When is the best time to catch a groundhog out in the open?

[ba_50]

A friend of mine has a problem with groundhogs under the barns and digging holes in the levee.

She says they aren't consistent as to when they come out. I'm thinking daybreak and just before dark. The maximum distance for a shot will be 30-40 yards and they are apparently spooky. I plan on sitting in the truck behind some weeds or up by the house.

Does anyone have any better ideas? What about poison as a last resort? Thanks.

Maybe I should have mentioned I'm in central Illinois. It has been hot with a draught, but has cooled off lately. She says she might see one at 8am, 2pm, and so on. The rain thing sounds good.

[victorcharlie]

I saw one today at around 1pm esdt...here in SE Tennessee.....as the weather cools down they will start to come out later in the day......

[nomosendero]

I live in the Southern fringe (Arkansas) of the Groundhog's territory & yes
especially in hot areas early & late is better, but in my area at least not right at dark in the afternoon's, a little before. I think in areas with big predators they are in their den before dark.
But no doubt in my mind the best time is right after a good rain. I have had my best shooting after a good afternoon rain.

[coopershooter]

IF YOU KNOW WHERE THE DENS ARE YOU CAN USE A BLIND. EARLY IN THE MORNING, UNTILL IT GETS HOT! THEN IN THE EVENING AFTER IT COOLS OFF A BIT.
 YOU CAN GET A CLOTH BLIND AT WALLMART, AND SIT ON A CHAIR.
  I DONT KNOW ABOUT POISONS BUT I KNOW THEY WORK.
  I HAVE HAD AS MUCH FUN HUNTING GROUNDHOGS, AS BIG GAME!
 COOPERSHOOTER.

[Mainer]

I shot two in my backyard last summer.  Both were in the morning, but not early--I'd say around 8:30 am.  I spotted them on mornings that I was leaving the house later than normal.  I think on most days they didn't leave their dens until after I left for work.

In prior years, I shot quite a number around my parents' house--a few were in the afternoon, most were in the early evening.

So, my experience is that they come out in the morning--but not too early--and in the late afternoon/early evening.  Good luck.

[Jerry Lester]

Between 2, and 4 hours after sun up, and right after a rain shower are the best times. Id set up a pop up blind, or other good "hiding place", and wait in the mornings if I were you, unless you can capitalize on a short rain shower to bring them out.

Groundhogs come out after the rain because they like to lick the water off the grass. They usually don't have access to water very often, and get the majority of their moisture from the vegetation they eat. When it rains they come out in droves to take advantage of all the fresh moisture within easy reach of their holes. Groundhogs are also active at night(contrary to poplular belief). They do a good bit of "hole digging" after dark.

[myarmor]

Between 2, and 4 hours after sun up, and right after a rain shower are the best times. Id set up a pop up blind, or other good "hiding place", and wait in the mornings if I were you, unless you can capitalize on a short rain shower to bring them out.

Groundhogs come out after the rain because they like to lick the water off the grass. They usually don't have access to water very often, and get the majority of their moisture from the vegetation they eat. When it rains they come out in droves to take advantage of all the fresh moisture within easy reach of their holes. Groundhogs are also active at night(contrary to poplular belief). They do a good bit of "hole digging" after dark.

Good post. I second that-  after it rains is an excellent time.

[koli]

I usually only get to hunt them in the evening and have noticed that about 1/2 hour prior to the sun going down I don't see any.  My theory is that they don't see well at this time of day so they head in.  Most all of my groundhog hunting is down in western PA were there are a good quantity of coyotes and some large hawks around the fields.

btw have not had the chance to get one of the yotes yet.  Looking forward to it though.

[hummer]

Was out yesterday and didn't see a single groundhog.  The temp was very hot and was out early in the morning.  Could they be starting to hibernate or is it still early?  Usually they are all over the place.  Will try tomorrow after the rain.....

[ba_50]

I went out just after it quit raining but then it started up again. None came out, so I will try it again next time it rains. Thanks.

[hummer]

I was out a few times last week and found nothing...I guess the pasture poodles have called it quits for this year and have gone hibernating.

Anyone have the same results or is it just up here that they have gone to bed?

[koli]

I saw three along the high way today in about a half an hour.  SW Pennsylvania.  They're still out there.  At least down here.

[nomosendero]

Hibernating, amazing! They had better dig a deep hole here, as it is still
topping out at close to 100 degrees around here. I worked in Batesville AR. today & I think it was 99 or so.

[cal sibley]

In my area it's usually fairly cool, and the woodchuck will stay out all day.
However on a hot day they'll go down for a couple of hours during the hottest part of the day.  I'd take a break between about noon and 3 PM.
Late afternoon and early evening produce the best for me.  Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[koli]

Saw 9 in two hrs, two fields on Thursday evening.
Saw 5 in two hrs, two fields on Friday afternoon.

It rained Thursday night through Friday morning.

Unfortunatly most were in unshootable positions.  ei. houses or roads behind them.

Did get one though.