Tip for leaving field targets out

[AirNGasman]

Yesterday I began preparations for the Cajun Classic by sprucing up a couple FT lanes and targets on my place that have been almost completely neglected in the last three years of my FT inactivity. The targets (and bases) have been covered by five-gallon plastic buckets, but otherwise left in place outside, completely unattended that whole time. Though none the worse for wear, the last target I uncovered held a surprise not completely unexpected, but nevertheless startled HELL out of me!

"HOLY SHEEEEIT!"; you should have seen this old man move! 

Considering I kill a couple diamondback rattlebugs every year on my place, at first glance Texas rat snakes are easily mistaken as having more than just an excellent disguise and a good bluff! And if you're a rat, they do! Nevertheless I don't molest 'em, since other than an occasional surprise they do more good than harm. BTW, I give rattlers no such quarter.

But back to the subject at hand, the bucket-covering-field-targets trick allows keeping them in place almost indefinitely; in case anyone else out there is as lazy as I am. Just be vigilant when removing the buckets, because I have no doubt rattlebugs (and copperheads) would also find them a nice place to hang out (under).

 

[L.Leon]

You left out the part where the buckets should be knocked over with a “ten foot pole”.

 

[SlowTurtle]

Hit your target heart pretty quick on that one didn't you?

 

[Guest]

I'm not much for entimology(sp) but in the north east if you leave a bucket upturned for a few day's you are likely to find yellow jackets, hornets or wasps making a home of it. That may not seem as hazardous as a snake but when they try to get into your ears nose and mouth when disturbed it's no party.

 

[AirNGasman]

I've also found wasps and yellow jackets squatting in my buckets John. They do tickle. But Texas mosquitos are about the same size as a big wasp, and they kill people. And scorpions...well, they just plain UGLY! I should talk...

Last year I stopped a buddy mid-stride with an arm to the chest and, "STOP! That's a F***ING rattler!" He'd have stepped on it if he completed that step. After I whipped out my 1911 and shot it's head off he asked, "Why did you kill it?" My reply was, "So it wouldn't kill me, my wife, dog, or cats." I guess he understood that; all he said was, "Oh." 

Do y'all have Jackalope in Maine? That's a joke, BTW (on more than one level).

 

[Tvanpool]

Here's one spotted out on the back forty not to far from you.

 

[Eddie_E]

We tend to see Easter Bunnies this time of year.

 

[pewpewfever]

I’m about to put in a lane or two but they will be installed on a gentle hillside, so I need to elevate some of the targets so I can have a level lane for sighting in and developing my ranging wheel. Any advice on elevating targets and covering them when elevated?

 

[Guest]

I’m about to put in a lane or two but they will be installed on a gentle hillside, so I need to elevate some of the targets so I can have a level lane for sighting in and developing my ranging wheel. Any advice on elevating targets and covering them when elevated?

I posted this a while ago. One of many cheap/nearly free options to get your targets off the ground.

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/portable-target-stand-from-a-pallet/

As for covers I leave my targets out year round mostly. With the constant repainting and occasional squirt of WD40 on the moving parts there aren't any function issues. 

 

[chasdicapua]

That's good to know that you guys leave your targets out all year. I took mine in last year and will put them back out soon. Will be happy to not have to do that any more. 

Chas

 

[AirNGasman]

I'd think you can still cover elevated targets with buckets.