Trapping - Trapping is easier in March and April because vegetative growth is less abundant and does not conceal the burrow entrances, making them easier to find. Once green vegetation becomes abundant in late April and May, these traps become much less effective. Woodchucks caught in the trap can be humanely destroyed or transported and released. Woodchucks must be released at least 5 miles away within hours after being caught, since those that remain in the trap for more than a few hours may injure themselves so badly that they die of subsequent infection. Release them on land where owners tolerate them or on wildlife management areas, not on agricultural land.
Live traps are available at the animal control shelter or purchased from hardware stores.
Other traps, like the leg-hold should be avoided in areas where there may be children or pets. In rural areas, woodchucks can be caught using leg-hold traps or body gripping killer traps. Leg-hold traps catch the woodchuck's leg, holding them until they can by clubbed or shot. Body gripping traps kill the woodchucks as they pass through it. Contact the DNR for the necessary permits.