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A Woodchuck Dig

A Woodchuck Dig is a local festival, a means to gather and to deal with wildlife and land use issues. It can be a celebration and help solve problems that seem to grow with conflicts between woodchucks (Marmota monax) (alias groundhogs or whistle-pig) and farmers, ranchers, and horsemen.

There are many combinations of the following events that can be organized and promoted by a Lasting Forest affiliate to enhance the value of this species, reduce damage, and otherwise continue the important work of Lasting Forests with financial value to the citizens, use of the wildlife resource in ways other than (in addition to) hunting, and carrying information about land ecology and the role of fauna in improved lands.

The woodchuck (an image of a sketch by Ned Smith from a mid 1960's publication by the Pensylvania Game Commission) is a member of the squirrel family, a rodent, and has the well-known chisel-like incisors. They start hibernation in late fall, the end of October or eraly November and emerge in Early Ferbuary. Gestation of young (usually 4 in a litter) is about 28 days. Young are weaned by early July. Dens are usually used over several seasons.

They consume enormous amounts of young succulaent vegetation and feed on hay and crop fields, home gardens, orchards, and nurseries. The dens and burrow systems can be harmful to farm equipment and may be a hazard to horses and riders. There are no sure-fire control measures. In some areas they are valued as a game animal and they have profound effects on forest lands and improve watershed and water storage capabilities. They provide major home for a variety of animal species.

There are peculiar reactions to some of the following suggestions for the "Dig" (which can be called anything ; a contest to name it might be a good advertising and community-uniting activity).The suggestions are made, partially to stimulate others, partially as a central theme that can be modified in many ways based on personal interests, oppositions, and available resources. In one case the festival was suggested as a means to avoid comple legislation. Suggestions are numbered to aid in discussion, not to suggest a priority. There is little organization or hierarcy used.

1. Advertise on the route and in brochures
2. Form a membership with newsletter (to pronote the festival and to study the groundhog)
3. Form a members' chatroom/newsletter/ list serve.
4. Sponsor and conduct novosports.
5. Have a contest to see who can bring in the most rifle-shot groundhogs
6. Have an art contest
7. Have a photocontest
8. Have a rifle-shooting contest
9. Have a rifle safety lectures and safety contest.
10. Provide safety suggestions useful in woodchuck hunting.
11. Demonstrate ans sell equipment for blinds
12. Have a ground-hog stew or sandwiches made of such meat.
13. Have a demonstration of a dug-up den.
14. Have" pet "groundhogs on display.
15. Make available mists of the mammals of the area (from the state data base)
16. Make a GIS map of known burrows, at least is select areas. (Many occur in forests.)
17. Develop a booklet on the importance of the woodchuck in the ecosystem.
18. Develop a special memorial to select individuals helping with the festival.
19. Contribute to Habitat for Humanity or local group with similar interest to emphasize the home-building role of the woodchuck.
20. Have a groundhog quiz with prizes.
21. Develop a computer game related to the animal and its ecology.
22. Develop a computer model of the potentials for population expansion.
23. Promote university research on the woodchuck, working toward a powerful simulation of it and its ecosystem ... plus economic and financial considerations.
24. Demonstrate calling.
25. Demonstrate traps and trapping (No.2 steel and Conibear).
26. Demonstrate gassing (if locally legal).
27. Display damage caused (volume of hay, broken axels, harmed horses)
28. Sell telescopes and binoculars.
29. Develop a group of "watchers that report on dates first seen and last seen" the phenology interest.
30. Actually have a group of people dig out a den and burrow to see it and demonstrate it for the audience. (Inject with foam that hardens - see J. Wildlife Management)
31. Sell standard hotdogs as "hot-hogs" with special slaw.
32. Promote Lasting Forests and The Pest Force.

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This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision December 24, 2000.