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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Whitetail Addict on March 02, 2015, 03:06:00 PM

Title: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 02, 2015, 03:06:00 PM
I was talking to a friend a little while ago and he told me he saw a woodchuck the other day, climbing up a snowbank next to a main road. Now we've got a lot of snow here, and It's been really cold lately. If anybody else had told me the story, I would have been skeptical, but I know this guy wouldn't have said it if he hadn't actually seen it. I've never seen one myself under these conditions. Anyway, It got me thinking about how much fun woodchuck hunting with a bow is, and looking forward to getting out there. It's going to be a while before I can hunt them here, so I thought maybe you folks would help me pass the time with a hunting story, and a picture if you have them. Thanks.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Jerry Russell on March 02, 2015, 03:40:00 PM
I just moved to Northern Georgia and those things are everywhere. They feed on the side of the roads and don't have any fear of humans.  I don't think I have ever seen folks hunt them down here. Not sure why but I guess it never caught on?
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 02, 2015, 04:06:00 PM
I always thought they were a lot of fun to hunt, and they're good practice during the off season. They're wary little critters around here. I would be too with the coyote population we have here these days.   :D  Thanks for your reply Jerry.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Jerry Russell on March 02, 2015, 04:20:00 PM
Maybe that is why they hang out on the roads and with people down here, to stay away from coyotes, lol.

They are neat creatures to watch. In the nearby resort town they just walk down the sidewalks with people.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Stone Knife on March 02, 2015, 04:28:00 PM
I am in my dreams, too much snow here and too cold yet.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tony Sanders on March 02, 2015, 04:50:00 PM
Whitetail Addict. I can concur with your friend. I have been hunting groundhogs for many years, and have certainly taken my share of them. But until January of 2014 I have never seen a Groundhog in the dead of winter, especially with snow on the ground. But I was in my treestand deer hunting the late season in January of 2014, and I saw this animal come from down below me and head across the woods in front of me about 80 yards out. At first I did not know what it was, but once I put my binos on it, I could not believe that I was looking at a groundhog. I actually took a video of it, because I did not think anybody would believe me. The video is not that great, because I was using a pocket camera, but you can see good enough to see that it is a groundhog. Click on the pic to see video.

  Tony

    (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/th_MVI_0036_zpsrudcarfz.mp4) (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/MVI_0036_zpsrudcarfz.mp4)
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: stiknstringer on March 02, 2015, 05:50:00 PM
I was leaving work one night 3 to 11 shift and saw a groundhog eating grass under a street light,honest!    :readit:
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: ChuckC on March 02, 2015, 06:32:00 PM
I went out today, but I didn't see any.  Course I couldn't see the ground either.  Actually, we can't hunt them here in WI.  Wish we could.
CHuckC
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Izzy on March 02, 2015, 07:52:00 PM
Saw one run down a snow hole last year about this time.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: straight_arrow on March 02, 2015, 08:07:00 PM
Tony, great video, thanks for sharing,  You just never know what you will see!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: highlow on March 02, 2015, 08:22:00 PM
I can't believe you can't hunt them in WI. They're a great quarry during the slowest time of the year. Except for the skeeters, lots of fun and terrific practice for the upcoming deer season. I always consider the sighting of the first "whistle pig" a sure sign of spring.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Stickbow on March 02, 2015, 08:43:00 PM
I grew up chasing them with my bow. Sharp buggers.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: 2nocks on March 02, 2015, 09:05:00 PM
I'm thinking at least a month away here. Fun to chase with a bow for sure.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: bgram on March 02, 2015, 09:31:00 PM
I say shoot everyone of them you can, after the winter snow we've had, I don't even want to see one poke his head out and run back into his hole anywhere near Feb 2   :knothead:
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: dhermon85 on March 02, 2015, 09:34:00 PM
How do you go about hunting them? I'm sure there's one out where I hunt, lots of 'trails'. Never seen it though.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: reddogge on March 02, 2015, 10:27:00 PM
You can try to stalk them but they are very wary and spooky. If they see you and run into their holes sneak up and take a position on the back side of the hole so when they come up for a curious look they will be looking away from you and you can get a shot. You need lots of patience to hunt them like this.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Red Beastmaster on March 02, 2015, 10:43:00 PM
I think the earliest I ever killed one was March 8th on patchy snow.

