Is it illegal to kill a groundhog?
4 min read
Asked by: Jason Bell
You do not need a hunting license to kill a problem groundhog. While wildlife is generally protected under the law, protection is removed if the animal is damaging or destroying personal property. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a home’s foundation.
How do you get rid of a groundhog?
5 Natural Ways To Get Rid of Groundhogs
- Epsom Salts. Epsom salts sprinkled near or around the burrow entrances or exits will keep the groundhog away. …
- Human Hair Clippings. Clippings from your local barber or hairdresser can also work well because they dislike the scent of humans. …
- Soiled Kitty Litter. …
- Offensive Scents.
What’s the easiest way to kill a groundhog?
A shot to the head will kill a groundhog as quickly and easily as it will kill any other animal or person, but you will need to check to see if you can discharge a firearm in your area, as this is only usually permissible in rural areas. Although a humane option, be careful as this can sometimes damage the trap itself.
Can I shoot a groundhog in Ontario?
It is illegal to kill or relocate groundhogs in Ontario and most provinces in Canada. The Ministry of Natural Resources has strict rules and regulations on humane removal which has to be obeyed by professional wildlife control companies in Toronto GTA.
Can you shoot a groundhog in Ohio?
Groundhogs can typically be hunted year-round, though spring and summer is most popular. In Ohio, groundhog hunting is closed during the seven-day deer gun season. Hunters also need the appropriate permission from landowners, and should be mindful of the full range of their weapon.
How do I get rid of a groundhog under my house?
Mix together some ammonia and water, using one part ammonia to every three parts water. Next, add a few drops of non-bleach dish detergent. Then, you simply pour the mixture into the groundhog burrow entrances. The smell of the ammonia should drive the groundhogs away.
Can you poison groundhogs?
There are several types of poisons on the market and they all work in various ways; with the end result death of the groundhog. Fumigation is a method under which gaseous pesticides or fumigants are used in the entire area to suffocate or poison the groundhogs within.
Can I kill a groundhog with a pellet gun?
Trust me I am not endorsing illegal activity, but most modern air rifles are not toys and are plenty powerful enough to kill a groundhog with proper shot placement.
Does Irish Spring soap keep groundhogs away?
Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Groundhogs Away? Irish Spring soap is a great groundhog repellent. It is recommended that you keep the soap in the packaging but drill holes in it so the rain and other elements don’t wash away the soap so easily.
What are groundhogs afraid of?
Groundhogs fear predators, including coyotes, foxes, and dogs, and smelling their urine is a warning to stay away.
Do groundhogs damage property?
If not properly controlled, groundhogs can cause serious structural damage when burrowing. Their tunnels break apart building foundations, and they will often chew through electrical wires and irrigation systems that may be in their way. For best results, use multiple groundhog control products at once.
Can you eat groundhog?
“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 it legal to trap and relocate groundhogs in Ohio?
Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. If you choose not to relocate the groundhog, they can either be released on-site where the animal was originally trapped or you may humanely kill it.
Is it cruel to relocate a groundhog?
Relocating an animal may not only give someone else a nuisance problem, but spreads diseases, such as rabies and distemper, Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. If an animal must be removed, make sure you call a qualified nuisance wildlife controller.
Can you move a groundhog?
If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened.
