Out of the hide

in Outdoors and more3 years ago

Crispy, is the best way to describe it; Walking around out here is like walking on corn chips, every step making a crackling sound that could have awoken the dead...But there was no dead to awaken out here, just me.

It's not beautiful when it's like this I think, but that's Australia, land of contrast and I love it. Summers can be brutal and even after several days of downpours only a week ago it still resembles a sea of crispy knee-length grass.

Following instructions

I shoot on this working cattle farm often, my job being the control of feral animals; I've written about the reasons why in the past. Deer, kangaroos, foxes, rabbits and hares are on the pest list.

It was kangaroos last night and the farmer had asked that I target a particular spot on the property where they seem to be congregating in numbers...I'm here to do a job and I do it effectively, so roger that cobber I'm a trusted shooter, registered on the culling license for this farm, and I do as the farmer bids; Doing otherwise would make me an unfit person to shoot here.


This panoramic photo shows a 180° field of fire - I found this spot in some shade and managed to dispatch some targets.

Out of the hide

I was free-styling, moving about rather than sitting in the one spot. It's more work of course, more effort, but it was rewarded.

I've had to be careful because I saw a snake early on, a deadly Eastern Brown, and for some idiotic reason I put shorts on so...Dumbass huh? I'm trying to find a balance between moving quietly and making enough noise to scare the snakes away. Moving isn't ideal I guess though, move little, look a lot is usually the order of the day as kangaroos can be flighty.

I have a few snipers hides I prefer to shoot from, spots with great views and nice breezes most often. They're up high and my slope-angle of fire is only slightly downwards; A comfortable shooting position when prone.

Not last night though. I was shooting mostly at an upward slope-angle meaning an horrific arch in my back when laying prone and back pain to follow.


A screen capture off my ballistics calculator, StrelokPro. This is how one works out the angle. As I move the crosshairs up and down the angle is measured and pressing OK sets it in the centre, currently reading zero. You can see the slope-angle in the top left, 7°.

I chose this shady spot as it was very warm in the sun this afternoon; I was concerned about falling limbs from the gum trees overhead, but I didn't get crushed so it's all good. As I waited a kookaburra started singing away overhead, not unusual around here...A nice counterpoint to the breeze in the trees...And the creaking, squeaking tree limbs.


There's those gum trees I mentioned; Welcome shade but they're prone to drop limbs occasionally - Never camp under gum trees folks.

Time to work

Four hoppers came over the fence one by one not long after I took that photo...I was laying back on my backpack writing this text when I heard them cross the fence about 150m away; The fence sort of twangs as they push through it's taut wires. I watched them hop away up the hill about 400 metres and then stop to crop some grass. I moved into position and did my job.

Below is data I relied on to make those shots above. It changes as it cools and the sun dips below the horizon, the density altitude will drop and one has to make adjustments to the elevation dialled in - More elevation as the density altitude drops. I get new readings periodically because as light fades it's more difficult to make accurate shots so the DOPE is even more vital to the shot.


Above the first page of StrelokPro shows the rifle and ammunition profile, information I've inserted when I set up that rifle profile, and some of the inputs required to calculate the shot: Distance, slop- angle, wind speed, wind direction and coriolis which was not really a factor at the ranges I was shooting yesterday though.


The actual DOPE chart calculated from the details of the initial page as above. I was only shooting between 325-550m today so between 1.3 to 3.6MRAD of elevation. That elevation input is dialled into the elevation turret on the scope. I used hold-over for the windage, as I mostly do.

As I wandered about I came by some of the locals...I mean the cattle. They're pretty friendly really, some will follow me around like a lost puppy's and others shy away when I come close. Of course, they're way bigger than little lost puppies and some stare me down as if they want to kill me. These cows will be on people's plates eventually.

I ended up finding another spot and laid back to write some of this text whilst waiting for the sun to dip below the horizon...Things tend to get fairly lively around then, but I had an hour to wait so got most of this post written, and what a lovely location to write a post in!


Here's me kicking back waiting for sunset with tools of the trade nearby. My .243 culling platform, binoculars and range finder. From here I was able to shoot all the way around to my left, and I did so.

I had a fairly productive afternoon/evening and left around 2100. On the way out I sent a message to the farmer and gave him the tally; He has to keep count as he only has permission to take so many kangaroos a year; It's regulated. I've never shot up to the annual tally yet though, a few hundred...But last night the barrel got hot, meaning a lot of shots, and I put a sizable dent in the tally.

Thanks for reading and if you have any questions about my equipment, the process or anything else you know what to do. 👇


Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.

