupid ground hogs.

[anonymous21]

if you do not want to let the labs take care of them,try dumping some fertilizer or lye in the holes,wont kill them but will burn them when they walk thru it and they will move on.
still best to kill it off,before you know it you will have a dozen of them,probally already do.there is usally 4-5 for every one you see.

[doublell]

Had the same problem under our deck after the house sat unoccupied for over a year they took up residence. Got a couple of smaller ones with a live trap but the big boy was a different story. He would not go near it regardless of the bait. Noticed that he would come out on the lawn after a rain when the sun came out. Tried to get a shot at him from an upper level but he was very cautious. Finally got him with the 12 gauge, doubleO's, on one of those bright days after a rain storm. He did go all of 30 pounds.:evil: Put some heavy gauge wire around the base tacked to the wood and dug in a good 6=8 inches below grade. so far so good after 2 years no more groundhog problem

[Kelly Johnson]

I recall reading this somewhere but don't know of it's effectiveness but I aint heard it mentioned yet so...

Hose off the tailpipe of your truck shoved down the hole, or a couple if you can, and man the exits with the shotgun.

Or maybe Yote or Fox urine to spook em away?

[newbostonmike]

I shot six this year, three last year, and seven the year before that. All I ever used was my .22 LR. When they started to spook at the sign of a person outside last year, I planted some rye and clover mix, (Mostley for the deer.) but they used it just as much. Catalope is a very good bait as well, but carrots seem to be the best for me. Also, they can become very spooky if they see a person, all of mine where at around 70 yds. when shot. So good luck with your situation.

[zx10r2004]

Buy a couple 160 connibear traps and stake them right in the den entrance. You will get whatever is useing that hole.:yeahthat:

[swifty]

I live near you, and me and my 12 yo son would be glad to come and see if we can take care of your problem.