Bagged a Bushytail

[longislandhunter]

Looked out the rear sliding glass doors into the backyard and saw a a couple of squirrels in the woods at the very back of my yard.  I usually don't hunt back there but the squirrel population in my yard has reached critical mass again, not sure where they're all coming from, and the feeders are being chewed on again, so I decided it was time to thin out the herd again.  

Went down into the basement, grabbed my Winchester 1000 .177 and a couple of Crosman Premier Domes and snuck out the basement entrance into the backyard.  The two tree rats were running through the tops of a couple of big maple trees.  I eased my way back to the woods, keeping my eyes fixed on the larger of the two squirrels.  When I was approx. 15 yards from the tree he was in he saw me and immediately scurried to the opposite side fo the tree like they always do.  The other tree rat took off deeper into the woods.  

For the next 10 minutes I played peek-a-boo with the squirrel, and almost got a shot a couple of times but I could only see part of his head so I held fire.  Finally he made the fatal mistake of not quite being far enough on the opposite side of the trunk and I had my headshot.  Put the crosshairs just below his eye, squeezed the trigger and I heard the "Smack" of the Crosman Domed hitting home.  He clung to the trunk for about a second and then fell to the ground.  A couple of twitches and that was it.  

Secured my quarry, skinned and cleaned him, and he's now resting comfortably in the refrigerator.  Gonna have squirrel for lunch tomorrow :)

[Black Mamba]

Nice job!!

Hehe, he looks a bit wet.  Musta been all that sweating before the end.

[shadow]

He,s back in action folk's. GREAT SHOT Jeff and I got to tell you ' I was missing your hunt pic's and stories guy. But as alway's you bring home dinner. Those pic's have got some great detail to them too. I think those bushytail's are getting spring fever, I've noticed a increase in activity here too. I'm focused on this fox hunt I'm on, the snow stopped at last so he should be out and hungery. Good to see that you may be feeling  better and again great to see you back in action fellow hunter. Ed

[longislandhunter]

Thanks Mamba, thanks Ed,

Yeah, it definately felt good to be "back in action".  My back is feeling much better, although I'm still in quite a bit of pain and still have to be very careful what I do.  I'm definately on the mend, will just have to take it slow for awhile.

You're right Mamba, the squirrel is all wet.  The other night we got about 4 inches of snow dumped on us so when Mr. squirrel took his dive to earth he just about disappeared into the snow.  I should've taken a picture of the area around where the squirrel died.  I never saw a squirrel spew so much blood in my life.  There was blood everywhere.  It looked like the blood trail a well hit deer might leave after getting stuck with an arrow.  

Good luck with that Fox Ed.  I'd really like to see pics of that when you bag em.  :)

Jeff

Jeff How's the Win1000x been for you? Does it shoulder fairly well?
Bart

[Big_Bill]

HayJeff,

Great Stalking and shooting.

I had one cursing at me today while I was shoveling some of that snow we got yesterday. Just sat up the tree chattering away. Thinks he's the he bull in MY yard, well we'll see about that!

I'll tell ya, I can't take being cursed at by a tree rat, boils my blood.

Great shootin,

Bill

[longislandhunter]

Hey Bart,

I find it very comfortable when shouldered and I like the "feel" of the gun.  I also have to say that it is without a doubt the hardest hitting of all my .177 rifles.  I also think it's a good looking rifle.  I bought the synthetic stocked version first and was so impressed with it's power I immediately bought the wood stocked version.  

The synthetic stocked rifle has quite a bit of twang and vibration to it,,,, the wooden version is much better.  the trigger on both guns is VERY STIFF, however I've gotten used to it and don't really have any problems with it anymore.  I also have to say that both guns are extremely accurate if I do my part, shooting dime sized bullseye groups with a heck of an impact.

As much as I like the rifles, and I really do,,,, I have to tell you that they really are "harsh" as compared to my Gamos or other rifles. However I knew that when I bought them.  I bought them for their hitting power and I'm still amazed at how hard they spit pellets.  

My synthetic stocked gun came with a Winchester 3x9x32 scope that I will admit is not the best scope in the world, but it serves me well so I've left it on the gun and have no intention of removing it.

The wooden stocked gun came with a 4x32 AO scope that works great.  Again, not the best scope on the market, but I have no complaints with it's performance and have no plans on replacing it.  

If you are interested in a .177 rifle that really packs a WHALLOP then pick one up and give it a try.  There are a couple of reviews on the gun in the "Review Gate",  one of them posted by me.   Do a search and read them if you're thinking of getting one.  

Jeff

[longislandhunter]

Hey Bill,

Yeah,,, don't ya just hate it when they sit up in the tree and bark at ya?  It's almost like they're tellin us to get outa "their" yard.  

Jeff

[shadow]

Hehe, yea their all talk until they see me walk back out with one of my anti- chatter tool's. Running back to momma and I think they know what all my airgun's look like too, dont know why though hehe. Ed

Pics dont work!,Gotta re-do them,please!

[longislandhunter]

Hey Yote,

Good to hear from ya buddy.  How ya doing????   Takin good care of that Shadow???

Anyway, the pics are working Yote, must be something on your end.  Try again.

Jeff

[nyairman]

Nice shooting Jeff. Warmer weather is on the way and I'm sure those tree rats will be barking up a storm.
Greg

[longislandhunter]

Hey Greg,

I just looked out into the back of my yard and there's a couple of them frolicking in the snow.  I'm dying to go out and thin the herd a little more, but it's raining and I just don't wanna get the rifle wet.  If I could shoot from inside the house I'd do it, but I'd have to go outside to get a shot at them where they are.  Oh well, they're probably laughing at me.  

Jeff

[nyairman]

I know what you mean Jeff. They know you don't want your rifles gettin wet so they flaunt and frolic and taunt. I am thinking that the "herd" will soon be thinned out once the weather breaks. Have fun. BTW,...I have a huge flock of English Sparrows that really need to be thinned out. Problem is they all gather in the front yard and the frontyard is not the best place to shoot. So I am baiting the backyard hoping the flock may take the bait. Time will tell. If I have success I will post some pics. Keep your pics coming as we all enjoy to see the fruits of your labor of love.

Greg