Be well
Discord: galenkp#9209

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What a wonderful way of lifestyle. Watching the farm but at the same time enjoying the beautiful nature. Not only that you can also enjoy your hobby (shooting.) It's perfect to avoid draining-crowded places. Just stay there, sitting there and sightseeing. I could feel the delicious feeling of being there.

By the way, I love the photos. It's so clear and beautiful.

I'm very fortunate to have a retreat like this exclusively for my own...Although I have to share it with the cows. I love going out there and soaking up the silence although I have a job to do and get it done when required.

Those images were taken on my phone and luckily they came out ok. I took one of a kangaroo in the distance also but it just looked like a tiny blob. I'll have to take my camera if I want to show people the wildlife.

Thanks for commenting.

Those calculations and stuff are pretty cool. I remember the name of the app from a few months ago, that’s some good stuff. Kind of crazy to think people do that stuff on the fly with a snipe partner or themselves with a pen and paper or just in their head. Shooting long range is more about math than the average office worker will ever use in their lifetime lol.

Remarkable scenery for sure. Have you gotten close to the limit in any of the years?

Why does the farmer want the hares and stuff taken out as well?

 3 years ago (edited) 

They don't do it on the fly...They just have DOPE (data on previous engagements) to work off which is why I record every shot and the data around it, for the future...In case my phone battery dies.

I carry dope cards with me at all times when shooting, calculated at varying density altitudes and ranges so that they are accurate. I test them and they're all based on actual data. I have shot off them out to over 1000m. Good data in will mean a good result out. Last night I recorded the 13 shots I made in this way.

Back in the old days snipers used to Kentucky windage it, these days the range finders have built in ballistics calculators/solvers in them so when the spotter ranges a target it delivers a FFS (field firing solution). My range finder does this, but I prefer the less easy way as it keeps my skills sharp. It also means I'm more able to adjust as conditions change if rapid firing is required. And if all the fancy stuff is one day not available...Homie can still fuck shit up.

Modern snipers won't use pen and paper, they have ballistics solvers exactly like mine, Applied Ballistics etc. Plus things like the Kestrel 5700 or Vectronix range finders. What looks like solutions in their head is usually just them reading a dope card and applying experience. Hence recording data from every shot. Don't believe the movies...It doesn't work like that in real life.

Of course, there's also some element of skill and past experience in every shot. that's why I shoot so much...So if it needs to count I can bring the mojo.

Sorry, didn't answer your questions @cmplxty...

  • Yes, I've got close. This year the limit was increased for that reason. It generally works by acreage though. It's unlikely I'll reach the limit this year though.

  • Rabbits and hares build warrens which fuck up the ground. Both introduced species so they have to die. Cow falls in warren hole, cow breaks leg, cow get's shot. $1800/head...So costly.

Amazing the technology involved. As a kid we'd had a can about 100 meters away and keep shooting at it and aligning the sites until we got it.

Then we knew the gun was aligned (for 100 meters anyway) we had shot guns and a .22 rifle. I loved that thing.

Long range, less kick back, didn't leave you deaf. Provided all the fire power you needed. Small hole in the front nothing left in the back.

Shot gun was a lot easier, especially for shooting ducks. The problem with using shot guns with shooting ducks is when you cook em up and eat them your constantly spitting out lead pallets.

Lead is quite toxic and farmful to people so not a good idea to keep ingesting it.

Cousins shoot boars each night with 303 they're a plague up in food bowl towns. Destroying crops, dangerous too. They don't always drop. 303 is needed

Some pig hunters in the family huh? I've done lots of that too...Still do. I use .308 for it mainly, but always have a shotgun slung on my back for when those big ol' buggers don't go down. I generally go with a bow hunter and if he misses I blast away...Dangerous buggers those pigs. A .303 usually does the job and I have one, but it served in the First World War and is not something I shoot much. I have it more for the historical value, and when shit goes down I'll be able to bang away like Billy Sing on it. Google Billy someday.

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My bad wrong gun. That's it there. I just went it ripped it off fams FB page. We do have a 303 but doesn't get used. I remember the kick back being painful which is why I don't like shot guns that much.

img_0.9291640358025157.jpg

I have a compound bow but don't shoot animals with it. Its not clean I only use it to shoot at gun clubs and in the bush. I suck at a normal bow and arrow. Can not shoot straight.

At least with Boars you can make Salami in winter with them.

I've missed out on heaps due to COVID. I also have an air rifle. Old school pump down and lock it.

Yep, the .303 SMLE tends to kick like a mule...Makes one respect the soldiers who had to shoot the mad minute to quality on the range.

You should be posting in the The Pew: Guns & more Community

I haven't gone out in over a year due to lock down. When I went up on Christmas/new years couldn't go shooting due to lil ones.

