That's kind of the same boat I'm in here in northerastern South Dakota KYODE. If'n I see a groundhog I take em out as they are quite scarce and considered a trophy around here. In my 50 years I think I maybe shot a dozen or so, and 4 of them were last summer in town with the Super 14 .22 LR Contender.

Now Flickertail Gophers (and Prairie Dogs) are a totally different story. I also take em out every chance I get. I think it was growing up on a farm, and as a young boy that was my JOB, keeping the Flickertail Gopher population in check in the family's pasture.

Larry

PS, If we have 6 more weeks of winter that means I will have to be out and about for 3 of it, since I have 3 more weeks of House Patrol left. AND the good news is, this morning we have Water in town. Man the little things I life we get used to.