Last night I fired the shot to end the mini dynasty that had taken up residence here.
For six months I had a rabbit burrow under a cattle grid, and I shot most of the little buggers.
Everytime I thought I got them all, I filled in the burrow, only to find that the next day it was opened out again.
Try as I might, I wasn't able to get the last one or two.
So I resorted to the fumigant pellets that I am none too keen on using.
That finally finished them all, and the burrow has not been opened since, (2 months)
I have a shipping container near one of the sheds, and there were fresh scratchings around the area.
So I set up one night with the Nite Site, and sure enough there were 3 cotton tails coming out from under the container.
I shot one that night.
Two nights later I set up again, and observed two cottontails. I shot one of those which was a buck.
Then I set about to get the remaining last one, but it seemed to have a charmed life.
Over a period of three nights, it either didn't show up at all, or was always just on the limit of clear vision in the Nite Site.
I did take two shots, but missed on both occasions.
Last night it was also stretching the limit of range and visibility, coupled with young tree trunks that got in the line of sight.
I patiently waited, tracking its faint shape and meanderings.
I waited for nearly 2 hours, and finally it edged back to being in range as well as clear ground and vision.
The little .22rf completely took out the 1st neck joint under the skull, and it was all over.
Now I'm wondering what to do tonight.