I might pop some posts up. P.s. that's a 180 psi compound bow. Gets harder as you get older lol

Lol...Don't mention the 'O' word...Maybe we should say, gets harder the wiser you get! Sounds better than the 'O' word.

The English longbow had a draw-weight of between 80-150 pounds...180? I'd need hydraulics.

I got my uncle to draw it back once. We waited and waited and waited 🤣🤣 probably over kill and useless but meh

The amount of information you can get on each shot O_O

What are you talking about that countryside is still beautiful, just also potentially fire hazard XD and I will always love our blue skies.

Definitely a nice spot to write a post in :)

I like the technical aspect of shooting at long range, although I wasn't at what I'd call long range last night. I collect the data and it all comes in handy for some point in the future, especially in the advent of the tech not working for whatever reason. (no battery, broken etc.)

Yeah, it's got an appeal of it's own...Australia is like that right? Just really diverse. There's certainly nothing wrong without blue skies, that's for sure. Come winter I'll be posting pictures of the same place with lush green grass and flowing creak. I like it better, although my boots get muddy!

This is like watching a surgeon work. So many details. The app for calculating the shot data looks amazing, even though I can't make most of the things in there. But I'm not a shooter. However, I can appreciate the landscape. It looks like the sun could cook you, but it's beautiful nonetheless. What was the final count of shots fired?

There's a bit involved at making longer shots although that night I could have simply guesstimated it and still made head shots considering the range I was shooting at.

It was a fairly hot day, not as hot as today (39C) but that's South Australia at this time of year, hot and dry. There's an appeal to it though I think, and there's a lot to be said for the peace and quiet.

So, 13 shots on the night, that's a lot for one night when usually I might only get 2-4 kangaroos. I haven't been out there a lot lately though as it's been too hot (don't want to start bush fires with the muzzle blast). They tend to stay away when shot at a lot but after three weeks of no one shooting at them they hope the fence for a kangaroo party. Lol.

I see. I thought about the shots starting a fire is the grass is too dry and the weather so hot. That's another thing to consider for sure.

Kangaroos having their little havoc party near the far is a no-no.

 3 years ago (edited) 

That rifle shoots flame with every shot,to the front and sides as it has a muzzle brake. I'm careful though, and it's one of the many considerations I make prior to any shot I make when conditions are so dry. It's not just, see target pull trigger.

Kangaroo single and ready to mingle gatherings are not permitted on this property, not when I'm there anyway.

Yeah, it's a safety hazard to consider before pulling the trigger.

Kangaroo single and ready to mingle gatherings are not permitted on this property, not when I'm there anyway.

Hang a sign saying "'Roos not allowed. Shot on sight!'"

Lol, that could work but I think these kangaroos are not very smart and whilst I'm sure they can all read I think they prefer to live life on the edge.

"'Dis fancy cardboard can't stop us, mate. We don't read!"

I would love to have a walk in that grass😍

There be snakes in that grass girl! You still game?

I only saw one, an Eastern Brown snake as per the post, but it was buggering off in the other direction...So I buggered off in the other direction and all was good. It's a good spot though, I like it.

I would wear some long pants or smth. Although it looks like I would be in a sauna dressed like that

Yeah, it was hot for sure.

The snakes tend to run away when there's a little bit of noise coming their way, the issue is stepping on them if they don't. Long grass meant I couldn't see them. Stepping on a snake rarely goes well.

To sit like that here, would result in several to many fire ant bites to those manly male model like pegs you call legs...

Experience talking here...

Enter...

The Hammock...

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Shooting from a hammock...I've never done it. Desert, rain, trees, cliffs, gullies, under logs, on buildings, vehicles...Never a a hammock. To be honest I'd probably fall asleep and wake up with fifty bloody kangaroos having a pow wow next to me. Now I want a hammock.

LMAO...

Never one time while making that silly comment, did I consider "shooting from a hammock."

But now...

Challenge Accepted

I was just thinking of those horribly fucking painful fire ants, and how they have torn me a new asshole so many times. Do you have them there, snakes and scorpions right? But no Fire Ants?

Thanks for the early morning belly laugh. Laughing at my self of course. I guess shooting from a hammock would be like a run and gun with a slumber factor thrown in to the mix..?

Ah yes, Solenopsis invicta...We do have them...A terrible invasive species, native to South America which was first found in Queensland but have since spread a little more widely here. They have also spread to New Zealand, a few Asian and Caribbean countries plus the United States of America as you know well. Little fuckers must die.

Now...Hammock-shooting...That shit needs to hit trending I think! Great idea!