Roy wrote:

A well placed shot in the head will solve a ground hog problem
imediately...



It's too bad this option is not available to some gardeners.

If it is a possible solution in your area, I recommend a .22 caliber.
They have enough range to get to a woodchuck and they don't make much
noise (thereby alerting the neighbors). A 12 gauge is much safer in
suburban areas, because it doesn't have much range, but you have to get
closer to the chuck and the neighbors are sure to notice.

If you opt for the .22, use it from an upstairs window if possible so
the trajectory is downwards into the ground and pay close attention to
the background of what you're shooting at.