I've been working on this for awhile. Anytime you're dealing wth bureaucracies, it takes time. And even though it's getting to the end of the season here in NJ, it gives me an opportunity to shoot a new area.
I received permission from the state to eradicate the ghog population on a site that's part of the park system.
It's an open field. Less than an acre, that's loaded with burrows. It used occasionally for outdoor events that involve human and animal traffic. There's a concern that someone is going to step in a hole, get injured and sue.
But this is going to be tricky. It's in close proximity to a large complex of ball fields and recreation facilities. And, residents use the field to walk their dogs. And, the field leads to a trail into the woods above it.
So, I need to pick times when there is as little activity in the area as possible, do my shooting, get in and get out before people can figure out what's going on. I've notified the local police about my activities. They don't have a problem with it and should back me up in the event that someone decides to call them.
Due to the cooler weather, I'm hoping there won't be a lot of activity during the day.
I actually just came back from there and was able to shoot one. And there were two more in the field. No pics.
Almost immediately after shooting, a couple pulled up with their German Shepard to go for a walk in the field. I told them what I was doing and they seemed supportive. While we were taking, the Shepard is sniffing the dead ghog, so I dropped it in one of the many holes that surrounded us and the Sheppard tried to get it out of the hole. It was funnly watching the dog go nuts. The owners finally leashed the dog and went for their walk. Then a woman showed up to walk her two dogs, so the party was over for then. Like is said, this is going to be tricky.
I'll give it another try in a few hours and see what's going on and if I can get some more ghogs. Wish me luck!
I received permission from the state to eradicate the ghog population on a site that's part of the park system.
It's an open field. Less than an acre, that's loaded with burrows. It used occasionally for outdoor events that involve human and animal traffic. There's a concern that someone is going to step in a hole, get injured and sue.
But this is going to be tricky. It's in close proximity to a large complex of ball fields and recreation facilities. And, residents use the field to walk their dogs. And, the field leads to a trail into the woods above it.
So, I need to pick times when there is as little activity in the area as possible, do my shooting, get in and get out before people can figure out what's going on. I've notified the local police about my activities. They don't have a problem with it and should back me up in the event that someone decides to call them.
Due to the cooler weather, I'm hoping there won't be a lot of activity during the day.
I actually just came back from there and was able to shoot one. And there were two more in the field. No pics.
Almost immediately after shooting, a couple pulled up with their German Shepard to go for a walk in the field. I told them what I was doing and they seemed supportive. While we were taking, the Shepard is sniffing the dead ghog, so I dropped it in one of the many holes that surrounded us and the Sheppard tried to get it out of the hole. It was funnly watching the dog go nuts. The owners finally leashed the dog and went for their walk. Then a woman showed up to walk her two dogs, so the party was over for then. Like is said, this is going to be tricky.
I'll give it another try in a few hours and see what's going on and if I can get some more ghogs. Wish me luck!
