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I was contacted today by the owner of the cattle farm on which I have a culling permit asking that I come up and take care of some feral pests that have been over-running his property and consuming precious feed better served by going to the cattle. It's been quite some time since I have been here considering I was in Europe for 6 weeks and wasn't able to come here prior to leaving and have had work commitments for the last few weeks since returning from vacation. 

When I arrived at the property I was firstly struck by how green and lush it was. There's a couple of creeks running through the property and a few underground springs meaning it gets quite sodden underfoot and I was sinking in the up to about ankle deep in places as I hiked around. I was also astonished to see the number of feral pests, kangaroos mainly but also a few foxes, that seemed to be everywhere. I thought it might also be likely I would see a couple of deer however I never did. It was obvious though that there is an issue hence the farmers call. I'd normally be there a couple of times a month and so the break meant an extraordinary build up of pests. 

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It was quite cold and my boots were quickly soaked through with water as I had to hike through some tall grass and the sodden fields to get to a vantage point suitable to start work. The image shows the temperature registering on my weather device (***<a href="https://au-kestrelmeters.glopalstore.com/products/kestrel-drop-d3-ballistics?utm_campaign=pr_r&utm_source=https://kestrelmeters.com&utm_medium=wi_proxy&utm_content=en_US">Kestrel Drop D3 Ballistics</a>***) which links directly to my ballistics calculator (StrelokPro) which ultimately gives me a field firing solution for each shot I take depending on the input I give it such as distance, altitude, wind speed and direction, muzzle velocity of the bullet and various other factors including temperature. I actually use a measurement called ***<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Density_altitude">Density Altitude</a>*** which combines altitude, humidity and temperature into one value making things a lot quicker. The Drop D3 gives me that figure. 

I got set up and started glassing the area, taking distance measurements on my laser rangefinder the, Elite 1 Mile ConX by Bushnell doing my best to ignore the cold and slight breeze that had sprung up. There was some occasional rain, light only, but otherwise I was reasonably comfortable. A couple of donuts and a flask of coffee would have been great but one can't have everything in life right?

I understand that this sort of work is not for everyone and that many people couldn't imagine doing it. Having said that, culling feral animals is a necessary job conducted on most farms around the world that run stock. I don't take pleasure in the job, it is just a job after all, and one that must be done. If  I was not doing it someone else would and at least the farmer knows that I dispatch the animals quickly and humanely, as per the legal requirement. 

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I enjoy the time I spend out on that farm in the Adelaide Hills. It's peaceful, very beautiful and I find it relaxing. I do my job when targets present themselves and that keeps the farmer happy. The culling is business, the rest is pleasure. For me the solitude, peace and quiet, fresh air and *time to think* is the big drawcard. Yes, I shoot things which hones my skills for competition shooting and am controlling feral animals for the farmer as well but the silence (when I'm not shooting) is the pay off. Oh, that and the sunsets. All images taken tonight.