Panther Hunt

[longislandhunter]

Finished my yard work by 3pm and was to tired to do any more work so I decided to take the .22 Panther for a walk at the duck farm and just relax for awhile.  Got to the duck farm and parked in my usual spot and immediately saw a fat G-hog that was sitting up and had watched me pull in.  Well, I knew I didn't have a chance to get that g-hog so I just got my gear, loaded up and started walking.  

As I walked past where the g-hog had been standing and watching me I looked at the closest grain feeders, which were 50 yards away, and saw a large flock of pigeons picking grain.  They hadn't seen me so I took advantage of some thick, tall weeds  to help me close the gap.  I crouched down and began slowly closing the distance.  The birds couldn't see me as I approached and I managed to get within 25 yards.  I had to stand up to shoot and I knew the birds would only give me few seconds to find a target and shoot so I got ready, stood up and looked through the scope.  Sure enough the birds started lifting off but I managed to find a nice fat pigeon in the scope that was still on the ground.  Pulled the trigger and sent the CPH on it's way.  Heard the "POP" and saw the pigeon flop over on it's side.  1/2 my dinner was on the ground  :)   PIcked up the bird, reloaded and moved on to find another target.

Worked my way all the way to the south end of the farm and found a nice spot to sit and snipe starlings that were raiding 4 feeders that were packed with grain.  I sat under a large pine tree that was 30 yards from the feeders and I managed to pick off 7 starlings in about 30 minutes.  A flock would land on the feeders or in the trees , I'd drop a bird, the flock would take off, then I'd wait a few minutes for another flock to come in to feed.  It was a great spot, nice and shady and cool and the usually wary starlings couldn't see me if I didn't move.  I'll set up in that spot again with one of my regular .177 bird rifles.  While I was sitting there I had one lone pigeon come buzzing in.  It landed on the far side of the feeders but it hadn't seen me so I just waited.  

Sure enough the bird worked it's way around one of the feeders and gave me a shot.  The CPH slammed home, I love the way they sound when they hit a pigeon, and pigeon #2 was down  :)   Retrieved my pigeon and 3 of the starling, the other starlings were  shot from the trees around the feeders and fell into drainage area filled with duck poop :( so I couldn't get them for pics,,,, and I moved on to try and find a g-hog.  

I worked my way back to the north end of the farm and while I did spot 5 g-hogs, 2 of which I attempted stalks on, I never got within range.  What I did get within range of though was 2 hungry rabbits that were stealing grain  :)   I dropped one of em with a 15 yard head shot and the other with a 20 yard head shot.   After retrieving the rabbits I decided to head home as the weather was starting to look gloomy and dark.  

Took some pics of the days tally,,,, even took a pic of the "plated" pigeons and 1 of the rabbits that I fried up for a late dinner.  After coating the pieces with a heavy layer of cajun seasoning I fried  em in oil with some bacon fat added for flavor.  Fried em until the canun seasoned just started to "blacken" and get crispy.  What a perfect end to a great hunt...    :)

Jeff

[Progun]

Now that's what I'm talking about! Way to go Jeff.Great hunt and I can almost taste dinner.

[tjk]

I'm tellin' ya Jeff. We need a recipe gate on the GTA!!!!! Let me talk to Bob and PC!!! tjk

[Timmyj1959@yahoo.com]

Once again Jeff,, you have one upped us all!! Great story as always,, LOVE the fact you used the Panther!!  LOVE the pics.!! The pic of the "Final" product is the BEST EVER!! I never thought of that,,,,,,, till now!!!!!LOL!! Great hunt Jeff!!  Ya think maybe Harry & I could tag along some day?? I have the coolest camo bath robe & slippers,,, Harry prefers to hunt "barefoot" (Part Indian I guess??) Give us a TV,deck rail, or a window sill to rest on,, & your outdone!!LOL!! Seriously,, as always,, Nice hunt Jeff,, your THE MAN!!  Tim.

[longislandhunter]

Thanks guys,,,,,  

When I looked at that plate of "critters" and saw how lovely it looked I just had to share it  :)

Jeff

[Timmyj1959@yahoo.com]

Share?? I did not even get one bite?? Shure looked mouth watering though!! He He He!! Tim.

[daveshoot]

I like the prey-to-food photo transition. That's what it's all about. I love going into a woods and walking out with food.

