Racoons vs Chickens

[Mortblanc]

The chickens would not go into their coop tonight so I went down to see what the problem was. Found three of these critters waiting in ambush inside the chicken run.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raccoon

They bolted when they saw me so I let the chickens in, got them secured and went inside to wait.

About midnight I scanned the coop area with a high power light and saw eyes shining in the dark. Grabbed the shotgun and headed out the door.

I forgot I had 00-buck up the spout as first round and that high base magnum load got my attention.

My shotgun had the super full choke tube installed that keeps the 9 buckshot inside a paper plate at 25 yards. It's good for coyotes in the daylight but not all that great for running critters in the dark.

The lack of light and tight shot pattern did me no great service so there is now a raccoon running at a high rate of speed over the Kentucky hills with only half a tail!

I came back inside and changed to a more open choke and smaller shot.

Shooting in the dark always gives me flashbacks. I probably will not sleep well tonight.