Is it legal to kill groundhogs in Massachusetts?

Asked by: Chad Montgomery

Under Mass. General Law 131, Section 37, a property owner or tenant of land may hunt or take by other means, except by poison or snare, any mammal which he finds damaging his property, provided that such killing is not contrary to any federal law or regulation.

How do I get rid of a groundhog in Massachusetts?

Consider to be the most common way to kill a groundhog, lethal traps are positioned around and/or near entrances of the Boston groundhog’s burrows – especially those that they use most often (high traffic areas).

Can you kill a groundhog on your property?

Groundhogs can be hunted in both states, but require a valid hunting license. 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.

Can you kill animals on your property in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts General Law 131, Section 37, a property owner or tenant is prohibited from hunting and killing any mammal by poison or snare. Hunting or killing of any mammal is allowed by other means if the animal is seen damaging the property unless such killing would violate any federal law or regulation.

Can you kill woodchucks in Massachusetts?

The captured woodchuck can be euthanized using a carbon dioxide chamber or shot using a . 22 caliber pistol or rifle. Shoot the animal in the head unless it is to be tested for rabies. Commercial gas cartridges are fumigants that are registered for the control of burrowing animals.

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.

How do I get rid of a groundhog under my shed?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Pour ammonia around your shed and in any holes they’ve dug. …
2. Place lawn windmills, windchimes, or a vibrating sonic device near your shed. …
3. Adopt a dog or cat and encourage them to spend time sniffing around the shed.
4. Spread human scent around your yard with hair clippings.

What happens if you 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.

How do you get rid of a groundhog?

5 Natural Ways To Get Rid of Groundhogs

1. Epsom Salts. Epsom salts sprinkled near or around the burrow entrances or exits will keep the groundhog away. …
2. Human Hair Clippings. Clippings from your local barber or hairdresser can also work well because they dislike the scent of humans. …
3. Soiled Kitty Litter. …
4. Offensive Scents.

Can you hunt in your backyard in Massachusetts?

Barring a town regulation, in Massachusetts you don’t need permission to hunt on private land that is not posted against trespass.

Can you kill animals on your property?

The right to kill wild animals in defense of person and property is available wherever it is reasonably necessary to do so in order to protect such person or property. In relation to defense of property, the right is available only to landowners or where provided by statute to members of the family or employees.

Can farmers shoot your dog?

If your dog worries livestock you may end up being sued for compensation and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep. ¿ As a last resort, a farmer is legally allowed to shoot a dog who is threatening their animals.

Can you kill a wild animal in self defense?

What about federal law? The federal law has actually had the foresight to specifically provide that a person may kill an endangered animal in self-defense, such as the regulations concerning the Red Wolf in 50. C.F.R. Sec.