The word ‘cute’ doesn’t suit the groundhog as it causes great harm to the yard and destroys the topsoil. Even if it’s about one, using a cost-efficient technique like a milk jug help capture the woodchuck.
So, how to catch a groundhog with a milk jug? If you can identify it, then follow the steps:
- Prepare the milk jug
- Locate the newly built burrow
- Apply scents that woodchucks dislike
- Flip jug inside the burrow
In this guide, I’ll give a proper explanation so that you can easily follow it. You’ll also find a few interesting topics that help to get easy information. Let’s Go!
Catch A Groundhog with A Milk Jug by Doing This.
It takes no more than 2 minutes to capture the woodchuck in a decent way. But yes, you have to cover your hand using safety gloves and protect your feet by wearing shoes. Why? It’s because the chucks bite a lot. Now, let me show you the instructions:
Step 1: Identify the Groundhog
In case you don’t know what a groundhog looks like (most folks get confused over it and gopher). It’s essential to understand the appearance to know if it’s a groundhog or other creatures. Look beneath to know the key point of woodchucks:
- Groundhogs are 16” to 20” long body and 8.7” to 11” in height generally.
- They contain black paws and paddle tails (which are small).
- Their weight is around 5 – 13 lbs.
- The fur shade is brownish grey from top to bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the Milk Jug
No matter whether will groundhogs drink antifreeze or normal water, you have to fill the milk jug using a liquid that causes them to come out. It’s better to use the usual water to capture them easily.
To do so, pick a milk jug (it can be old or new doesn’t matter). Fill the bottle using 1 gallon of fresh water. Next, inspect the bottle if it contains any hole or crack which can be a way for the groundhog to get out of the jug.
Step 3: Locate the Newly Built Burrow
In this step, you might need to figure out the actual burrow where the groundhog is living right now. I know, it’s tough since all holes will look identical to another one.
If you see more than one burrow, then locate the fresh one which contains a visible hole rather than the other. This is where the groundhog is living. FYI, the fresh burrow usually has an 8” large opening hole.
Step 4: Apply Scents That Woodchucks Dislike
Use plants, herbs, or flowers those smells groundhogs hate the most like lemon or grape. Place the ingredient on the opening hole edges so that the groundhog comes out immediately due to bad scents.
Step 5: Flip Jug Inside the Burrow
Then, gradually insert the milk jug into the burrow. It will take not more than 30 seconds for the groundhog to pop up inside the jug. After it comes to the edge, this is when you have to flip it up and immediately put the lid on. This is how you can catch them with a milk jug.
For novice folks, it might be a bit challenging, to begin with. So, if you fail in the first trial, try again and it’ll come out.
Try This Method to Catch a Groundhog Without a Trap
With no woodchuck bait for live trap or other tricks, you can still catch them by using your hand. To successfully do that, you’ll need a dog and safety equipment. Here’s how to do it:
- Wear thick gloves like the RAPICCA Bite Proof Handling Glove to ensure the ultimate protection of your hand.
- Place your dog on the other side to catch the groundhog if it tries to run away.
- You have to remove the upper objects to simply reach through the groundhog. If the woodchucks won’t come out, you can fill water or place food that it dislikes a lot.
- Wait patiently for a few minutes until it comes out.
- When you see a groundhog, you have to confidently hold it using both hands and not leave it. The woodchuck will run to another hole.
- Store it in the box or cage (but not permanently as it’s illegal). Done!
The Time Groundhogs Come Out of Their Hole
To catch the groundhogs, it’s essential to know when they come out of their hole. They in most cases leave their home in the very morning and late in the evening.
The woodchuck or groundhog like to roam around for finding food when the weather is not too hot. However, if the temperature is terribly warm, they prefer to stay at home and come out of the hole after 2 – 3 hours to check the weather.
It is Not Illegal to Catch and Release Groundhogs
It is legal to trap the woodchucks but not legal to relocate or pet them. In some areas, you’ll be able to do so if successfully get permission from landowners to legalize the procedure.
But if it’s about catching and releasing them far from your yard, then you can do it. It would be better to do the steps via an expert. After that, you’ll be able to kill them in a human way.
In Conclusion
Now that you know how to catch a groundhog with a milk jug, it’s a fantastic opportunity to do it yourself in real life. It’ll need no costly equipment plus this old-school trick work 100 percent.
You’ll need a lot of courage to catch the woodchuck via hand even though I won’t suggest them unless your hand is covered with proper gloves. After catching the groundhog, it’s your decision to release or kill the tiny animal.
Hope this guide provides a solid piece of information!
