Author Topic: Possum Shots (Read 12818 times))

Mebits · « **on:** September 12, 2012, 03:51:12 PM »

So, we've discussed how head shots on possums are surprisingly not always lethal before.

In fact, a number of us have been through the horror of the sextuple-tap (and then some).

Well, I had another one in the trap, and I went out to dispatch him and gave him one right between the eyes, which sent him down, but didn't kill him. I gave him another just next to it and that didn't do it either. Both LOOKED like perfect shots, but neither did more than stun him.

Then I remembered the shots that seem to work best for others tend to go STRAIGHT BACK into the skull. And that's the thing. Most of us are above the critter and I think we're doing more damage to the sinus cavity than to the actual brain.

What worked for me was to get down and fire much more parallel to the top of the head, and so that the path of the pellet is no more than about an inch below the top of the skull. That was it for him.

So, my advice is to really think about the path of the pellet and where the brain is. Aim a bit higher than you think you have to. Think about sending the pellet back to the back of the skull along a path parallel to the top of the skull, not down.

I think you'll (and I'll) get some cleaner faster kills.

vrotsos991 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2012, 04:59:15 PM »

Nice post. As a avid hunter (just not pest) i believe alot of people are under the impression that a head shot is a kill, and a chest shot is a kill. What kills an animal like you said is damage to the organs (heart, liver, lungs, brain, and spine). Just because your crosshairs are pointing to this area does not mean you will connect with the vitals. The angle is everything. That is why quartering away shots you pust put the projectile into the liver and have it pass through and into the heart or lungs. Quartering towards your, you put the crosshairs on the front of the shoulder, shots above the animal you have aim high so that when the projective enters the chest cavity it will not miss. See the attached photos.

^^ Quartering shots that can be used on any animal

^^ Cool photo that shows shotplacement when the hunter is above the animal. Shows projectile travel.

I have never used this app, but maybe it can help with individuals that do not understand shot placement.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shot-simulator/id427202530?mt=8

Im torn between a bodyshots and headshots. I am getting away from headshots ever since i seen photos of animals losing their lower jaws because of bad shot placements and the animal gets away(not me, videos on youtube and photos ive seen on peoples trail cameras). Id rather take a nice bodyshot, and the animal run a short distance and die, than a bad headshot and the animal runs off with a drawn out death that could result in day until death. I do take head shots but its a trickey subject. Hope the above phtos ehlp.

only1harry · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2012, 05:21:49 PM »

Yes sir, trajectory/path of the pellet is the key. Depending how the critter's head is relative to my position, I always pick the POI that gives me that imaginary line straight back through the center of the brain, or a line that goes towards the "middle of the ears" in the back of the skull. And sometimes diagonally across to the opposite ear (from the forward POI) if the critter is half-broadside, so it will pass through the brain. It is very important to get it right with possums and raccoons, Groundhogs, etc.

It comes naturally to me now after all the years, and I barely spend time thinking about it. I just know where to aim depending how they are positioned and the angle, etc. I do it almost subconsciously.

gandalfretlaw · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2012, 05:27:09 PM »

Can anyone point out any images or diagrams showing proper possum head shot placement.

BenjiHunter · « **Reply #4 on:** September 12, 2012, 05:30:29 PM »

That's good info. Thanks.

vrotsos991 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 12, 2012, 06:37:32 PM »

Quote from: gandalfretlaw on September 12, 2012, 05:27:09 PM

Can anyone point out any images or diagrams showing proper possum head shot placement.

Does this help?

GARY T · « **Reply #6 on:** September 12, 2012, 06:59:05 PM »

Great diagram of possum skull. I find that between the eye and ear works well. From a side shot. Body shots for me are also effective.

I have killed more possum's than coons or groundhogs mostly in subboun settings...........but I always wonder what real harm does a possum do? The do not Carry rabies and I don't think attack dogs, cats, or people. Heck I will probably get one tonight at the farm,..............just asking.

