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groundhog deterrents



I received a number of responses to my "practical question."  Thanks to all
contributors.  A summary follows:

1. Dogs (large ones and hounds were specified)
2. Battery powered electric fence (used successfully)
3. Fence tied with bobcat urine-soaked rags (used successfully - no urine
source given, write for reference).
4. High-powered vacuum (reference:  NPR news story)
5. Field of red clover (no explanation given)
6. Flooding with water (effectiveness not demonstrated)
7. Cover exit holes with plastic buckets weighted with rocks (proved
effective on 3 acre fenced plot)

The farm I am concerned with has several cultivated areas distributed around
85 acres of mostly wooded rolling terrain.  It has proven difficult to
patrol for a number (3 or 4) large dogs.  The farmer has been shooting and
trapping hogs, composting them, and incorporating the compost around the
perimeters.  I also know of someone who ritually walks the perimeter of his
garden before entering it.  The stategy is to establish human territoriality
in a non-violent way.  Some success has been shown with both methods.  
Lance F. Howard
Department of History and Geography
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
(864) 656-5359	(office)
(864) 656-1015	(fax)