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["Alan Haigh" <alandhaigh@gmail.com>]

The most species specific bait for groundhogs and quite affective is broken up cabbage to which I add some broken carrot, trailing into the trap to override their cautious nature.  The most sure-fire way to trap them is to set the trap next to their hole.  I have a very experienced gardener neighbor who routinely traps them this way with no bait at all- seems their eyes take some time to adjust to light.  Over the years I have always managed to trap my chuck before damage to my vegetable garden becomes too severe even if I can't find the hole.  It's helpful to know where they enter a garden and set the trap accordingly.

 

On mulching I suggest that in early April (Zone 6) you spread a few sheets of newspaper over about an 6-8' circle of ground from the base of trees and spread hay, wood chips or whatever over it.  I use enough to completely conceal newspaper at least.  If you want to deter competition for water and nutrients further you can string-whack the weeds outside of this a few feet every couple of weeks through about June.  By midsummer, research doesn't show much benefit in suppressing competition.