Well after looking at some of the overseas site's and seeing their ratting action, I was inspired to get back into it. I had backed off abit in recent times as my favourite shoot had dried up after a new manager started an aggressive baiting campaign which took the population from literally thousands to almost nil.
After a call to my contact, I had permission to have a look around the grain handling depot. I was a bit doubtful at first, but upon arrival things looked good.
My rifle of choice for the night was my BSA Hornet.22. I was going to sell it but have changed my mind. It really is a great rifle. I had just changed scopes to a Simmons 1.5-5x20WTC. The rifle is compact and I wanted a compact scope. Initially I was sceptical about its performance, but after sighting it in at the range last week, I was very impressed. I should have this scope on all my rifles. The only gripe I have is that loading in the dark can be a bit fiddly, just have to get a small LED to attach to my shirt so I can see the breach abit easier.
I have recently purchased a Fenix TK11 R2 with tactical switch and red filter. Mounted it with a Weaver style base and a mount that I got off the net. This particular model is designed especially for hunting and is extremely effective. I have rechargeable 18650 batteries which replace the equivilant of 2 x CR123. I used it last night for nearly four hours and only one battery. I have been using a Lightforce rechargeable kit, but LED is the way to go now as it is compact with superior light.
Pellets. Well no dramas there. JSB Exact Jumbo's.
Anyway, first call was in a feed shed. Very little movement. Saw a couple on the external wall, but sitting on pipes and electrical conduit. Too much risk of damage. Anyway moved on to this shed with a grain auger in it. Roof would be 15-20 metres high. All steel beams. Sure enough, a big rat sitting at the top with his head and shoulder showing around a steel beam. Had a bit of buck fever as I fumbled around with switches and pellets. Eventually cross hairs on head, the familiar psheet, and down comes the rat with a thud. Ended up getting several in that area through the night.
Moved just around the corner to a pile of pallets. Just the right height for cover and a good lean. About 18 metres away were two huge piles of pallets at the back of a feed shed. Dispursed along the wall of the shed was machinery. The outside of the shed has exposed cross members. Well there were rats going in all directions. Settled in to this spot and took a few easy ones until the word got around. Then a bit of a waiting game for the next few hours. What a great spot. I will be taking a few baits next time. Small tins of cat food and peanut butter.
The rats would come out of several holes in the concrete and then climb up amongst the pallets, run the beams and appear amonst the machinery. Every now and then I would return to the auger shed for a high rat, while the others started moving again.
Anyway, an overall great shoot. I am revitalised and keen to get out as often as I can as there is no airgunning action like ratus ratus. Will trot the Rapid out next time, that mag will come in handy.
