Posted: 6/13/2005 1:46:16 PM EDT
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We live in the city and want to get rid of the hog living in our back yard and under our porch. There is enough space between houses that we could shoot it if we see it in one particular area of the yard. Also we hear that they tase great, and would therefore like to eat it. Any ideas on how to kill this thing while still being able to eat it would be appreciated. |
A .22 should be fine. And for some reason, the thought of someone asking how to kill a groundhog reminds me of this:  |
We are laughing pretty hard over here because we have been talking about the danger of the "fangs" for months. |
While this would surely be effecitve, it would leave one hummer of a smell under the porch as this has been the latest hangout. |
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I suggest a .300 Winchester Magnum. While some may call this "Overkill" I can assure you a 180 grain Monolithic Solid, or expanding bullet of your choice, will anchor the vermin in its tracks. If expanding bullets are used, it will anchor it in its tracks, over the tracks, and all over you. |
License to kill  
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they love grape juice crystals.... Mix those witht eh powder drano and let them eat it, leave it near their hole, and mix lots of grape crystals into the drano to stop them from smelling the chemicals the crystals dissolved into or sitting on top of Nitro is also fun, but noisy, messy, and probably illegal |
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I killed one with a spade shovel once. No matter how hard I stabbed it, the shovel wouldn't penetrate its ribs. It finally died after I beat it over the head about six times. For the record: No, I'm not a wacko who takes pleasure in killing animals just to watch them die. My dog had this groundhog cornered in the back yard, and it scratched my dog's face really bad (she was only 9-10 weeks old at the time). I was just pissed off and there happened to be a shovel right there, so I acted without thinking. |
"anchor the vermin in its tracks" 
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| I agree with the .22. I've dusted Lord knows how many with a Ruger 10/22. But I live in a fairly remote area. I don't know that I would really want to eat one. I would recommend shitcanning that idea and just kill the rodent. Be made aware that groundhog can be very destructive, chewing through doors, wires, etc. plus digging holes. Groundhog also have pretty good senses and will jump into the first hole, go for cover or dig a hole if they sense "danger." They generally come out later in the day or morning. If I see one I immediatley try to dust it 'cause it seems that they always appear when you are absolutely not ready for them. The little bastards like apples and I believe peas also. If I were in your shoes and you don't want to trap or posion it, I would set an apple in your "fire zone" and bait him for awhile till you get the oppurtunity to dust his worthless hide. ( on a side note groundhogs are also called "whistlepigs" because they are nibby, and if you can let out a good, shrill whistle they will stand up to investigate, hopefully while you are blowing their melon off.) |
I do believe it was the "Holy Hand Grenade of Aramithia" and also please remember: "It's got big Fangs" "it does I tell you" "It'll rip you to shreds" |
 For the love of God man, DO NOT get one of these damn things caught on your arm. In my high school years I ran a trap line. I had one of the big conibear traps (2 springs) that I used for coon. I was showing a neighborhood buddy how it worked and it got me. It grabbed me by the wrist and I couldn't compress the springs. My buddy wasn't strong enough to do it with me writhing around. My entire hand started feeling like it was on fire. That sumbitch HURT. I got lucky though as the trap I had, had safety pins. I ran in the garage and grabbed some pliers to pull the pins. Once the pins were removed I was able to pop the spring off. Why that thing didn't break my wrist is still a mystery. CWO is absolutely correct when he says...........
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I snapped a 330 on my arm a few years ago. I had a heavy coat on (January) and I was able to pull my arm right out. It hurt though. A few days later I had a 45# beaver in that trap, so it was worth it. Now THOSE are good eating. (No jokes please, I'm being serious.)  Edit: I forgot to answer the question. You say you can shoot it. I would do that, as they are usually not too spooky in town. If you use a Conibear type trap, be aware they absolutely do not discriminate and unless you are very skilled with it, you can easily stand there and watch your beloved family pet strangle while you helplessly struggle trying to remove it. They can break your hands/fingers while attempting to set them too. That said, they work GOOD--especially if his point of entry under your porch is either very defined, or can be made that way by manipulating the opening. If you are completely unfamiliar with trapping, get someone who knows what they are doing. It's only a little more illegal than shooting in most areas, and is much quieter (though they sometimes squall depending on how they are caught--mostly if you have the trigger mis-set). If it's illegal to shoot them (likely in town) then I wouldn't do it--the ramifications of getting caught are just too great--same with trapping. If you have some form of "Animal Control" affiliated with your local Po-Po you might want to contact them and let them deal with it. |