Things You'll Need:
- Large branches
- Grass
- Stones
- Comfortable chair
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Tripod
- Snacks
- Water
- Journal
- Pencil
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Step 1
Locate an occupied woodchuck burrow. If the outside of the burrow is clean and has fresh tracks or trampled-down paths to the entrance, then there is a good chance a woodchuck lives there.
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Step 2
Plan your observation during an active time for woodchucks. Early morning and late afternoon are the woodchuck's favorite time of day to eat. Like most hibernating mammals, it is most active during the warmer months.
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Step 3
Choose a spot that is a comfortable distance from the woodchuck's burrow to use as your shelter. Woodchucks never wander far from their burrows, but you'll want to make sure that your blind is not in the way of the woodchuck's usual passageways.
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Step 4
Build your blind out of large branches, tufts of grass and stones that are readily available in the area. You can make a short-term shelter out of just these elements, or you can set up a neutral-colored tent and use these items to camouflage it. If you would like something more permanent, an aluminum hunting shelter can be found at any large sporting goods store.
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Step 5
Observe the woodchuck from behind the screen. Sit quietly without making sudden movements so you can blend into the scenery, without alerting any animals to your presence.
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Step 6
Lure the woodchuck closer to your blind by tossing out small pieces of food. Only provide food that the woodchuck would normally eat.
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Step 7
Attach your camera to the tripod and position it where it has a clear shot of the burrow, but it is not sticking out in a way that may alarm the animal.
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Step 8
Record the activities of the woodchuck. Documenting the woodchuck's behavior could prove useful for local wildlife authorities who may be researching the animal or its surroundings.
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Step 9
Leave your observation area in its original condition. Pick up all of your belongings and remove every scrap of trash.
