For the last ~4 years, I have averaged nearly 1 tree rat per day. So, about 1200-1500 for the last four years up to 2021. In 2020, I killed at least 75 chipmunks, in 2021 I kept very accurate records and killed 72. The number of tree rats for 2021 was only 321 (plus or minus 1 or 2)... not quite one a day.
This year, since January 1, 2022 the numbers have been MUCH lower. I simply haven't had many opportunities for safe shots and am not seeing anywhere near the numbers I have seen over the last 4 years for tree rats or chipmunks.
This is ALL in my very small residential backyard. My entire lot is only about 1/5 of an acre, so obviously my backyard is very small, but it has 2 old Oak trees. Also, at the end of last year my neighbor cut down a Pecan tree that was menacing my house. One tree from his property had already fallen ON my house, so I am glad he took it down. But, I think that was a huge draw for the tree rats. So I have expected the numbers to be down a bit simply because of that, and my efforts over the last 4 years. (grin)
If I could safely shoot in my front yard, my numbers would be much higher, but safe shots there are very rare and even when I have a safe shot, because of certain neighbors, I can only take the shot about 5% of the time.
The numbers so far are:
January: 5 confirmed and 1 unconfirmed.
February: 2 confirmed kills, one was clean DRT headshot at ~50 yards and 1 unconfirmed
March: 7 confirmed kills and 1 unconfirmed
April to date: 11 confirmed (another one @ ~50 yards DRT head shot) and 2 unconfirmed.
Also killed my first 2 chipmunks. Both were heart shots and DRT at ~20 yards.
So, only 25 confirmed tree rats (5 unconfirmed, definitely hit, but could not find) over nearly 4 months where I have been averaging nearly 1 per day and the chipmunks are just starting to show up relatively frequently, so time will tell.
Sorry I haven't taken any photos. If there is enough interest, I will start taking photos of the chipmunks like I did last year. (Last chipper for 2021)
However, for various reasons, I won't post pics of the tree rats. The cats and Opossums that eat them requested that I don't. (grin)
Maybe it is because my health is not so good and maybe it is because I don't have as many safe shots as I used to, but I do miss shots more now than I have in the recent past.
Not making excuses, just stating the fact.
Good shooting to all!
This year, since January 1, 2022 the numbers have been MUCH lower. I simply haven't had many opportunities for safe shots and am not seeing anywhere near the numbers I have seen over the last 4 years for tree rats or chipmunks.
This is ALL in my very small residential backyard. My entire lot is only about 1/5 of an acre, so obviously my backyard is very small, but it has 2 old Oak trees. Also, at the end of last year my neighbor cut down a Pecan tree that was menacing my house. One tree from his property had already fallen ON my house, so I am glad he took it down. But, I think that was a huge draw for the tree rats. So I have expected the numbers to be down a bit simply because of that, and my efforts over the last 4 years. (grin)
If I could safely shoot in my front yard, my numbers would be much higher, but safe shots there are very rare and even when I have a safe shot, because of certain neighbors, I can only take the shot about 5% of the time.
The numbers so far are:
January: 5 confirmed and 1 unconfirmed.
February: 2 confirmed kills, one was clean DRT headshot at ~50 yards and 1 unconfirmed
March: 7 confirmed kills and 1 unconfirmed
April to date: 11 confirmed (another one @ ~50 yards DRT head shot) and 2 unconfirmed.
Also killed my first 2 chipmunks. Both were heart shots and DRT at ~20 yards.
So, only 25 confirmed tree rats (5 unconfirmed, definitely hit, but could not find) over nearly 4 months where I have been averaging nearly 1 per day and the chipmunks are just starting to show up relatively frequently, so time will tell.
Sorry I haven't taken any photos. If there is enough interest, I will start taking photos of the chipmunks like I did last year. (Last chipper for 2021)
However, for various reasons, I won't post pics of the tree rats. The cats and Opossums that eat them requested that I don't. (grin)
Maybe it is because my health is not so good and maybe it is because I don't have as many safe shots as I used to, but I do miss shots more now than I have in the recent past.
Not making excuses, just stating the fact.
Good shooting to all!