Pest control at the ostrich abbatoir

[Manco 16]

In the town where I live in South Africa there is an ostrich abattoir, but in these PC times we should probably call it a meat processing factory. The plant manager is an acquaintance of mine and when he learned I was into airguns and hunting he asked me recently to do a bit of pest control. The plant operates 24/5 but shuts on Saturdays and Sundays which gives me an opportunity to shoot without being observed by any potentially dubious characters, 'skelms' in Afrikaner speak. I took 3 airguns with me today: a .20 Sumatra Carbine, my Gamo Whisper X and my HW50S. The Sumatra is set at a little over 30fpe and is there for longer range shots outside the buildings. It loves 14.3gn Accupells which leave the muzzle at approx 1000fps and are extremely accurate provided I do my bit. The Whisper X is there for shots inside the building and is great for off hand shooting. The 50S can do much the same job but also is good shooting off sticks at up to 45 yards. In these days of black majority rule life is tough and I have to do my own hefting, being unable to justify the luxury of a bearer (joke), so I decide in advance what shooting opportunities to prepare for.

I started outside the buildings using the Sumatra, shooting off sticks. It's powerful, accurate and like all moderated pcps, quiet. To show the devastating effect down range I attach a photo of a dove taken at a lasered 60 yards. One of several I shot today. Not to be outdone, the X did sterling service inside the buildings. Overall it was a good evening's shooting and the plant manager who accompanied me was pleased. I must have been doing something right because he has asked me to come back tomorrow.

 

Good shooting and have fun.

 

Chris

[The Duncan 802]

good going and a nice write up; much appreciated. Nice to see some of your indigenous pests. The dove looks like a cross betweeen our woodpigeon and a collared dove.

Cheers

 

D.

[Sweeney-Todd 208]

Hi Chris.

 

Bloody good shot that mate.

No wonder your friend wants you back there, good luck.

 

 

Bill.

[bsa rifles 3]

Nice write up mate. Good shot.