I lucked up on a permission that is completely overrun with groundhogs! I took 3 out in 3 days, and 2 were so close because they just have the run of the place.
3 Groundhogs Down At A Permission
- Thread starter N2 Shooter
- Start date
Good job on the chucks, your honesty on how we “all” make occasional bad shots on critters is refreshing. Kudos to you sir…
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Well, to be perfectly honest, that bad shot was my first pesting shot in 2023, and it cost me the permission.
The groundhog died under their trailer and it smells like holy hell (at the complete opposite of where I have access underneath, meaning a 40 foot low crawl) , and the owners wanted me to go under there and get it, as I should.
Unfortunately, in the process I ended up stabbing myself in the wrist while halfway through my low crawl, and lost a literal bucket full of blood (actually around a quart, but that's a whole other crazy story). I tried going back to get it, but I've been cautioned about getting an infection, as the knife went like really deep, like around an inch and a half.
So, since I can't risk it, I'm gonna send him some money for his troubles and resign the permission.
Hoping I'm back to 100% by the time small game season starts in September.
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@N2 Shooter, wow! You did you best to recover that chuck. Getting wounded like you definitely sucks. Heal fast and well… I didn’t know some woodchucks carry shanks…
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Oh MAN! I hope you heal without ANY ISSUES as you we're trying to do the right thing...so sorry! 
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I appreciate it brother! I am healing very quick too; quick enough that I was able to sight in my new crossbow! The good news is, I talked with the owner and I still have the permission!Oh MAN! I hope you heal without ANY ISSUES as you we're trying to do the right thing...so sorry!
I am also drinking plenty of water and taking Iron supplements to help me make up for the loss blood. Hopefully these steps along with a round of antibiotics will leave me with nothing from this mishap but one hell of a story to tell!
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You're welcome! And, I'm glad you were able to keep that permission! Sounds like you are on the mend! Have fun with your new crossbow 
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Those chucks are tough, I only take headshots on them, they are tough critters.. and I only shoot them with rifles that have 70fpe or more 
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I'm delivering over 85fpe from my setup, and I've usually been very successful dropping them in their tracks with heart/ lung shots.Those chucks are tough, I only take headshots on them, they are tough critters.. and I only shoot them with rifles that have 70fpe or more
Of course, a shot to the brain will drop anything, but that's a shot to the brain, not a shot to the head. This is why I've preferred taking the shoulder/ heart/ lung shot, as it offers a larger and more stable target compared to the brain.
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Sorry but a shot to the head anywhere with 70fpe+ will drop a ground hog in there tracks at the ranges you are shooting..
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I killed 33 groundhogs last year alone. The only time I had to do a follow up shot was when I took a head shot. The brain of a groundhog is around 20mm in diameter, while the heart lung area is close to triple the size, giving much more leeway, as well as a more stationary target to shoot for. That's why I prefer heart/ lung shots over headshots, but, to each their own.
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@N2shooter Nice video. Appreciate the honesty. I like the assortment of ammo used. This marmots seem to be pretty tough. Do you see yourself breaking out the Bulldog again?
Damn Ed. I just read bout you stabbing yourself. I’ve cut my fingers before reaching for a sharp hatchet that worked itself sideways out of the sheath, but damn it man!! An inch and a half puncture wound? I hope you heal in good time. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Damn Ed. I just read bout you stabbing yourself. I’ve cut my fingers before reaching for a sharp hatchet that worked itself sideways out of the sheath, but damn it man!! An inch and a half puncture wound? I hope you heal in good time. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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Yeah, I was trying to give some ammo that I haven't used much a shot, since after the first low hit with the Hybrids, I went back to the range and redid my zero check for all of the ammo I use. This permission has some homes nearby, and I wanted to give pellets a try as to limit penetration. But I also wanted to give the Knockouts a shot, and they didn't disappoint!
I know the Bulldog has been collecting a fair amount of dust. It's hard to take it out shooting because of the crazy length with the Emperor suppressor attached and the limited shot count, not to mention having too much power for the prey I have access to, and not being nearly as accurate as the Maverick. There are a group of Ohio airgunners near me, and one has some property, so maybe we will get to do a coyote stand, and the Bulldog will be perfect for that task.
I see every sewer in my neighborhood has families of raccoons in them, and I am planning to bait them out with some tuna and thin the herd, or it's just a matter of time before they are looking for a place to crash for the fall and winter. But my home is the worst place to let the Bulldog sing, so it will be more work for the Maverick.
As far as trying to prematurely end my life, I appreciate the kind words over my very stupid mistake. I got the stitches out last week, but with every passing day, my hand is hurting worse and worse. After I return from a DC vacation, I am going to see a hand specialist. I hope this doesn't interfere with the upcoming hunting season, as this will also be the first time I go deer hunting, so I am kinda excited.
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