Mebits · « **Reply #7 on:** September 12, 2012, 07:02:10 PM »

Quote from: GARY T on September 12, 2012, 06:59:05 PM

I have killed more possum's than coons or groundhogs mostly in subboun settings...........but I always wonder what real harm does a possum do? The do not Carry rabies and I don't think attack dogs, cats, or people. Heck I will probably get one tonight at the farm,..............just asking.

I would give them a pass but they wreak havoc on our tomatoes. We tried putting out water for them to go for instead, but they kept taking out ripe, perfect tomatoes. That's not gonna fly with Mrs. Bits.

I don't enjoy it, but I dispatch them efficiently.

Starlings, on the other hand, I take some real pleasure in.

GARY T · « **Reply #8 on:** September 12, 2012, 07:09:57 PM »

Gotcha

keeping crops safe is the main thing and keeping momma happy....LOL.

At the farm I have been baiting for coons using the ding donger,KILLLIGHT and night vision
but only seeing possum's ........the coons are to smart foe me.

gandalfretlaw · « **Reply #9 on:** September 12, 2012, 07:10:47 PM »

I shot my first possum from above right there....twice. Same with the second. Gotta go see if those skulls are clean enough to inspect.

As to what did the possums do. Not really anything that the bunnies or squirrels don't do. All three just kinda end up being served for dinner really, or at least that's the idea. Now I didn't actually eat the rats, but then the neighbor had been using poison.

dk1677 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 12, 2012, 07:29:42 PM »

Never had a problem using Harry's and Ed's advice. Had one that just keeled over with no dance.

BenjiHunter · « **Reply #11 on:** September 12, 2012, 08:06:51 PM »

Here's a site:
http://www.extension.org/pages/10468/tools-and-techniques#Guidelines_for_shooting_mammals

gandalfretlaw · « **Reply #12 on:** September 12, 2012, 08:12:34 PM »

That site makes a lot more sense although it doesn't seem to jive with the 3d picture provided earlier. Pea size sounds more realistic though. Between eye and ear, closer to the ear.

Mpac · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2012, 08:56:38 PM »

Quote from: vrotsos991 on September 12, 2012, 06:37:32 PM

Quote from: gandalfretlaw on September 12, 2012, 05:27:09 PM
Can anyone point out any images or diagrams showing proper possum head shot placement.

Does this help?

Neat pic that's why this shot between the eyes made him bleed so bad.

Mr. Sumatra22 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 13, 2012, 03:08:12 AM »

Quote from: vrotsos991 on September 12, 2012, 06:37:32 PM

Quote from: gandalfretlaw on September 12, 2012, 05:27:09 PM
Can anyone point out any images or diagrams showing proper possum head shot placement.

Does this help?

This is a useful diagram. I've put down several possums and I've hit exactly where you have suggested. Thanks for the pic and explanation on the shot placement.

gandalfretlaw · « **Reply #15 on:** September 13, 2012, 03:11:02 AM »

Here's where I shot the first possum from straight above. I skinned the skull and verified the shot placement. The first shot didn't phase the possum. The second shot sent it into a death dance.

topwaterjim · « **Reply #16 on:** September 13, 2012, 03:38:42 AM »

Good observation. Imshure this will help alot of people do dispatch a c-rat quickly and humane.

shadow · « **Reply #17 on:** September 13, 2012, 08:53:16 AM »

As mentioned shooting critters in the fusebox won't always be a quick kill. Shooting critters in the right spot in the fusebox will. I've spent almost as much time studying the anatomy mainly skulls of the game that I plan to harvest. Know your enemy so to speak will get you more quick kills.

Ed

Mebits · « **Reply #18 on:** September 13, 2012, 11:40:41 AM »

The brain appears to me to be much higher up than you'd think. Depending upon your angle, more between the ears than the eyes.

gandalfretlaw · « **Reply #19 on:** September 13, 2012, 04:56:23 PM »

My thinking was from above make a X from the eyes to the ears and then go a little bit back from that point. Is this about right from above?

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Possum Shots

Author Topic: Possum Shots (Read 12818 times))