How to Set a Groundhog Trap

The groundhog, also commonly known as a woodchuck, is a large burrowing rodent. Due to its size and burrowing habits, the animal can cause extensive property damage and erosion. Groundhogs eat farm and garden crops. Where there is a large population of the animals, the crop loss can be significant. Trapping groundhogs with steel traps is an effective means of controlling the animals. Steel traps in No. 2 size will hold them. A mid-size body-grip trap such as the 220 Conibear is effective if there are no domestic animals or people in the trapping area.

Things You'll Need

  • Steel traps
  • Rebar wire
  • Stake, metal or wooden, 18 to 24 inches long
  • Hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate an active burrow that a groundhog is using. Fresh dirt at the burrow's entrance and tracks in the dirt going in and out of the burrow indicates an active burrow. Seeing a groundhog go into a burrow also proves it is active.

    • 2

      Scoop out a hollow in the loose dirt in front of the burrow using your hand. Make the hollow big enough to place the set trap in and deep enough so that the top of the trap is level with the surrounding dirt.

    • 3

      Place the trap in the hollow with the jaw hinges facing the burrow hole so the animal steps between the jaws and not over them. Adjust the trap placement so the pan is two inches off center of the burrow and the spring is one inch from the edge of the burrow entrance.

    • 4

      Stretch the trap chain out to its full length to the side of the set. Drive a metal or wooden stake 12 inches into the ground through the trap chain ring. Wire the ring to the stake with rebar wire so the ring can't be slipped up over the top of the stake.

    • 5

      Cover the trap lightly with dirt from the burrow. Cover the trap chain with dirt or grass to conceal it; when the groundhog comes out of the burrow it will step in the trap.

    • 6

      Use an instant-kill body-grip trap by setting the trap and laying it down over the burrow entrance. When the groundhog goes to exit the burrow it will place its head directly into the trap. The trap will snap shut on its head, killing it instantly.