I used to do ALOT of woodchuck hunting 20 years ago. SInce the coyotes have become more established we don't see as many as we used to.

I used a .22 LR most of the time. I liked a hollow point and would try for head shots - that almost always put them down on the spot. Too many body shot 'chucks will get down their hole and expire. Some times I used #2 shot w/ a 12ga.

My favorite hunting was to stalk them. Sometimes you would screw up the stalk - and they would bolt for thier hole. I would always freeze - and as soon as they were down - I'd quickly rush up to within range - and make a shrill whistle. - 1/2 the time - the woodcuck would pop right back out - to look to see what made the whistle - and I'd already havea rest and pop him.

The whistle also worked when the grass was too tall - once in range - a quick whistle would make them "stand up" for a shot.

Ah the memories..........

FH