Usually during late Feb I'll see open holes and trails in the snow from den to den. They're wookin' pa nub. I swear I even heard a little Barry White coming from one of the holes one time.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Homebru on March 02, 2015, 10:54:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by ChuckC:
I went out today, but I didn't see any.  Course I couldn't see the ground either.  Actually, we can't hunt them here in WI.  Wish we could.
CHuckC
That surprised me.  Listed under "protected".  I always assumed they were rodents that had no open or closed season.  Learned something new, today!
homebru
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: frank bullitt on March 02, 2015, 11:19:00 PM
Shot my first one last year,  with my little streem bow and a Centaur bigame broadhead.

They are making a comeback after a change in habitat, farming changes and coyotes!

Looking foward to spring! Saw one climbing in a tree last year, also!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tony Sanders on March 02, 2015, 11:21:00 PM
As reddogge have said, you can certainly take them by spot and stalking,but it is not easy, because they can see and hear very well, and as already have been, they said are quite wary. And stalking them will certainly sharpen your stalking skills. I have also taken them from a treestand from time to time while out bowhunting for deer. They are fun to hunt, and it is my all time summer fun thing to do with my bow. Not to mention they are quite good table fare. Here are just a few of the ones I have taken over the years.

  Tony

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/00small499926651_zps7ogtl7on.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/00small499926651_zps7ogtl7on.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/00small610853371_zpscjjh5xjk.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/00small610853371_zpscjjh5xjk.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/00small534204861_zpsd6agnirk.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/00small534204861_zpsd6agnirk.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0186_zps7dsq1rm7.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0186_zps7dsq1rm7.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0097_zpsmrpeqjzx.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0097_zpsmrpeqjzx.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0175_zpsyw7jhhvd.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0175_zpsyw7jhhvd.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: ChuckC on March 02, 2015, 11:22:00 PM
Homebru, I guess there aren't so many here as in some other states.  I see them regularly, but I look for critters too.

ChuckC
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: creekwood on March 02, 2015, 11:36:00 PM
 (http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j456/jalariso/whistle%20pig.jpg) (http://s1086.photobucket.com/user/jalariso/media/whistle%20pig.jpg.html)

Continuous open season here in Iowa. If I didn't keep their numbers thinned down, they would turn my barn upside down.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: highlow on March 03, 2015, 08:20:00 AM
What reddogge said about sneaking up on the backside of their hole after they have scooted underground. In my younger days, I would actually dig them out of their hole if they happened to take my arrow with them. Now they can have it. There is no better prep for deer season than shooting at live animals and this rodent fills the bill perfectly. Our season in NJ is open now but don't think I'll be seeing any anytime soon as we still have about two feet of snow cover with more coming tonight.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tajue17 on March 03, 2015, 08:30:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by reddogge:
You can try to stalk them but they are very wary and spooky. If they see you and run into their holes sneak up and take a position on the back side of the hole so when they come up for a curious look they will be looking away from you and you can get a shot. You need lots of patience to hunt them like this.
this is exactly how I did it when I was younger!!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 03, 2015, 08:35:00 AM
Thanks for the video and pictures, awesome!

dhermon85, you could always set up a little natural blind to. either on a trail, or within range of a hole. Spot and stalk is a lot of fun, but like the others have said, It's challenging.

Tony, you're a woodchuck killing machine, thanks.

