How far should you relocate trapped groundhogs?
Question:I've looked and can't find any research on this subject. I don't think that they would have a very developed homing instinct beyond 500 feet or so. I've been trapping and releasing them 2 1/2 or more miles from our home. Has anyone ever seen any info on this? Thanks!
Answers:
My first experience with them in Virginia was as varmints to be shot and thrown over the the fence. Then I found out from the locals they were tasty, and I began hunting them for the meat. They tend to form loose matriarchal groups like a very large spread out prairie dog town. Dominant males will set up housekeeping near these groups. Members of these clans seldom forage more than 100 yards from a den. Young males seldom make permanent dens and are always on the move. After weening which varies by climate they seem to be everywhere looking to setup housekeeping. I would think the answer your looking for would depend on age and sex. Old males and females would probably return to there dens from a 2 1/2 mile relocation, but young ones would roam aimlessly. One way to be sure your not trapping the same animal would be to give it a shot of spray paint before you release. RScott ps - How are you trapping them in case I need to ?
I had one last year - we took him about 4 miles away to a Forest Preserve. He never came back. I've heard that if you only take them a few blocks, they will come right back. Little bugger got all my broccoli plants last year!!
I would drown them
pls remeber that it is against the law-in Oio at least-to trasfer and release a wild animal
I am not talking small fines either-if they catch you releasing they the fines are hefty
May a wood box laittle larger than your trap cage-line it with plastic sheeting and drown them-there are many more worse ways to die!!
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