Summer isn’t just for relaxing. It’s the perfect time to hone your hunting skills for the fall. This year, I’m trading some of my static target practice for something more exciting and valuable: groundhog hunting.
Lots of people choose to trap groundhogs (otherwise known as woodchucks), but I like to take advantage of the opportunity they provide during the summer. These giant rodents are super wary and harder to hunt than you’d think, making them the ideal practice with a bow and arrow.
Groundhogs are considered pests in Michigan and can be hunted year-round without complex regulations. They wreak havoc on homeowners and farmers by damaging yards, crops, and even house foundations.
Despite their chunky, unassuming appearance, groundhogs are far from easy targets. These cousins of the marmot aren’t very good at climbing and don’t have protective quills. Instead, they rely on keen eyesight and constant vigilance. Stalking them mimics the skills needed for stalking a deer in the fall. Excellent practice and a great way to protect your land.
Groundhog hunting is a ton of fun and surprisingly accessible. All you need is a bow, a few arrows, and some bug spray. They like field edges where crops meet woods or ditches, and they’re active throughout the day. I like to find a burrow, settle in, and wait for one to pop out. When a groundhog finally emerges, move quickly and quietly to close the distance.
This process hones important hunting skills: patience, stealth, and a sense for when to move and when to stay still. It’s a real-life scenario where you really don’t have much to lose if you screw it up. They might spook but give them some time and they’ll be back.
The Michigan DNR keeps groundhog hunting straightforward. A base hunting license, easy to get online or at Meijer, is all you need. Stay safe, follow basic hunting guidelines, and you’ll be all set.
James Zandstra is an experienced outdoorsman with a passion for the Mitten State. Follow his work on X @TheFairChase1.
