Back in May I posted about catching Ground hogs for the local Fire Department. At the time I was testing a theory by using #120 BGs. I also have one of the 5.5" RBGs. At the time I caught nothing in the #120s but did catch the big old male in the RBG. I never reached a conclusion on the use of the #120s.

Yesterday, the groundskeeper from one of the golf courses I trap every season, asked me to come out, because he had a problem with groundhogs. Upon arrival I found out that there had been several accidents from carts and equipment upsetting from groundhog holes. Now, I don't really like messing with stinky groundhogs. But I don't like seeing people injured because of them either.

So, I rounded up my #120s, my one RBG, stakes and other equipment and made 4 sets yesterday. I did so with the agreement they would check them the first thing each morning and text me if a catch was made and I would come out and take care them.

The first set was made using the RBG and the rest were #120s. This morning the text said one catch.

Here is the set using the RBG...


Here is the catch...


The groundskeeper told me he had observed yesterday afternoon a groundhog running toward the one hole that had a #120 trap set in it... Started into the hole... stopped... and ran down the hill and into another hole. I checked the trap, and it had been knocked off. I don't know if it tried to go around, or over the trap and it went off or what. Only time will tell if they are spooked by shape of the trap or what. Like what some beavers are with #330 BGs.

They don't seem to be alarmed at the RBGs. I wish I had the money to buy a half dozen RBGs so I could either prove or disprove the theory. That would be a good advertising point for RBG. They could sell a dozen to every farmer in the country. At least where there are groundhogs.

Here are closeups of the 2 caught in RBGs




Maybe we will see tomorrow...

Garry-

Interesting, might be the size of the 120 type, I've used 160's with a pan trigger, they go right in.

ive been trapping a few lately too,been using 160s over theyre holes with standard trigger,and have caught 2 so far,cant get them into the cage traps though

Gary, if your coming to the OSTA convention look me up. I'll give ya a 5x7 that I make. Perfect for ground hogs.

My son has been catching them lately using the free 110 Bridger he got at the NTA. They’ve all been DOA

I've been catching them in cage traps that I make, no problem, just takes a few days, and baited with what they've been eating.
It's easier with a body grip, as I have to haul them out to a farm that the owner lets me dispatch and leave for the bustards.
In town, just throw in the trash if it's only a day or 3 before pick up.
I've been fencing them in with cage wire so nothing can get in to the 220's except the woodchuck leaving the holes.
But it all depends on where and who's property.

I use 160s and they were perfectly. Got 3 chucks so far on my small property this year. I average about 5 a year. 160s work great for possums and skunks as well. You're bound to catch those in a chuck set because they will also go down woodchuck holes.

Very true, and have caught them as well.
Once I find the hole depending on where it is , under a building for example, I cover with cage wire as far as I can., it stops digging and keeps others out.
I usually bury it after I'm sure they're all gone.
Just enough so it's not visible, 2-3 inches, if another tries to dig, they give up. But I know ones around.

Do you find the springs are strong enough on the RGB’s? I thought on the 220 size I’ve tried the springs weren’t as strong as the victor’s I have.

Yes, as you can see in the 2 photos It is small enough they catch them right behind the head around throat and neck. Can't use 160 or 220s in Ohio unless they are in the water.

ack


I will be there on Friday September 6... Thank You... Looking forward to seeing you.

Garry-

We ain’t allowed to use Bodygrips on land here. It would be so much easier. In fact , can only use cage traps for them. I feel like a blind set with footholds would work. I wonder if DP’s would work on groundhogs?

If it were me, and 120s were all I had, I would bore out the tunnel enough to house my trap several inches deep and try that. Get him committed to going down that hole. I will add though, that I have NO experience trapping groundhogs, just trying to solve your issue with what you got. Disguise it the best you can!
Love your threads btw, I feel like you give all of us pause, to understand the critters that you are targeting.

Yes you can , if set so other animals can't get in the trap.

Here are the regulations:

"Body-gripping traps with an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 5 inches, but less than or equal to 7 inches must be set in a natural body of water."

"Body gripping traps with an inside jaw spread greater than 7 inches must be completely submerged in water and may only be utilized during the beaver and river otter season."

I was both a State and Federal Game Warden in Ohio for 7 years. If you have permission to do otherwise than is stated, you need to have it in writing and keep it in your pocket. That permission should be either from/signed by the Chief of Division of Wildlife, the Law Supervisor for the state or possibly A District Law Supervisor.

Garry-

I got another hog at the scene of my endeavor... this one was a small one caught in #120 BG. It was coming out of the hole.

I left my camera on the seat in my car when I got in the golf cart... so NO flick.

Saw a large skunk with all white fur the entire width of the back clear down to the tail... It was in the middle of the fairway and when it saw the cart coming it ran right toward a hole that I have a #120 in, but it stopped and didn't try to go in and ran off in another direction, into some weeds.

Garry-

Nuisance trappers can use them , inside buildings, or caged over a hole .
At least that's the way it was when I nuisance trapped in 2011.
I admit that I'm more than likely wrong , as I haven't kept up with the laws for at least 12 years.