Are Woodchucks Awake Yet?
03-21-2006, 04:03 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 3,132
Are Woodchucks Awake Yet?
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.
I'm in Erie and Crawford Counties, PA if that makes any difference.
03-22-2006, 01:29 PM
#8
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: PA
Posts: 522
RE: Are Woodchucks Awake Yet?
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]
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]
03-22-2006, 10:34 PM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Western PA
Posts: 1,356
RE: Are Woodchucks Awake Yet?
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.