How to Trap Woodchucks
The woodchuck, also called a groundhog, is a member of the squirrel family. Although these animals are not generally dangerous, they can become a nuisance in the garden and are often trapped and removed. These ground dwelling rodents are voracious herbivores that target vegetation, such as beans, carrot tops, clovers, squash and peas. Their gnawing and clawing can also kill young fruit trees. Live trapping is an effective way to remove them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bait (fruits, vegetables, or leafy greens)
- LT111230 trap or similar
- Logs
- Canvas or covering vegetation
Instructions
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Setting the Trap
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1
Push up the lock mechanism on the top of the trap door.
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2
Push in the U-shaped bar against the trap door.
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3
Lift the door up and release the locking mechanism.
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4
Slide the J-hook forward so it catches the door. The trap is now set.
Placing the Trap
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5
Locate the animal's burrow or den. Knowing where this is increases the odds of catching the woodchuck.
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6
Place the trap 5 to 10 feet from the burrow during dusk when the animal is in its den.
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7
Place guide logs, a few feet apart, along the side of its burrow leading to the trap.
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8
Place the bait behind the trap's trip pan. The woodchuck must step on the trip pan to spring the trap.
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9
Place a piece of canvas or vegetation over the trap to hide it. The trap is now ready.
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Tips & Warnings
Begin placing bait near the den or burrow a few days before setting the trap so the animal becomes familiar with feeding in that area. Use bait that the woodchuck would normally eat. Line your garden or crops with wire fencing to prevent future intrusion. Consult with the police or a wildlife control agency on where to release the woodchuck.
Never try to handle a wild animal.
