Do people hunt groundhogs?

Asked by: Jenny Scott

Hunting groundhogs isn’t a new thing. Historically, people hunted them a lot, especially during the 20th century. But for some reason, it’s become all but dead in the last 15 years. There’s been very little talk of groundhogs since the recent rise of big game hunting took hold in the ’90s.

Are groundhogs worth eating?

“The simple fact is, groundhogs are eminently edible and delicious,” writes Everett J. Castro in Mother Earth News. “Like rabbits and squirrels (both of which are valued food animals), whistle-pigs are vegetarians. Thus, their meat, when properly prepared, is quite tasty and tender.”

Is Groundhog meat greasy?

Groundhog meat does not taste like chicken. “The only way to describe how it tastes is to eat it,” he said. It is a coarse, dark meat, but not quite as dark as a raccoon. Groundhogs have a lot of fat, if you kill them in the fall, but the meat is not greasy.

What’s the best time to hunt groundhogs?

Time Afield
Groundhogs are most active on warm summer days and afternoons, but they can occasionally be found out on overcast early spring days.

Do groundhogs serve a purpose?

Soil Aeration
When digging, groundhogs help aerate soil. Roots, like all other parts of the plant, have to respire, taking in oxygen and emitting carbon dioxide. In unturned soil, roots deplete their limited oxygen while CO2accumulates, making it hard for them to ‘breathe.

Can you cook and eat groundhog?

Groundhogs are not only edible, they’re tender and delicious if properly cleaned and prepared. They live on a completely vegetarian diet and carry no life-threatening diseases for humans. Groundhogs are similar to rabbits in taste, and most recipes for groundhog have you prepare them in the same manner.

Does groundhog taste like squirrel?

Due to them being vegetarians, their meat is tender and tastes similar to squirrel or rabbit.

What’s the best way to cook a groundhog?

Brown grounhog in hot oil in skillet; sprinkle with sugar. Reduce heat; add 1/2 cup water. Cover; simmer for about 30 minutes or until tender. Remove cover; cook for 10 minutes longer.

How do you shoot a groundhog?

Most people hunt groundhogs with rifles. However, some people choose to use shotguns, especially when in closed-in areas like barns and sheds. Those who are really hardcore, or that are in urban settings, might even use compound bows or crossbows. See some personal favorites below.

How do you cook groundhog meat?

Rinse the groundhog pieces, remove any fat, and cut out the glands underneath the front legs and armpits, then pat the meat dry. Season with 1 tablespoon Kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet, then brown the meat, in batches. This will take about 5 minutes per batch.

Do groundhogs carry rabies?

Groundhogs are known carriers of the rabies virus. If bitten by one, it’s important to immediately seek medical attention and be treated with the rabies vaccine.

What is the lifespan of a groundhog?

Wild groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, one average live four to five years, but can live up to six years. In captivity they can live ten or more years.

Are groundhogs smart?

Groundhogs are an extremely intelligent animal forming complex social networks, able to understand social behavior, form kinship with their young, understand and communicate threats through whistling, and work cooperatively to solve tasks such as burrowing.

How many babies does a groundhog have?

Pregnancy goes by fast for them. Groundhog mating season is in the early spring and, after only a month-long pregnancy, mother groundhogs typically give birth to a litter of two to six blind, hairless babies.

Can I pet a groundhog?

In California, state fish and game law bans the possession of any rodents except golden hamsters, mice, rats, and domestic guinea pigs. Much like ferrets, groundhogs are a no-go.