I guess seeing one in the middle of winter isn't as unusual as I thought, after hearing some of the other stories. I've always said, if you spend enough time in the woods, you'll see it all eventually. Thanks again.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Longbow58 on March 03, 2015, 08:36:00 AM
Have a farmer that wants them gone...but they are snowchucks now!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 03, 2015, 08:40:00 AM
I should have added use a sharp broadhead to my last post too. woodchucks are tough. I haven't tried them, but Redfeathers Talon looks like it would be a good woodchuck head if sharpened. I just use my old Woodsmans on chucks and small game.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 03, 2015, 08:50:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Longbow58:
Have a farmer that wants them gone...but they are snowchucks now!
I've gotten permission to hunt deer and turkeys more than once, from helping thin out a farmers woodchuck population.

Tony's right about them being tasty too. all except the big ones, in IMO. I make a woodchuck chili that a lot of folks swear is the best they've ever eaten. Until they find out what the main ingredient is lol. Thanks.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: reddogge on March 03, 2015, 09:48:00 AM
Tony, you are a chuck killing machine and some monster chucks at that. They give me fits. A couple of years ago I bounced a broadhead off of one's head as he was sitting up and looking away from me at about 25 yards. Last year I did a perfect stalk and had a 7 yards shot at the groundhog facing to my left and made a perfect shot on a cinder block that was in front of his body. I thought the old dirty block was his body.

They are a real challenge and one of the hardest things to hunt for me.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: fmscan on March 03, 2015, 10:17:00 AM
Tony, I think you killed a cross between a woodchuck and a bear! I got one once in a wide open field, grass was quite short and no cover for a hundred yards. I only moved when they were down on all fours. He would stand on hind legs a look for a minute or two and I froze, they went back to feeding. Took me almost half hour to get from 120 yds to 20, but quite satisfying went I got him. One thing I noticed was he would stand at different angle every time, by the end of my 30 min stalk he had gone 360 degrees around. So he was covering the field. They must not have great eye site cuz I was totally exposed during stalk but as long as I didn't move he did not seem to notice me.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Charlie Lamb on March 03, 2015, 10:25:00 AM
They are pretty scarce in my area. There are scattered populations around the state, just not where I live.
I see one now and then.

   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/SilexGroundhog.jpg)
   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/GroundhogMagnusblunt.jpg)
   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/groundhog69.jpg)
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Longbow58 on March 03, 2015, 10:59:00 AM
Guess I should've drove to Punxsutawney,Pa. February 2, only about 2 hours away and shot that one...we would have spring temps now!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Red Beastmaster on March 03, 2015, 12:31:00 PM
I created paths 10yd inside the woodlot edges on my neighbors farm. I did this about 20 years ago and keep the narrow paths free from leaves, sticks, and other noise makers. I slowly still hunt the paths always looking ahead at the next den. I try to catch one out and get off a shot before I am seen. 90% of the hogs I kill are along my trails.

Killing one out in an open field is almost impossible around here. They run when you are within 150 yards.

I typically shoot 9 or 10 a year with my best year at 36. Last year was tough, I had foxes, coyotes, and who knows what come in and all but wipe them out. Only got 6.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tony Sanders on March 03, 2015, 12:58:00 PM
reddogge, I am no expert at hunting these groundhogs, but I do pay my dues by putting in the time to go after them. Like the old cliche, a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then(LOL). Like whitetail addict said, you do want to use a good solid broadhead on them. I am sure some have taken them with some type of blunt through the head. I have had them bite a carbon arrow in half before they succumb to the affects of the narrow. As far as cooking them, I use a slow cooker, and those tough ones that you use to have to parboil, are a thing of the past with the slow cooker.

