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Re: [SG] Groundhog Control

Re Groundhogs - Not only do they chew up plants, but they can be very
aggressive. So, if you are walking in your garden and they are eating, they
are just as apt to attack as to run away (in contrast to some other
plant-eating animals such as rabbits). Shooting is an effective solution
for those who are able to do so and who can aim in such a way as to miss
other, desired living things (such as spouses, neighbors, etc). Another
thought would be to use a Have A Heart Trap (check with local university
extension regarding the best bait) and then either (a) release in another
area to bother someone else (Ran will get me for that!) or (b) keep in trap
and take to a lake and try to drown them. If using a trap, use must wear
very heavy leather gloves to protect yourself.
        If trying to use water or car exhaust, keep in mind that groundhogs have
two exits and both must be found and plugged.
        This is an important issue for me, as we currently have two groundhogs
mating and taking up residence only about 10 feet from our deck. And we
have two dogs, as well as ourselves and garden visitors, who could be
injured by the ground hogs.




At 06:18 PM 4/15/98 -0400, you wrote:
>At 12:48 PM 4/15/98 -0400, you wrote:
>>Hi Richard
>>you could try to flood them out by sticking a hose as far down the hole
>>as posible and let it rip,however this could lead to creating a large
>>under ground  cavity
>>so be carful if you try this.Best methed is patience and a good aim if
>>you live in the country get yourself a 22 cal. if your in town then use
>>a .17 cal air rifle.and use the pointed pellets.
>>
>>Gary
>>Amber Wave Gardens
>>Benton Harbor MI. zone 6
>>
>>
>>
>>Gary,
>>It is a shame that you cannot share. I do not care to read this type of
>message
>>on a listserve that I have enjoyed very much. This is supposed to be about
>>shade gardening -- not shooting animals. Get yourself signed up for a
hunting
>>listserve if that is what you want to talk about.
>>
>>-Amber
>*******
>>Amber:
>I am hoping that this is not going to start some kind of verbal war, but I
>think Gary had every right to suggest a way to rid the garden of a real
>pest.  I realize "shooting " an anamial, is not the prefered option for
>everyone, but it is necessary for many folks, in order to keep a garden at
>all.  I didn't see you express any concern , when the conversation was
>about killing slugs, by any means.  It is improtant to understand that
>Ground Hogs,like deer, have become a problem in many areas, because their
>"natural" enemies are non existant.  Like any species of anamial, where
>man's intervention in nature, has upset the balance, some means must be
>found to "correct" the problem>.  Throwing up a smoke screen of" oh please
>don't shoot them", will not solve any thing !( I would like to note here
>that I am not a hunter and have never owned a hunting licence)  I would ,
>really. be intrested in some concrete ideas from you .  why do you think we
>have this problem ?  how extensive do you think it is ?  Have you ever
>experienced having to deal with Ground Hogs yourself?  What alternatives
>can you suggest.  Please don't suggest things that mearly cause the
>anamials to go to some other area, and dig in someone's elses garden.  That
>is not a solution.  This is certainly a "real" garden question and needs to
>be discussed!
>Ran Lydell
>
>
Carolyn Quinnell Bryson, Indianapolis, Zone 5
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