It's Time!

[Rick in Oregon]

Feature in the local paper telling me it's time to get out for rockchucks. Like I didn't know.
My chuck barometer agrees, they're up sunning themselves and virtually begging for a .20 caliber 32gr offering.



Watch out for obstacles, take careful aim.....



I've come to the conclusion that for my use here, the 20Vartarg just might be the ideal choice for these guys. The report is so mild as to not really disturb other chucks on their respective rock dens nearby.



I've used my Anschutz M1715D 17HMR on them too, but limit my shots to head-shots only, and keep the range under 150 yards to about guarantee no crawl-offs. Compared to the Vartarg though, it's uber quiet and other chucks really don't seem to mind if they're over 100 yards away.



The season is just getting underway for these guys. "We've only just begun".......

 

[MTPaul]

Hey Rick,

Like you, I am champing at the bit as I await the arrival of the "whistle pigs" in our neck of the woods. However, I seriously doubt their arrival will be heralded on the pages of the local left leaning rag, The Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Actually, I am quite surprised it even made the local papers in Bend considering the political leanings around Bend in recent years. Although from what I was able to read from the article you posted, the author doesn't exactly mention the shooting sports associated with the arrival of these creatures. If he only knew...

Perhaps in the spirit of being the good upstanding citizen, you might consider submitting an article for publication featuring some of your "pest elimination services", of course replete with pictures to document your keen abilities. On second thought, never mind. The Bend chapter of PETA might pay you a visit and members of the local ladies' auxiliary might stage a week-long 24hr. protest outside your residence. Ha!

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Paul, you're spot-on in regard to our local paper. I dumped my subscription a while back as the editorial content got so far left I just could not stand it any longer. That article featuring the spring wake-up of the rockchucks was aimed at the Berkinstock-wearing, granola munching lefties here, and certainly not any of us that have a much different view of our rodent of choice at this time of year. Sad to hear even your local paper in Montana has similar views now. And to think I thought Montana was still "red". In those terms, Orygun is lost, controlled by a super majority of leftists in the state government. The Portland/Eugene metro areas are 'blue/left', the rest of the entire state votes conservative and still gets out voted by the leftists in those two metro areas. Seems to be a trend, sadly and not only here.

No way would I subject myself to the wrath of these people by exposing my personal interest in the chucks. Best to keep my/our activities on the DL these days.

As it all turns out, that local 'paper' has quit publication in print form and now it's only available as digital format for those willing to pay.....not me. Seems that both print newspapers and many magazines are all going the way of the doo-doo bird now. No loss whatever in the case of our local rag.

I just talked with the lady who has a small ranch here that has me come out at least once a year to thin the rockchucks and sage rats on her property. She's wanting me to come out as soon as possible, but as usual I had to tell her it would not be until mid-May as I give the young ones a chance to grow before subjecting them to rifle fire. She's okay with that, as long as I promise to do my job.....which of course I certainly will. The event may qualify for a field report here.

To keep things interesting, here's a pic of a good morning outing to that local ranch not long ago with my Cooper M38 in 20Vartarg shooting Nosler 32gr BT's over RL-7. I now pretty much prefer my Cooper M38 Phoenix in 221FB for use there with its synthetic stock to keep it away from all the nasty lava rock the chucks make their dens in.



Best part about this place is that it's only a ten minute drive from home.

 

[Sieg]

"She's okay with that, as long as I promise to do my job...."

 

[MTPaul]

Rick,

As a born and bred former resident of OR with several family members who still reside in what became of a once formerly conservative state, it pains me to now witness what took place politically throughout the Willamette Valley. As you correctly point out, once the Berkinstock-wearing, granola munching lefties moved into Portland, Salem and Eugene the political tides turned for the worse - in short Oregon became Californicated.

As an example of this turn-about, I grew up on a farm in the coastal foothills, several miles west of the small blue-collar town of Philomath which as you know lies on the western edge of the valley. This town was once home to several sawmills, and at that time the timber industry was THE major employer. One timber family in particular, Rex and Ethel Clemens, themselves childless, established a foundation that paid full college tuition for any graduate of Philomath High School. This generosity benefited thousands of PHS graduates, including myself, to pursue their higher education goals. However, over the years as the demographics changed, so too did the political climate of the area and this change was manifested by people who moved into the community simply to take advantage of the scholarship. Many people also became openly hostile to the timber industry but were only too willing to be the first person standing in line with their hand out to accept the Clemens scholarship. Ultimately, rules were put in place to help curb the wanton abuse of the foundation's generosity. This transition and the aftermath are sadly documented in a film entitled; Clear Cut - The Story of Philomath, Oregon.

Getting back to your post, the benevolent lady who awaits your return to dispatch said rock chucks on her ranch is one in a million! What a gem you have there! I trust you generously cultivate this relationship and express your appreciation for her kindness. She sounds like a salt of the earth type of woman, somewhat like the farmers and ranchers I've come to know and appreciate here in MT. Yes, speaking for myself, I look forward to a future full field report, of course replete with pictures.

Funny you should mention a Phoenix stocked rifle as I just happen to have my eye on just such a rifle chambered in 204R. If the stars align properly and I am able to seal the deal, I just might be adding another Cooper to the gun safe. Fingers crossed and if I do acquire this rifle, a full field report will be forthcoming. Is this what is called a tease?

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Funny you should mention a Phoenix stocked rifle as I just happen to have my eye on just such a rifle chambered in 204R. If the stars align properly and I am able to seal the deal, I just might be adding another Cooper to the gun safe. Fingers crossed and if I do acquire this rifle, a full field report will be forthcoming. Is this what is called a tease?

Paul, best of luck snagging that Phoenix 204R. One cannot have too many Coopers, seeing as they've gone the way of the doo-doo bird now.
One of my rat shooting buddies has that exact rifle, and it's a real shooter!

 

[Kenbro]

Feature in the local paper telling me it's time to get out for rockchucks. Like I didn't know.
My chuck barometer agrees, they're up sunning themselves and virtually begging for a .20 caliber 32gr offering.



Watch out for obstacles, take careful aim.....



I've come to the conclusion that for my use here, the 20Vartarg just might be the ideal choice for these guys. The report is so mild as to not really disturb other chucks on their respective rock dens nearby.



I've used my Anschutz M1715D 17HMR on them too, but limit my shots to head-shots only, and keep the range under 150 yards to about guarantee no crawl-offs. Compared to the Vartarg though, it's uber quiet and other chucks really don't seem to mind if they're over 100 yards away.



The season is just getting underway for these guys. "We've only just begun".......

Just wondering Rick,
Do you ever shoot these places out altogether or ease up if they’re getting to low numbers, or do you shoot on a conservation practise?
Over here, (No Chucks) if there were too many rabbits the farmer would just put one of two different diseases down and more or less wipe them out over quite an area. Always a few seem to survive to start again.
Cheers, Ken.