Top 5 Rifles for Woodchuck Hunting in Massachusetts

Tired of woodchucks wrecking your garden or farm? In Massachusetts, these pesky groundhogs cause significant damage to crops, lawns, and property. Fortunately, you can hunt them year-round with no bag limit, making it a perfect opportunity to protect your land and hone your shooting skills. At Tombstone Trading Company in Ware, MA, we stock the best rifles to tackle woodchucks ethically and effectively. Here’s everything you need to know, plus our top five picks to get you started!

Why Hunt Woodchucks in Massachusetts?

The Woodchuck Problem

Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, are notorious for digging burrows that undermine foundations, ruin gardens, and destroy crops. In the Pioneer Valley, farmers can lose thousands of dollars to these rodents. Whether you’re a homeowner or a farmer, woodchucks are a year-round challenge.

Massachusetts Hunting Laws

Per MassWildlife, woodchucks can be hunted year-round, except during shotgun deer season (typically late November to early December) and on Sundays. There’s no daily or seasonal bag limit, but you need a hunting license (ages 15+). Firearm hunters must comply with safety zones: 500 feet from dwellings without permission and 150 yards from roads. Always check local bylaws, in the towns you hunt.

Shooting is quick, simple, and effective in areas where firearm discharge is safe and legal. A .22 caliber rifle or a shotgun with #4–6 shot is suitable.

Benefits of Varmint Hunting

Hunting woodchucks protects your property, supports local agriculture, and sharpens your marksmanship. It’s a practical, community-driven solution, and Tombstone Trading Company has the gear to make it happen.

Why Shooting Is the Most Ethical Way to Control Woodchucks

Some may think shooting isn’t humane, but it’s often the most ethical way to manage woodchucks. Per MassWildlife, a well-placed shot ensures a quick, humane kill, unlike fumigation or poison, which cause prolonged suffering and risk harming raptors, pets, or scavengers. Trapping is ineffective, as Massachusetts law requires relocating woodchucks on the same property or euthanizing them humanely—it’s illegal to release them elsewhere. MassWildlife recommends a .22 caliber rifle or a 12-gauge shotgun with #4–6 shot for effective control.

The following species may be taken year round (except during shotgun deer season) by licensed hunters with no daily or seasonal bag limit: English sparrow, flying squirrel, red squirrel, chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, starling, weasel, and woodchuck.

Your Responsibilities as a Woodchuck Hunter

To hunt woodchucks, you need a Massachusetts hunting license (residents and non-residents, ages 15+). You will also need a Firearm Identification (FID) or License To Carry (LTC), depending on what firearm you are using. Follow all firearms laws, including no loaded guns in vehicles and respecting safety zones. Ready to take aim? Here are our top five rifles for woodchuck hunting in Massachusetts.

What Makes a Great Woodchuck Hunting Rifle?

A great woodchuck rifle doesn’t need to break the bank but should meet key requirements. Calibers like .22 LR, .17 HMR, or .22 WMR (.22 Magnum) offer accuracy, low recoil, and quiet operation compared to larger rifles or shotguns. Bolt-action or semi-auto rifles excel for shots between 50–200 yards, and a 3-9x scope enhances precision for small targets. Rifles must use 10-round magazines to comply with Massachusetts law and should be versatile for other varmints or target shooting. Our picks below check all these boxes.

Top 5 Rifles for Woodchuck Hunting in Massachusetts

1. Ruger 10/22 (.22 LR, Semi-Auto Rifle)

• Why It’s Great: The Ruger 10/22 is a varmint-hunting legend—reliable, accurate, with rapid follow-up shots. It’s ideal for woodchucks at 50–100 yards using .22 LR hollow-point ammo.
• MA Compliance: 10-round magazine; LTC required.
• Hunting Tip: Use CCI Mini-Mag HP ammo and aim for the head or heart-lung area for quick kills.

2. Savage Mark II FV (.22 LR, Bolt-Action Rifle)

• Why It’s Great: This bolt-action rifle offers pinpoint accuracy with an AccuTrigger, ideal for 50–150 yards. Its heavy barrel ensures stability for small targets.
• MA Compliance: 10-round magazine; FID or LTC.
• Hunting Tip: Use CCI Stinger ammo for extra velocity; hunt near burrows in late afternoon.

3. Ruger American Rimfire (.17 HMR, Bolt-Action Rifle)

• Why It’s Great: The .17 HMR delivers a flat trajectory and devastating impact, perfect for woodchucks at 100–200 yards. Its modular stock fits any shooter.
• MA Compliance: 10-round magazine; FID or LTC.
• Hunting Tip: Use Hornady V-MAX ammo and hunt from a blind for stealth.

4. Savage A22 Magnum (.22 WMR, Semi-Auto Rifle)

• Why It’s Great: The .22 WMR offers power for 100–150 yards, with semi-auto speed for quick follow-ups. The AccuTrigger enhances accuracy.
• MA Compliance: 10-round magazine; LTC required.
• Hunting Tip: Use CCI Maxi-Mag HP ammo and hunt along field edges.

5. CZ 457 Varmint (.17 HMR, Bolt-Action Rifle)

• Why It’s Great: Premium accuracy with a heavy barrel and adjustable trigger, ideal for 100–200 yards. The walnut stock adds class for serious hunters.
• MA Compliance: 5-round magazine; FID or LTC.
• Hunting Tip: Use Hornady 17-grain V-MAX ammo; shoot prone with a bipod for long-range shots.

Tips for Successful Woodchuck Hunting in Massachusetts

Woodchuck hunting is a rewarding way to protect your property and sharpen your skills. Here are five tips to ensure safe, successful hunts, brought to you by Tombstone Trading Company in Ware, MA.

• Time It Right: Woodchucks are active in late afternoon and early evening, especially in spring and summer. Scout fields or gardens from 4–7 p.m. when they feed.
• Find the Right Spot: Look for burrows near stone walls, field edges, or vegetable patches—common in the Pioneer Valley. Secure landowner permission to comply with Massachusetts law.
• Gear Up Smart: Equip your rifle (like our Ruger 10/22) with a 3-9x scope for precision at 50–200 yards. A bipod steadies shots, and camo helps you blend in.
• Hunt Ethically: Aim for quick, humane kills targeting the head or heart-lung area. Respect safety zones (150 yards from roads, 500 feet from dwellings without permission).
• Stay Safe: Never carry loaded firearms in vehicles, wear blaze orange near others, and check local bylaws. No Sunday hunting is allowed (MassWildlife rule).

Need gear or advice? Visit us at 126 W Main St, Ware, MA!

Why Choose Tombstone Trading Company?

Located at 126 W Main St, Ware, MA, Tombstone Trading Company is your one-stop shop for woodchuck hunting gear. We stock all kinds of varmint rifles, plus ammo, scopes, and accessories, with expert staff to guide you. As a small, locally owned business, we’re proud to serve the Pioneer Valley’s hunters.

Conclusion

These rifles make woodchuck hunting in Massachusetts effective, ethical, and fun. Whether you’re protecting your garden or farm, Tombstone Trading Company has the tools and expertise to help you succeed. Stop by 126 W Main St, Ware, MA. Join the Pioneer Valley’s varmint-hunting community today! #ChuckTheChuck