  Tony

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/00small517750451_zpsbfmjm7qm.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/00small517750451_zpsbfmjm7qm.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/014_11AJPGTuesdayeveningHog.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/014_11AJPGTuesdayeveningHog.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/00small18042638FoxbreedHog.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/00small18042638FoxbreedHog.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 03, 2015, 01:07:00 PM
I don't shoot a lot of them, and of what I shoot each year, there are always a couple taken in and around my garden. My Grandfather always said, "one of the added benefits of a garden is that they attract occasional meat".   ;)  

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 03, 2015, 01:18:00 PM
You slipped those last pictures in while I was typing Tony, thanks. Thanks to everybody else that responded too, I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more of your woodchuck hunting. Thanks.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 03, 2015, 06:53:00 PM
I was determined to kill one last year.

after 4 blown stalks due to skeeters, I finally worked my way into a pair of young ones. I became soft and passed on the shot at 10 yards.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: pete p on March 03, 2015, 07:31:00 PM
Tony killed a wolverine!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Red Beastmaster on March 03, 2015, 08:02:00 PM
I use whatever broadhead and arrow I can get cheap. Quite often the whole thing goes down the hole with the pig. Blunts just tick them off and educate them.

I got 4 dozen Bodkin broadheads for $5 at the BBTC swap meet several years ago. I still have a few of them left. Easton Blues have been a good hog arrow for me.

Chasing sod poodles with a stickbow is about the most fun thing you can do.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Wudstix on March 03, 2015, 08:41:00 PM
I miss that.  Good stew meat.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 03, 2015, 10:19:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:
I was determined to kill one last year.

after 4 blown stalks due to skeeters, I finally worked my way into a pair of young ones. I became soft and passed on the shot at 10 yards.
I give you credit for passing on the young ones. I'm the same way. When I was younger nothing was safe. You can always carry a few arrows tipped with magnus bullheads and flu flu's in your quiver for the skeeters.   :D

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Hummer3T on March 04, 2015, 10:52:00 AM
No wonder spring is not coming, he keeps dyeing on his shadow. Our's are a good two months away from even coming out.

Very nice chucks!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: kbetts on March 04, 2015, 02:20:00 PM
They have good eyes and ears but I've killed a good number while sneaking up on them from behind.  I swear they have a good nose but if the wind is just enough in your face to keep the noise down and you totally freeze if they turn to look towards you....it can be done.  They put a lot of confidence in themselves in picking up movement.  Stay still and you got'em.  Hitting them, well that's a different story.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: on March 04, 2015, 02:33:00 PM
We have them south of here a few miles. They should be getting active next week with the warm weather coming in.  With the long winter in the mid south maybe longer, climate change is a terrible thing, when it changes to bad conditions. Just for the record, it is the sun that causes it, not co2,and there is no tax that will over power the sun. However, last spring they burnt a hill east of me for weed control and planting native grasses. The hill was perforated. It had large grey ground squirrels and woodchucks all over checking out the blackened neighborhood. We never knew they were there before.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Wudstix on March 04, 2015, 07:57:00 PM
Would be great to have a few in Texas.  Just have to settle for hogs.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 05, 2015, 03:22:00 PM
I was just re reading this thread, and I noticed Tony has a pair binoculars around his neck in some of his pictures. They're a huge help IMO.

Man, I'd like to do a little hunting. I wonder if I could entice one to come out if I shoveled the snow away from a hole and set the kerosene heater next to it?    :D  

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: hawkeye n pa on March 05, 2015, 05:51:00 PM
The only holes I'm seeing so far are pot holes!  But I'm patiently waiting.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Wudstix on March 07, 2015, 02:37:00 PM
I use binos to detect whistle pigs and play a stalk.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Wiley Coyote on March 08, 2015, 10:12:00 AM
They are still sleeping in Ontario!!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Etter on March 08, 2015, 10:54:00 AM
They are still sleeping here in GA.  I imagine the rest of you have some time left
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: T Sunstone on March 08, 2015, 12:35:00 PM
Males come out first to check for females usually first of February.  The length of day gets them up not so much the temp.  
This one made the mistake of taking another look out his hole, head shot with a hammer head.

