I got into airguns specifically to take care of some rats in my modest-sized suburban back yard. We also have rabbits and squirrels, but I like those critters. In fact, we put out our fruit and veggie scraps for the rabbits - which is how I got into the rat hunting business.
I started with a cheap Gamo springer, before I knew any better. In .177, no less! It was a Magnum and between the difficulty of cocking it, accuracy issues, and downright wrong caliber, I quickly spent a bunch of money on a PCP setup.
Anyway, on to the story...
I've had some decent success, taking out three rats so far, one per night. I camp in a dark part of the yard and shine a light onto the area where the rabbit food is. Rat comes sniffin around, and I shoot it. Pretty easy.
But not rat number four. This is the one I've started calling Speedy Gonzales.
The other rats were slow, creeping up to the food area. I'm only 15 yards away, so I do have to be still and silent, but I always got them. Sometimes it takes a couple of hours of waiting in the dark, though.
Now Speedy, he's built different. He doesn't stand still, he runs instead of creeps, and is generally a maniac. I've spotted him at least 15 times over three nights and never had a clean shot. He'll run out, grab some food, and before I can get my eye to the scope he's gone again. And even worse, it's around an hour before he comes back into my sight again! He also spooks at the slightest noise and disappears. I even feel like he can see me, when the other rats couldn't.
I'm going out there again tonight, hoping for a lucky shot. I'm figuring out his patterns and favorite foods, but it still won't be easy.
Wish me luck! And wish Speedy a swift departure from this earth.
I started with a cheap Gamo springer, before I knew any better. In .177, no less! It was a Magnum and between the difficulty of cocking it, accuracy issues, and downright wrong caliber, I quickly spent a bunch of money on a PCP setup.
Anyway, on to the story...
I've had some decent success, taking out three rats so far, one per night. I camp in a dark part of the yard and shine a light onto the area where the rabbit food is. Rat comes sniffin around, and I shoot it. Pretty easy.
But not rat number four. This is the one I've started calling Speedy Gonzales.
The other rats were slow, creeping up to the food area. I'm only 15 yards away, so I do have to be still and silent, but I always got them. Sometimes it takes a couple of hours of waiting in the dark, though.
Now Speedy, he's built different. He doesn't stand still, he runs instead of creeps, and is generally a maniac. I've spotted him at least 15 times over three nights and never had a clean shot. He'll run out, grab some food, and before I can get my eye to the scope he's gone again. And even worse, it's around an hour before he comes back into my sight again! He also spooks at the slightest noise and disappears. I even feel like he can see me, when the other rats couldn't.
I'm going out there again tonight, hoping for a lucky shot. I'm figuring out his patterns and favorite foods, but it still won't be easy.
Wish me luck! And wish Speedy a swift departure from this earth.
