Spring is prime time for groundhog hunting—and airguns are one of the most effective tools for putting these destructive rodents down cleanly and quietly. As groundhogs (also called woodchucks) emerge from their burrows to feed and breed, they become highly visible and vulnerable to well-prepared hunters.

In this article, we’ll walk you through spring-specific tactics, gear choices, and strategies for using airguns to control groundhogs on your property or permission-based land.

What you’ll learn:

• Why spring is the best season for airgun groundhog hunting
• How to scout, pattern, and approach active burrows
• The best airguns and calibers for ethical kills
• Shot placement, range tips, and field strategies

Why Hunt Groundhogs in Spring?

Spring is the start of the groundhog’s active season. After hibernating through the winter, they emerge in March and April to:

• Feed heavily on early-season vegetation
• Mate and establish territory
• Rebuild and expand their burrow networks

Because of this, groundhogs are:

• More active during daylight hours
• More visible in open fields and pastures
• Less cautious than in mid- or late-season

That combination makes them ideal targets for airgun hunters looking to build marksmanship skills while protecting property from burrow damage, erosion, or crop loss.

Top Airguns for Groundhog Hunting

Groundhogs are larger than squirrels or rabbits and require more power for ethical penetration—especially if you’re dealing with adult males or shots past 30 yards.

Umarex Gauntlet 2 (.25)

• Caliber: .25
• Energy: 45–50 ft-lbs
• Quiet, accurate, and affordable
• Ideal for shots out to 60 yards

Umarex Hammer (.50)

• Massive overkill—but legal in most states
• Perfect for open-field or long-range setups

AirForce Texan (.357)

• Tunable power and long-range accuracy
• Use for shots beyond 70 yards or on tough, large-bodied groundhogs

Recommended Calibers

• .22: Works under 30 yards with perfect shot placement
• .25: Ideal balance of trajectory and power (40–65 yards)
• .30–.35: Excellent for hard-hitting mid-range performance
• .45–.50: Overkill, but highly effective at long range

Scouting and Locating Groundhogs

Spring scouting is all about visibility and terrain. Look for:

• Fresh dirt mounds or dug-out entrances
• Paths leading from burrow to feeding areas (often along fences)
• Morning and evening activity (7–10 AM, 4–7 PM)
• Tracks, droppings, or clipped grass near den openings

Use binoculars to glass field edges from a distance and mark active burrows with GPS or field notes.

Spring Tactics That Work

1. The Midday Sit

Groundhogs often emerge midday to sun themselves. Set up downwind and slightly elevated with a rest or shooting sticks. Wait 30–60 yards from the burrow entrance.

2. Ambush Near Travel Paths

Watch fence lines, barn edges, or irrigation ditches. These areas are natural highways between dens and food. Use camo and stay still.

3. Spot and Stalk

If terrain allows, move low and slow through tall grass or brush toward visible hogs. Keep a laser rangefinder handy and shoot from a rested position.

Ethical Shot Placement

Groundhogs are tough. For ethical kills, always target:

• Head: Base of the skull or just behind the eye (requires precision)
• Heart-lung zone: Broadside, behind the shoulder
• Neck: Clean takedown when head isn’t available

Use high-mass slugs or domed pellets with deep penetration. Avoid gut shots or forward-facing angles.

Pellets and Slugs

• JSB King Heavy (.25): Excellent expansion and accuracy
• NSA Slugs (.25–.357): High penetration and BC
• H&N Baracuda: Hard-hitting option for .22–.25

Match your projectile weight to your rifle’s velocity curve. Test before hunting.

Spring Weather Considerations

Spring winds can push pellets off target. Adjust your holds for wind drift and shoot from a steady platform.

Early mornings may produce ground fog—wait until it clears before glassing and shooting.

Warmer temperatures bring vegetation growth. Keep shooting lanes clear or pre-trim a path before your sit.

Legal Notes

Most states allow groundhog hunting as pest control, often with no closed season. But always:

• Check state laws for airgun legality on furbearers
• Obtain landowner permission
• Use a backstop and know your target’s backdrop

Some counties may regulate shooting distances or airgun discharge. Always verify locally.

Final Thoughts

Spring airgun hunting for groundhogs offers a great blend of skill, stealth, and satisfaction. Whether you’re controlling pests around a farm or sharpening your shooting for big game season, groundhogs are the perfect warm-weather challenge.

Start with an accurate, quiet platform like the Umarex Gauntlet 2 in .25 caliber, and match it with proven slugs or pellets. With patience, practice, and a sharp eye, you’ll make the most of this productive hunting season.

Disclaimer: Always follow your state’s hunting laws and regulations. Verify airgun hunting rules, safety zones, and pest species classifications before you head into the field.