  (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee178/sunstone/P1060097_zps144a2be0.jpg) (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/sunstone/media/P1060097_zps144a2be0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 08, 2015, 12:53:00 PM
Nice shot, thanks for posting.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: on March 08, 2015, 02:34:00 PM
What do you do with a wood chuck after you shoot it?  I have never heard of anyone eating them, but I am assuming they may taste like a squirrel.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 08, 2015, 05:09:00 PM
I like to eat one every now and then. My favorite way to use them is in chili.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: frank bullitt on March 10, 2015, 12:38:00 PM
Well, their moving here! Just left for lunch, and found one hit not far from the entrance here at work. Will be sharpening up some Big Game heads and carrying bow and arrows in the truck to work!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 10, 2015, 12:49:00 PM
Please post pics Frank, It's the only thing keeping me going right now lol. Thanks.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tony Sanders on March 10, 2015, 04:17:00 PM
This one actually bit carbon arrow in half before he succumbed to the effects of the broadhead. I shot him from the treestand and the arrow pinned him to the ground.

  Tony

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/020_2ASodFarmHog.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/020_2ASodFarmHog.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 11, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
They have some sharp teeth for sure. Another nice picture Tony, thank you. I hope to add a picture or two myself when this snow melts. I'm starting to see a bare spot here and there in the fields around the house. Spots where the wind moved it from one place, and dumped it in another this winter. Thanks again.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Krex1010 on March 11, 2015, 10:33:00 AM
I saw one yesterday feed in a spot where the snow melted.  The one thing about woodchucks is they are tough critters and they make it back to their dens pretty fast, a pass through shot will likely result in a dead groundhog buried in his den, so anchor them or don't shoot if he's right next to his den.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Krex1010 on March 11, 2015, 10:40:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by pavan:
What do you do with a wood chuck after you shoot it?  I have never heard of anyone eating them, but I am assuming they may taste like a squirrel.
My father in law hunted them for years when he could still get around well. He said they are good in stews, chilis and pot pies.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Roadkill on March 11, 2015, 01:01:00 PM
On the farm we shot them as we could.  As I get older and see fewer of them back home in KY and fewer marmots here, I would wait until they breed.  the younger ones are better eating, and there will be more hunting opportunities

Conservation or table fare argument be darned
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: GreyGoose on March 11, 2015, 01:03:00 PM
With the warming trend we've had, I hope to get out some on Saturday.  Mostly to look for shed antlers, but I'll carry a bow for groundhogs of opportunity.....
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 11, 2015, 01:20:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Roadkill:
On the farm we shot them as we could.  As I get older and see fewer of them back home in KY and fewer marmots here, I would wait until they breed.  the younger ones are better eating, and there will be more hunting opportunities

Conservation or table fare argument be darned
Over the last ten years or so I've come to look at it the same way, and don't usually shoot them til a little later. I do have a couple farms close by, one of them borders my property, that let me hunt with the condition that I kill every woodchuck I can, whenever I can. So, I do what I can for them.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: hawkeye n pa on March 11, 2015, 01:32:00 PM
My Dad and I have bow hunted them for years.  We use to average in the low 20's apiece each year.  It became a contest.  He's retired so if I got ahead he would just spend more time at it.  One of the farms we hunted had racing horses and they wanted them shot off.  And yes, we did eat some, even barbequed them and took them to a big bow shoot once.  Come taste some "alfalfa chicken", that was a great day!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 11, 2015, 03:26:00 PM
That's great that you're able to share it with your Dad, enjoy every minute of it. I wish mine was still here, we had some great times hunting together.

Your alfalfa chicken reminds me of a friend that once told me I was disgusting because I ate the beaver I trapped. One day Dean came in just as I was finishing slicing some up fresh out of the pan. He wasn't shy, so he reached over, grabbed a piece and ate it. He said it was the best, and most tender beef he'd ever eaten. I gave him a plate and he dug in. When he was done, I told him what he'd just eaten. He wasn't too happy with me. Thanks Jeff.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: hawkeye n pa on March 11, 2015, 08:53:00 PM
Bob, we brought a couple of "new" kids with us and they didn't know anything about this free lunch.  Actually had quite a few people come into camp site to have some.  Even the women was liking it with everyone guessing what it was.  The one new kid was making a pig out of himself. After a hour or so someone finally asked if it was groundhog, Dad said yes.  That kid was heaving and sick for two days.  LOL


