Hello all.
Enjoying all the carnage and what not that's been going on lately and have one of my own.
We recently had a chipmunk move into (read that as re-dig up) an old chipmunk hole that was filled. Normally I wouldn't be so concerned but this particular hole was right smack dab next to one of our septic system vent pipes. The previous owner was given a lead enema and we found out that when vacated, the whole seems to suit ground wasps. Ugh! So, when I saw the area occupied yet again two days ago I knew I'd have to do something.
Yesterday was the first time I got a look at him and I must admit, he was pretty. Be that as it may, I had the B30 out for target practice and saw my opportunity. I took a shot and realized I had not done my homework first. I hit about 6" in front of him and he was down the hole before I could blink. I figured if I was gonna do it right I'd better come up with a game plan. My oldest daughter and I measured the distance to his hole at 37 yards from my deck (and shooting spot) and I commenced to working a target at that distance layed at ground level. Only took 5 shots to realize what I had to do and so I packed it up for the night and put out some yummies for the chipper. This morning bright and early at 9am I looked out to see a brown thingy moving around in the spot. I grabbed the B30, loaded a .22 15.8gr JSB Exact and went to my bench. Took him in my sights, started breathing and all and when I felt right I let fly! It hit him so hard it knocked the food out of his mouth but unfortunately I saw that he was trying to get back to his hole....poorly. I loaded another round and put the scope on him only to believe that he'd made it into the hole. I was NOT happy with myself. I realized that I was now going to have to dig him out.
After some grocery shopping my daughter and I got a shovel, 5 gal. bucket and gloves and reluctantly went out to begin our dig. Lo' and behold, when we got there the chipper was still in the grass stiff as a log. I was very surprised with what I found and quickly realized that a .22 and a chipmunk are a destructive mix.
Here's the proof.
Entry side
Exit Side
As you can see, the round hit high and completely shattered his backbone then exited. Hellova lump. Now I know why he didn't go anywhere after the shot. He died pretty quick too. When I thought he made it to the hole he actually expired. Maybe....6 seconds after the shot.
