Hello, I am new to this forum. I am an avid shotgunner and like to shoot varmints.
I just got back sunday from the Klamath Basin on a trip to shoot rats. Apparently the winter really took its toll on the rats, as those in the valley were nonexistent. We hunted a number of alfalfa fields and really spent time glassing. No rats or sign of them.
We then traveled to our old stomping grounds east of Klamath and did find a few. But the Rockchucks were plentiful, as we had not hunted that area in three seasons. I was shooting a 223 with target knobs on the scope and using a rangefinder. We would set up so we could see the dens and spot with a spotting scope. The normal ranges were around 200 yards. The wind was either blowing at our backs or blowing in our faces, depending on where we set up. Problems with the wind became quite apparent, although I have had many years of experience shooting in the windy conditions.
The wind was raising the bullet at 200 yards enough to shoot over the mature chucks. I finally had to adjust the scope to a 100 yard setting to make those kills. I have had similar experiences over the years, but this was the most difficult.
Anyway, I ended up shooting 33 chucks on friday afternoon and saturday. Just like the old days.
Thanks for having such a nice shooting forum.
Fred
I just got back sunday from the Klamath Basin on a trip to shoot rats. Apparently the winter really took its toll on the rats, as those in the valley were nonexistent. We hunted a number of alfalfa fields and really spent time glassing. No rats or sign of them.
We then traveled to our old stomping grounds east of Klamath and did find a few. But the Rockchucks were plentiful, as we had not hunted that area in three seasons. I was shooting a 223 with target knobs on the scope and using a rangefinder. We would set up so we could see the dens and spot with a spotting scope. The normal ranges were around 200 yards. The wind was either blowing at our backs or blowing in our faces, depending on where we set up. Problems with the wind became quite apparent, although I have had many years of experience shooting in the windy conditions.
The wind was raising the bullet at 200 yards enough to shoot over the mature chucks. I finally had to adjust the scope to a 100 yard setting to make those kills. I have had similar experiences over the years, but this was the most difficult.
Anyway, I ended up shooting 33 chucks on friday afternoon and saturday. Just like the old days.
Thanks for having such a nice shooting forum.
Fred