Jeff
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: kbetts on March 12, 2015, 07:03:00 AM
They are out.  Saw three yesterday.  Time to put the bow in the truck.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 12, 2015, 01:09:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by hawkeye n pa:
Bob, we brought a couple of "new" kids with us and they didn't know anything about this free lunch.  Actually had quite a few people come into camp site to have some.  Even the women was liking it with everyone guessing what it was.  The one new kid was making a pig out of himself. After a hour or so someone finally asked if it was groundhog, Dad said yes.  That kid was heaving and sick for two days.  LOL


Jeff
:D  Just goes to show how prejudice some folks can be when it comes to food. 'Ya gotta keep an open mind.   ;)  Thanks

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 12, 2015, 01:13:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by kbetts:
They are out.  Saw three yesterday.  Time to put the bow in the truck.
Don't forget the pictures. I'm headed out right now to get some arrows re fletched. Can't hunt, can't shoot, I gotta do something lol. thanks.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 12, 2015, 05:43:00 PM
With this recent warm up, I would be shocked not to see a few early birds around here.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Rudy Cariello on March 12, 2015, 08:10:00 PM
Dixie, our American Water Spaniel seems to have a handle on woodchuck hunting.

  (http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/IMG_20130717_115331_435_zpsm15fuemv.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/rudycu/media/IMG_20130717_115331_435_zpsm15fuemv.jpg.html)

  (http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/IMG_20130420_145536_839_zps18otb1rw.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/rudycu/media/IMG_20130420_145536_839_zps18otb1rw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Wudstix on March 12, 2015, 09:45:00 PM
We used them for stew.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tom on March 13, 2015, 06:11:00 AM
Starting to see some pushups with this warming trend, won't be long and the groundhogs will be playing in the green.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: frank bullitt on March 13, 2015, 06:32:00 AM
Saw another hit on the road, edge of town, last evening.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tony Sanders on March 13, 2015, 04:47:00 PM
I went to one of my spots this afternoon to check on some groundhog den holes. There are six holes on top of this hill.   (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0427_zpswycasaal.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0427_zpswycasaal.jpg.html)


 Some of the holes I saw on the hill today have not been used yet, but a couple have already been cleaned out. I have taken some hogs out of these holes over the years.

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0421_zpsma89ygtx.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0421_zpsma89ygtx.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0425_zpszckfnxz9.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0425_zpszckfnxz9.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0422_zps1vcwv0kx.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0422_zps1vcwv0kx.jpg.html)


  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0420_zpsjh5lbvda.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0420_zpsjh5lbvda.jpg.html)


  Tony
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 13, 2015, 06:10:00 PM
If I didn't already have the itch, looking at those fresh holes would have done it lol. We have a few patches of bare ground here and there, but we still have a lot of snow. I see dead woodchucks in your near future Tony.   ;)   Thanks.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: JDunlap on March 13, 2015, 06:43:00 PM
Forget Montana and Wyoming, I'm moving to Maryland!
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Producer on March 13, 2015, 06:48:00 PM
When I lived back in New England we hunted Groundhogs but we waited till after July 4th so that the spring babies were old enough to fend for themselves. There will be a lot more targets also if you hold off. It is a conservation issue we all should care about.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Charlie Lamb on March 13, 2015, 09:59:00 PM
Nice looking bow Tony. What is it?
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tony Sanders on March 13, 2015, 11:00:00 PM
Thanks Charlie. The bow is a 64" Fox Royalcrown Longbow, 58Lbs @ my 31 1/2" draw. I ordered it from Ron King at the 2008 PBS Banquet in Pittsburg,PA. It is a smooth sweet shooting bow. I have my Groundhog broadheads in the quiver, so The Groundhogs had better watch out(LOL).