Indelicate vermin are, of course, a public service. All depends where you are and what are considered "vermin". But "edible" is a huge plus.

[only1harry]

Very nice hunt, story, shooting and pics Jeff!!

I 'm drewling over that cooked game on the plate! :-)
Now I have to find me a farmer around here that will let me hunt on their property.  I 'm going to solicit a couple this weekend.  I have to go rehearse what I 'm going to say to them.  Any pointers?  Should I type up a permission slip for them to sign saying they allow me to hunt on their property for pest control purposes just in case someone questions me?  I believe NY state law dictates you must have written permission from the land owner to hunt on someone else's property.  

How do you normally approach a farm/landowner?  Do you say to them you offer free pest control services?

[Big_Bill]

Great account of you hunt Jeff,

What a successful dinner, and so delicious looking too ! Made my mouth water !

Your wife's a lucky women Jeff, you can shoot great, and cook great too !

And to think, I had to eat pizza tonight :)

Bill

[longislandhunter]

Harry,,, the D.E.C. website used to have a "permission to hunt" form that you could download and print,,, not quite sure if it's still available.  If it's not it's a simple enough document to draft.  

As for what technique to use when approaching landowners,,,,,, I guess everyone has their own approach but presenting a good appearance, being respectful, honest and friendly are of course a given.  I always make it a point to offer to share whatever game I harvest, some will take you up on the offer and some won't,,  Also,  once you receive permission a gift for the farmer and his family around the holidays always goes a long way to show how much you appreciate the privilege they have given you.  I always make it a point to let the farmer know that I would never bring anyone else onto the property without permission and if granted permission I always ask the farmer what areas are ok to hunt on and what areas, if any, he wants me to stay away from.  The other thing I always do is that if the farmer refuses to give me permission I just smile, politely thank him for his time and move on.  

As you would expect most farmers are taken by surprise when I mention that I will be hunting using an air rifle.  I always stress the fact that my "weapon" doesn't have any loud firearm type report and that for the most part my shooting will be fairly close range.  Both of these facts always seem to be received well.  I'm sure the fact that you have a law enforcement background would be received as a plus,,,, I know it always helps me.....

It's hit or miss,,, some farmers will gladly let you hunt,, some will just say no,,, but that's ok.   Sometimes I'll check back with them the following year and they will say "ok".  

I don't really concern myself with getting written permission here but that's simply because I work with all the county cops and the local DEC officers,,, however written permission is certainly the way to go if you can get it.  

Jeff

[GoodOlRWS45]

I wrote up a form for a couple of local farmers, which they said was the only reason they gave me permission;


PRIVATE PROPERTY HUNTING PERMIT



This form grants the hunter below permission to be on the premises located at:


Owned by:



For the purpose of PEST BIRD and RODENT removal, by the sole method of AIR RIFLE HUNTING.  By signing below, the hunter releases the property owner above from all liability for any damages and/or injuries that may occur on said property, and assumes full responsibility for any damages and/or injuries caused by hunter, while on said property. This permit is valid for the time specified below, in accordance with all Federal, State, and Local laws, and can be revoked by said Property Owner or Authorized Representative at any time.



PERMIT VALID FROM:___________________ TO:____________________


PROPERTY OWNER/REPRESENTATIVE__________________________________  DATE_______________
                                    SIGNATURE

HUNTER:____________________________________    DATE:______________
               SIGNATURE



It's worked for two farmers so far...giving me about 4500 acres to hunt in.

[RainDog]

 Boy, that looks and sounds official. Good idea.

 I'd probably just flash a fake badge at 'em, y'know? Slip 'em a few bucks under the table, maybe. Play it by ear.

 No reason to resort to physical intimidation unless it was absolutely necessary.

 haha,
 Parks

[leftcoast1]

Great account of your hunt Jeff. They look much better brown and crispy then feathered and fured lol. Keep the stories and pics coming.

[gamo2hammerli]

Wow...that's what I call a good days hunting...not even, only a few hours. Beautiful shooting and hunting story. The meal looks delicious.

[only1harry]

Thanks Jeff and Johnathan!  
Good advice Jeff, and boy that document looks really good.  I 'd probably say just pest control instead of limiting myself to birds & rodents and include the words "small-game animal removal"..  I can get creative now but you gave me a good start, thanks to both of you!
Harry