Although for just on 7 years I have driven past their house several times each and every day of the week, today was the first time that I had some time on my hands, as well as actually seeing them sitting out the front of their house.
So I thought I'd stop and formally introduce myself rather than just a wave as I drive past.
Initial introductions over,,,,,, this lady proceeded to say,,,,, "I don't like you"
Somewhat flabbergasted I asked WHY ?
To which she replied,,,,,,,, "You shoot guns and kill things, and I don't like you. I can hear the shots,, and I live in fear of bullets ripping through our house.
And, I've written letters to the local MP and the Council about what you do."
So I pull out my phone and show her some photos of various sheep, goats, etc that have been ripped apart and left to die slowly by feral dogs on some of the properties that have asked me to get rid of the feral dogs on.
I explained the cost incurred on the property owners by these dogs,,, and that the majority of the shots she may hear coming from my property is simply me verifying the zero before I head out at night.
She said,,,,, "So your not shooting animals at that time ?"
Although tempted to say Oh yes,,, I tie up kittens and cute little frogs and shoot them for target practice,,,,,,,,,,, I declined.
I asked what response did she get from her letter writing ?? ,,,,,,,, and suggested that maybe she should have simply knocked on my door and expressed her concern/s about hearing shots emanating from my property.
I never got a reply about knocking on the door,,,,, but she did say that the local MP and the Council had advised her that I can both safely and legally shoot on my property at any time I choose seeing as it is a rural/agricultural property.
She then gave me a ? in depth assurance that she knows the difference of sound between a rifle shot and a shotgun, because she lived on a farm when she was a child (approx 70 years ago) and that she used to work for a Council.
All of these credentials are I'm guessing a must,, if you deem yourself to be an expert in the inherent danger of hearing a few shots fired, but neither willing or attempting to broach the issue face on.



Her husband on the other hand is a highly intelligent fellow,,,, and quite amenable,, understanding,,, and may I add "tolerant"