Have you ever committed to doing something but for one reason or another it's just not happened? That's been my last six weeks; I've needed to go to the farm and perform my culling duties but over the last six weeks there's always been some reason (or excuse) for why it hasn't happened.
Just for clarity, it's not my farm, I am the registered shooter who performs culling duties on the cattle far for the farmer who doesn't have the time; it's mt side gig.
Culling maintains the deer, fox and kangaroo populations on the property at acceptable levels which helps the farm to be profitable. I've written about it many times so won't go over it. In short, I'm permitted access to the property any time of day or night, seven days a week, to perform culling duties and on those occasions I'm there completely alone. It's a safety thing.
Over the last weeks it's been very hot and with the the long dry grasses around the place I've decided it's too risky; its very crispy out there at the moment. My rifle spits flames, as most do, when it fires and a spark into log dry grass, the possible fire it could start, would be impossible for me to contain. It's just too risky. Of course, it's no fun when the temperatures push to almost to 40°C and that's been an excuse for a few weeks now also. If I'm totally honest I'll need to add in my dislike for snakes, most of which around here are deadly, as one of the reasons I've not been for a while also. They love laying and moving about in the hot weather. Fucken snakey bastards.
I've been thinking over the last few weeks or so that I have to get back there and today the deal was sealed as the farmer called me.
It seems the idiot fine fellow left a couple of horses inside the fence that encircles the house and will be away for a while. The problem is there's no water trough in there and the horses need water, obviously. He called asking when I was going there next to which I replied, next week, and then asked if I could go tonight to deal with the horses. I could not but told him I'd go tomorrow and get it sorted. What an idiot right? Him not me. Poor horses.
I really need to go at least once a week to be effective, twice is better, and it's been far too many weeks since I've been so I'm not too upset about having to go, it's a commitment I made and I've been shirking it. The weather is going to be 24°C tomorrow, light cloud and sunset is at 20:23 so I'll have a few hours of daylight before I have to switch on the spot...That's enough time to get something happening and then do a little night shooting before packing up and coming home. (By, something happening, I mean kill some things.)
It's not really a simple walk in the countryside although I'll do a lot of walking and it could certainly be classified as countryside. It's a fairly serious sort of business though; killing always is. But, first and foremost is to free those horses and get them watered.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
All images used are my own
That first photo is stunning!
The kids have decided on roo meat for their dog. It's more ethical and sustainable in their book.
I'd find it hard to kill though. I really wanted to kill the roosters from the babies I had this year. Figured I should be able to so that I can justify eating chicken. But couldn't do it, so have decided not to eat chicken instead. A lovely Nepali man came and got them both - he's a chef and is happy to do it. He said he'd teach me but I still couldn't manage it. Interesting to find that out about myself.
Roo meat makes good sense for dogs if one can get it easily and cheaply. I'd rather see what I shoot taken for that but one needs tags (Govt. issued) to move kangaroos off the property they are shot on. Each State has different rules though. It's not simply open season on kangaroos.
I know what you mean about the killing. Each time it takes a little part of a person along with it.you know? Hmm, maybe you won't understand. It's a good skill to have up one's sleeve though I guess. Like bushcraft, navigation/map reading etc. I totally get what you mean though and don't blame you, instead I respect you for choosing as you have due to your inability to do the deed.
I'm shaking my head at the farmer for neglecting to water the horses but at the same time it's testament to your reliability that he called you to sort it out for him.
The fire side of things - well I've started a veld fire while practice shooting and in the height of summer they will spread stupidly fast. Having a whole team of fire fighters right there, well we were lucky in that regard - you being man alone, I respect your decision to not take the chance.
Be careful with those freaking snakey bastards, hopefully they won't be out and about with the (slightly) cooler weather. Either way, just be vigilant, hope it's a nice evening albeit having to "get something done".
He forgot I think, it happens, but I'm somewhat miffed at him for doing so. I almost drove up there tonight but will go tomorrow. The weather is cool so the horses will be ok for a short time. I'll be there by 17:30 tomorrow.
It would be impossible to control/stop a grass fire in the location I shoot as a single fellow, even several would struggle with no equipment. So, it's irresponsible to shoot there when the risk exists. Tomorrow I'll shoot differently to account for it, or just won't shoot at all if it's not safe. I can imagine you weren't feeling so good when that veld went up. Ranger Andy fucked up huh?
I'll watch out for those snakey bastards, you know it. Mostly they keep to themselves, it'll just be a worry if I fall into a pit full of them, Ragnar Lothbrok style. That might fuck up my day.
I'll be fine. I'll have short on but am taking my gaiters and will watch where I'm going.
Go get it sorted, I'm sure the horses will be very happy to see you.
Well yes, Ranger Andy does that sometimes, although I've helped extinguish far more than I've helped start (starting backburns doesn't count)...why in the actual am I referring to myself in the third person hahahaha
Good luck with the cull.
