Are Woodchucks Awake Yet?

PA Bow/Flinter · 03-21-2006, 04:03 PM

I was wondering if anybody has seen any woodchucks out in the fields yet? I've got an itch to go out and shoot some up while the grass/weeds are still smashed down, but I'm not sure if they are up and moving around yet.

I'm in Erie and Crawford Counties, PA if that makes any difference.

Bionicrooster · 03-21-2006, 04:11 PM

I am in southern NJ and had a big one eating my clover plot the other day, wish I had my bow I walked up to 5 yards behind him before he took off.

fatsbucknut · 03-21-2006, 07:00 PM

I'm in central Pa around Raystown lake and they are definitly out. Good luck.

SPIKEHORN11 · 03-21-2006, 07:55 PM

Still snow on the ground here. Haven't seen any yet.

cardeer · 03-22-2006, 02:26 AM

yea seen some squashed in se pa already

Steve F.in MD · 03-22-2006, 02:55 AM

I saw one out on Jan 11, when the temps were 10 degrees. I think his internal clock was "off" a little.

Rob/PA Bowyer · 03-22-2006, 10:56 AM

North Central PA here and yup, seeing whistle pigs about.

DennyF · 03-22-2006, 01:29 PM

I've seen 'chucks out as late as firearms deer season, (Potter County, one of those years it was in the mid-50s) and as early as the first week of March here at home. Earliest I ever whacked one in Tioga County was mid-March. Blasted that one off'n a snow drift on a pasture bank with a 22 Hornet. Males usually emerge first looking for some action and to establish breeding territories.

Never did hit 'em too hard in the spring because it tends to lessen the number available later in the summer if ya kill too many mama-sans, ripe with young. Favorite time is right after hayfields have been cleared off, usually late June or early July, up north.

Been kinda lax the past few years, figure to thump a bunch this year like I always did for many, manyyears. Lost my longtime'chuck hunting pard in 2001, been giving the little rodents time to get caught up since then.

[8D]

deerslayer223 · 03-22-2006, 10:34 PM

None out here yet in western pa. Its still way to cold and got a lil snow on the ground. About 2 weeks yet and they should start emerging. Earliest ive ever shot one here was april 6th. Best time by far is late june early july right after they cut the first hay crop.

Scrapdawg · 03-22-2006, 10:56 PM

RUNNING WILD IN CENTRAL MARYLAND