While I consistently practice shooting targets during the off season months, there is something missing when shooting a paper target as opposed to live targets. The element of surprise is missing as well as the unexpected but seemingly unending constant movement that natures creatures ascribe to.
My purchase of a 17HMR this spring has opened a new avenue for keeping sharp which I'll refer to as the "mini varmint". While little red squirrels and chipmunks score low on the varmint of choice list; lets face it I would much rather have the good fortune of a surplus of groundhogs, the former critters will keep you focused and require well placed shots.
Both the red squirrel and chipmunk are an ongoing nuisance creating havoc in the vegetable garden as well as flower beds. The red squirrels (which I believe are limited to the northern states and Canada) also manage to wreck havoc on any and all bird feeders. They are half the size of the common gray squirrel, have keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing and are alert, nervous and wary, especially on the ground. When danger is near, they quickly retreat to the safety of trees. In short, one difficult target. This morning, after three failed attempts in the past five weeks, the red squirrel who chewed through mom's favorite bird feeder, made the mistake of staying a minute too long. I have also spent a couple mornings with my 17 at my favorite deer stand. If I can avoid the obnoxious barking of a squirrel this fall when I settle into my tree stand, all the better.
Chipmunks, which at best are one quarter the size of a squirrel and three times as nervous, require fast reflexes and a steady aim. In addition to tunneling through gardens they have a fondness for all types of flower bulbs.
So, if you want a change from punching holes in paper these critters will test your skills. An added benefit is the opportunity to tell your bride that the squirrel that chewed through both bird feeders last winter will definitely not be back. If you can consistently connect with these targets at 30-50 yards, making a clean kill shot this dear season should be a matter of fact.
My purchase of a 17HMR this spring has opened a new avenue for keeping sharp which I'll refer to as the "mini varmint". While little red squirrels and chipmunks score low on the varmint of choice list; lets face it I would much rather have the good fortune of a surplus of groundhogs, the former critters will keep you focused and require well placed shots.
Both the red squirrel and chipmunk are an ongoing nuisance creating havoc in the vegetable garden as well as flower beds. The red squirrels (which I believe are limited to the northern states and Canada) also manage to wreck havoc on any and all bird feeders. They are half the size of the common gray squirrel, have keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing and are alert, nervous and wary, especially on the ground. When danger is near, they quickly retreat to the safety of trees. In short, one difficult target. This morning, after three failed attempts in the past five weeks, the red squirrel who chewed through mom's favorite bird feeder, made the mistake of staying a minute too long. I have also spent a couple mornings with my 17 at my favorite deer stand. If I can avoid the obnoxious barking of a squirrel this fall when I settle into my tree stand, all the better.
Chipmunks, which at best are one quarter the size of a squirrel and three times as nervous, require fast reflexes and a steady aim. In addition to tunneling through gardens they have a fondness for all types of flower bulbs.
So, if you want a change from punching holes in paper these critters will test your skills. An added benefit is the opportunity to tell your bride that the squirrel that chewed through both bird feeders last winter will definitely not be back. If you can consistently connect with these targets at 30-50 yards, making a clean kill shot this dear season should be a matter of fact.