 Tony

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0419_zpsgyxtcibn.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0419_zpsgyxtcibn.jpg.html)

  (http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0418_zpsvdggaqvk.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/SNUFFER8/media/IMG_0418_zpsvdggaqvk.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: frank bullitt on March 15, 2015, 09:24:00 AM
Those arras caught my eye! My favorite colors, black $ yellow on white!

Now, brown &  red, on white, would look real cool too!   :D  

Good shootin to ya"
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: hawkeye n pa on March 15, 2015, 04:00:00 PM
I can watch two out the window as I type.  Pennsylvania hunting regulations will keep them safe today.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 15, 2015, 05:09:00 PM
Between the pics and a little bare ground here and there in the fields, I've been getting fired up. No bare ground this morning, It's all white again.        
I should know better, It's only the middle of March.   :rolleyes:

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Wudstix on March 15, 2015, 10:50:00 PM
You guys are making my misty almost want to move back East.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: highlow on March 16, 2015, 05:52:00 PM
Was thinking about what Producer said about letting them breed and raise the littluns' before going after them. However, I don't think we have any reason not to shoot "chucks" whenever we get the chance. They're like cockroaches. We aint ever gunna run out of them. They'll be here long after we're gone.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: reddogge on March 17, 2015, 04:08:00 PM
Saw my first groundhog yesterday and shot my first one today. I don't believe in raising little ones since I've been trying to eradicate them for 25 years. The only good groundhog is a dead groundhog.

Saw him after I came home from work and he was in good spot for a stalk. Grabbed the Arrowmaster and the Morrison riser with BF Extreme limbs and slipped out the side door. Luckily the wood pile allowed me to get within 20 yards without detection. He went behind a fencepost with vines on it so I could get 5 more yards. Kneeling 15 yard shot with heavy right to left crosswind. Shot left due to wind and stiff 2016 shafts. Bow is so silent I had another 15 yard shot. Shot left again.

He sort of waddled down into the field and stopped at his hole and as I was retrieving my only two broadheads I took another shot of 30 yards right over his back. Down in the hole again.

Lost the last arrow in the grass field so I put a marker arrow where he sat and lay the bow on the ground by the hole and was searching for my arrow and he pops his head out looks at me and then back in. I went about 50 yards away and he came out of the hole fully almost sitting on my bow. I scared him back in and retrieved the bow and my only arrow and took a position on the backside of the hole.

He came out shortly and I made the 5 yard shot through the back but it didn't pin him to the ground. He lay there for a bit and slowly backed into the hole with my arrow in him leaving a copious blood trail. I wasn't too anxious to grab the business end of an arrow though so I let it go.

Got a shovel and started to dig. Hole was much too deep so chalked it up to lost 2016 arrow, Bear Razorhead and a picture of the sure to die groundhog. Good riddance to those two arrows anyway.

That should get your groundhog hunting juices flowing.
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Tony Sanders on March 18, 2015, 05:12:00 AM
Hey Richard, glad you got a chance to shoot one already. Sorry to see him get away from you. But I have had that happen to me twice, where a Groundhog took the whole arrow down into the den with it. Probably not smart on my part, but I have on three occasions reached down into a den to pull out a groundhog, that expired before he got below the curvature of the den hole, after the arrow had blown through him.

  Tony
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: reddogge on March 18, 2015, 08:58:00 AM
Tony,
Yesterday I made up three more groundhog arrows out of old woodies so I'm ready for more action. I'm not risking good carbons on them.

Rich
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Whitetail Addict on March 18, 2015, 09:56:00 AM
Sorry to hear he got away from you reddogge, but glad you had some action. We had some decent weather here last week, but It's back to winter now. It's 17* here now, with a nice 25-30 MPH breeze and 4' of snow in places. Not the best chuck hunting weather. Looks like I'll have to live vicariously through you guys for a while yet. Thanks for sharing.

Bob
Title: Re: Anybody Hunting Woodchucks Yet?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 24, 2015, 08:44:00 PM
Saw my first one today on the NYS thruway poking his head out.