Side-gig neglect

I've been a bit neglectful over the last few weeks. It's not like me to be honest as I generally have a solid work-ethic however it's been a few weeks since I went to the farm and did some culling...A role the owner of the land relies upon me to do. It's not through lack of opportunity, just that I've been more interested in devoting my time elsewhere.

I went tonight though figuring if I didn't the farmer might get annoyed and replace me as the official culling-shooter, something he can do on a moment's notice. So shooting I went. You can see me below on arrival just after 1730H, the sun was falling rapidly to the horizon so I hiked my way to where I'd operate fairly quickly to get set up. The animals tend to get more active at sundown so I wanted to be in-place, set and ready to operate.

I've got my culling rifle on my shoulder above and there it is below with me hand-modelling it. This was taken last night when I was getting my load-out sorted.

I built this rifle specifically for culling, based on a Tikka CTR .243 calibre stainless rifle. I've mounded it in a custom-made carbon fibre stock, bedded of course, fitted an APA GEN 3 Little Bastard muzzle brake, changed the bolt handle to carbon fibre for further weight-reduction, and fitted the Kahles 624i(6-24x56) scope with the SKMR3 reticle in first focal plane (MRAD). It's a fairly lightweight scope, but tough as hell, and the optics are amazing. Add to that the Atlas bi-pod, an Accuracy First scope level and it's complete; A decent culling rig, hard-hitting and accurate to 1000 metres plus.

Overall the rifle weighs in at only four kilograms so is relatively easy to carry around when moving, a good thing considering the size and terrain of the farm, and I've shot it accurately to great distance. I have to make head shots on kangaroos and so having a reliable and repeatable rifle is essential. Of course I need the skills as well, which I have.

I was settling down into position to await the setting of the sun and as usual tend to take in my surroundings. I ranged the field of fire and did all the shooting-related things but also listened to the birds, crickets, frogs, breeze in the trees and grass and generally felt pretty content to be away from people and closer to nature.

I'm fortunate to have sole-access to this property so running into someone is never going to happen and having that solitude gives me a lot of enjoyment...There's something beautiful and relaxing about sitting there as nature winds down for another day and the night creatures emerge. I find a lot of peace in it.

Of course the kookaburras herald the setting of the sun with their laughing call and then as the sun goes down which is when things get lively...Meaning I have to get my game face on and start shooting. Just before that happened I found a cool feather though, I think it may be from a kookaburra. Worth a snap I reckon. The blue colour on it was awesome but doesn't show well in the photo I'm afraid. You'll have to imagine it.

As the sun dipped the colours changed and I grabbed a few snaps to try and show it but I guess my phone photos don't really do it justice; You need to be there. Let me know if you want to, I'd be happy to have you along sometime.

Around 1930H the sun was gone and as the last colour drained from the sky I went to work. It was a productive evening in that regard although around 2030 I took the time to sit in the dark and watch the full moon rise which started off reddish-orange before making its way through to gold, yellow then off-white...It was a nice few minutes and then I decided it was time to call it a night. My headlight had died by then so I hiked back under moonlight only using my gun-mounted spotlight in the more difficult sections so I didn't fall off and die. Never a good thing as it's so much paperwork for the farmer. I don't mind being out there alone in the dark although it can feel a little spooky. I'm used to it and to be honest I'm the most dangerous thing out there, so I'm not worried.

I reported in to the farmer on the way home, gave him the numbers so he could add them to the annual tally; He has to keep records as his property is only allowed to cull a certain amount of kangaroos per year. He was happy with the count and I was happy knowing they will stay away for a few days after being shot at a little; That's actually the aim of it, not eradication.

Something I did notice tonight was rabbits, loads of rabbits, which is a problem. I don't normally shoot them, or see that many to be honest, so I have a suspicion he'll be on my back about doing so in the coming weeks. I'm not a fan of shooting rabbits, Especially around Easter as I like chocolate Easter eggs! Anyway, we'll see how that goes.

So, the farmer is happy, I've met my side-gig obligation and learned a valuable lesson...Two is one and one is none as far as certain equipment goes...Batteries for my head light I mean. I wasn't pleased I made that error, which is unusual for me, but I'll not do it again.