Author Topic: Best Time to hunt ground hogs (Read 1642 times)

Brian T · « **on:** April 09, 2005, 02:13:50 PM »

When is the best time of day to hunt the critters?

hillbill · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2005, 06:04:45 PM »

brian t , boy thats a tough question. i live in the middle of a alfalfa field infested with groundhogs and id have to say ive never noticed a real pronounced "better" time to hunt them. between daylight and noon i guess would be my choice. i find the best time to hunt them tho is whenever i see one out my back door. i will say tho that when they first come out in the spring and are really hungry from hibernation they seem to not be near as wary as later on in the summer. good luk

Feez · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2005, 10:09:26 AM »

In my experience it's more the weather.
If there are lots of groundhogs around, you'll find enough to have fun practically all day long. The absolute best time depends on the weather. They are similar to people in that respect. If the weather is so-so, some will come out. The nicer the weather, the more will be out. If mid afternoon is blistering hot, there will be a lull in the action and it will pick up in the evening. If it's been raining for three days, the first nice day will be good all day long.
In the fall after the farmers cut most of the "stuff" out is a good time too. The food that was nearby is gone and the groundhogs have to travel farther, and they are trying to stuff themselves for winter.

ebonitekid767 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2005, 07:43:41 AM »

for woodchucks it doesnt really matter what time you hunt them.but since woodchucks rely on dew on the grass for water the morning hours or after a rainstorm is best.

HogSniper2 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2005, 01:52:29 PM »

My experience has been a simular eating pattern to humans. Breakfast...early morning. Lunch...early afternoon. Dinner...later towards sunset. Of course the weather is important. Very hot days, they seem to stay in the cool ground. A little jumping on real windy days. But, I believe when they are out most is when the alfalfa is high. You simple can't see them. I've actually spotted many by standing up, and watching for the tops of the alfafa to move. When he pops up, you got him with the green in his mouth. True. Granted you have to know where holes are located, or just stay close to a fence line. Try it on a calm day. It's all part of the hunt.

coopershooter · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2005, 02:07:20 PM »

when ever your not at work!!!

Flash · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2005, 10:42:57 AM »

In the evening, there isn't any heat mirages or thermals to play with your vision. I'll take an evening hunt over a morning hunt anyday.

cal sibley · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2005, 08:49:42 AM »

I've always found woodchucks most active before the sun gets really high in the sky, and again in the evening. They don't prefer the heat of mid-day. Cool and cloudy days may extend their up time by a bit, but they are great for their afternoon naps. Aren't we all the same? Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal