Groundhogs and Ohio Law
As Certified Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operators in the State of Ohio, we’d like to help the public understand the regulations as they pertain to the removal of nuisance groundhogs (woodchucks).This blog post is a summary of the laws as we read them; hence the following disclosure. We are not giving legal advice here, as we are not attorneys. Again, this is our summary. View the regulations for yourself: Ohio Administrative Code 1501:31-15-03 ” Nuisance wild animal control” which was revised as of June 1, 2013. The nuisance trapping law can be found HERE.
However, we do compliment you on desiring to know the laws and we will break down the regulations, as they pertain to groundhogs, as simply as we can here.
Nuisance Woodchuck Regulations for Ohio
Who can remove a nuisance groundhog from private property?
Anyone. However, only those with State of Ohio Certification can charge a fee.
What is necessary to begin trapping?
- Written permission from the owner if that is not you
- The trap must have identification of the trapper on it (Name and mailing address suffice; see rule for other methods and details of trap identification)
- The ability to check your traps once every calendar day
What are the trap restrictions?
- Cage traps – none except for identification
- Body Gripping Traps- Trap can not have a jaw spread greater than seven inches. These traps can’t be set more than three feet from the groundhog’s hole or the structure they are living under. Body grippers with a jaw spread measuring from five to seven inches must have something covering or blocking access to the trap from the outside. (Only what’s in the hole should be able to get in the trap)
****Note on body gripping traps : Please understand these traps are lethal and can break bones or kill your neighbors’ pets easily if not used properly and according to the law. If you don’t have previous experience, best to steer clear***
- Snares- Must be made of steel cable. Must have a relaxing lock system and cannot be “lethal” unless you are a certified operator. (See rule for specifics)
- Foothold trap – cannot have an inside jaw measurement greater then 5 5/8 inches and cannot have teeth on the jaws
What can be done with a live groundhog you’ve captured?
- A groundhog may be released alive in Ohio provided it is 1) Not injured 2)released outside the limits of any incorporated city or village and 3) you have the permission of the landowner.
- Groundhogs may be euthanized. (If you choose this option, please do so humanely and know your local firearm laws)
We hope this has been a helpful review of the laws as they pertain to the removal of nuisance groundhogs and woodchucks. These laws exist to aid property owners in nuisance wildlife management. Remember, consult the law for yourself as you are ultimately responsible.
If you need any help with your groundhog problem, we would be happy to provide groundhog removal services for you. Please visit our Groundhog Removal Page or contact us today!