Great photo shot. I'm sure it will be worth the trip! I'm hoping to sneak out from work today at lunch and get some bracketing done. First day above freezing we've had in a couple weeks before the big snowstorm tomorrow and Fri.
Yeah, I'm lucky to live in Australia and to have access to private places like this. It's a privilege.
I hope you manage to get out early and get in a little fun before the big storm.
in South Australia I believe i must have MANY animals. Does the farmer pay you well for the service? Sounds like a good job to me. Take control of the predators on the farm.
It's not my main job and I do it for no pay, just for access to the property which is stunning, and th ability to shoot there when I want.
rather I understood your logic. It's a good deal. The place is really amazing. How lucky of you. That's great work. when I have posts on the farm I will be here.
I totally agree with you, every moment of every day is very precious.
Indeed it is which I live my life by that ethos and end my posts with it hoping others may pick up on it also and start designing better lives.
I can relate sometimes i want to do something at the moment i dont get to but an opportunity arrives, even if you are busy you would still love to do it asap. this is lovely and please keep it up maybe twice a week as you said.
Sometimes things get in the way of other things, or need to be prioritised. I'm looking forward to getting to the farm and wandering about to see what I can find.
alright then i will be waiting for the next post to find out how it all went. please tag me on the next farm post i have followed you to know when you post it but just incase i miss it, tag me
I already posted it. My latest post. I don't tag users without good cause. Take a look at my post feed if you want to see the post.
Been wanting to get back into exercising and for some reason I keep procrastinating and I haven't gotten to it.
Also, I hope the horses are fine, I can't imagine them not having water.
It's good to have an exercise regimen although it's often the first thing that suffers when people get busy.
The horses will be fine until tomorrow afternoon and will have a big drink as soon as I let them out. I'm a bit annoyed at the farmer, but there's nothing we can do about it now. I'll sort it out tomorrow.
My exercise regimen has been suffering but it's probably because nothing interests me.
The farmer probably forgot so don't be too annoyed at him, hopefully, it doesn't happen again.
WAYY too many times. Especially during the winter, which is right now haha.
Cheers to that 🥃☮️
Summer here so weather excuses are also possible. It gets so hot here.
Also, yeah that phrase, I came up with that to go direct me, a prompt as such, so that I keep chasing a better version of myself and life.
The ks for your comment.
Oh I think that would be one thing that is easily and purposefully forgotten. A necessary but nasty business. I remember my first (late) husband had to deal with that side of nature conservation. He loved nature and protecting animals so it really went against his grain to have to cull out in the African Bush....but it had to be done
It's something that people tend not to understand. (Not all people.) Unfortunately due to human influence the natural balance can be upset and adjustments required. Also, where farming is concerned it comes down to revenue as you know. People want to pay less at the supermarket and so measured need to be taken.
What annoys me is judgemental idiots who say how wrong it is, or how cruel I am for instance, but go to a supermarket and buy produce that has come from a farm where animal control is almost certainly undertaken. It is strange to think a person thinks I'm cruel for taking a life when they have a like of meat in the bottom of their shopping trolley.
Also, animal control happens on most firms in some form or another, even in cropping so...Yep, it is what it is.
Thanks for your comment.
Exactly. My feeling is that unless a person is prepared to slaughter it themselves they have no right to eat it. Culling is a far kinder and more natural process than that of what ends up on the shelves of supermarkets - I would sooner be vegan than ever touch store bought stuff.
I can't disagree. 😊
A great countryside, where is it exactly?
South Australia.
So you are a relative of tarazkp.
Brother.
Nice to meet you.
Yep, seen you comment on a few of his posts from time to time. Nice to run into you on one of mine.
Yea, we kinda discuss under his posts.
I saw a post that someone made about a weekend engagement challenge that you put up. Is it weekly? I would like to participate. Thanks
I like onto take walks too a lot. It relaxes me an MD helps me think clearly.
It's weekly yes.
Walks are good, but this post is about shooting animals to control their number on the farm, not about a walk in the countryside. Take a read, you might find it interesting, the post is much more than just the title.
Thank you very much for the feedback!
Busted😅😅
I shall make sure to read the whole post. Thanks
Engaging with people, commenting, without actually reading the post is very obvious and will only serve to earn you a reputation of being someone not to engage with. It's not a good look and not a good way to begin relationships with other users.
I recognize that that was a bit lazy of me. I'm sorry. I just happen to be doing this at work and wanted to be done with it fast. I shall make sure that this does not repeat itself! I hope to redeem myself.
Thanks for calling me out
Damn, that sounds like a nice task, just not under a 40C sun. We are also going through a killing heatwave, so that answers your intro question; lots of procastinating. Unfortunately, our new property is close to the town, so no firing rifles here =/ all we can do is look at them.
nice! im wishing for green here
Yeah, it's much nicer to look at when there's green stuff huh?