GUN ADVICE

[mad_planter]

no way, no how I would use a 22 on dogs. I had a situation one time when I was a teenager when I came upon 3 dogs that had a deer down. I shot one with the 22, which apparently pissed it off because it came at me. I proceeded to shoot it in the forehead several times as it was coming at me (it was close enough I could see the impact) before I finally put it down, about 5 feet away.

Oh, and in my opinion the real problem is the owners, not the dogs. Although I suppose the same solution can't be applied to both.......... deserved or not.

 

[Pete Judd]

The treble hook reminded me that as a kid in the winter time when we had problems with "yotes" my grandmother would take old straight razors and freeze them in blocks of gravy. We would hang them from the barbed wire fences around the property. The "yotes" would taste the blood from their mouths and keep eating and die within 50 feet of the bait. But a lot of land, and no other dogs to worry about. Not humane, but that's how it was done 50 years ago, "down on the farm". At the time we had chickens, cattle, and sheep, and the toll on the livestock could be a BIG problem.

 

[MotorSeven]

(shoot...shovel...shutup).

YUP

This is the only way to avoid possible "issues".

 

[foggy1111]

I agree with the idea of a Savage. You see them offer package deals with a scope for around $300. 223 or 243 would be my choice.

^^ THIS is the direction I'd go. Savage = good shooting guns at fair prices. Why? Its the good barrel and trigger on Savage guns. For dogs...I'd pick a 223. Ammo is cheaper and it's powerful enough at reasonable ranges (to 250 yards or so). Most folks cannot shoot at longer ranges without LOTS of practice (Plus quality ammo, knowledge, and a good gun are required).

 

[LazySusanFarms]

We have quite a few coyotes in our area so we bought a gun with some punch. Deer rifles aren't very practical around the farm due to neighbors, etc. but to put a large animal down, you need a rifle you can count on and get used to. Our rifle shoots a 7.62 x 51 round out to 800 meters with fair accuracy. Accuracy is determined by the shooter so get some practice which can also be a hassle. Most likely you will be shooting these varmits when they aren't doing something bad, but more likely just standing around looking for mischief at a fair distance.

 

[RobertN]

You just described a deer rifle... 7.62x51 is the military designation of the 308 Winchester which is a nice deer cartridge. Much like 243, 30-06, 270 etc, it can reach out accurately to 800 meters(1000 yard match is common) in the right hands. But, the bullet can travel much much farther than that... Like to the neighbors farm 2 miles away. Or more...

800 meters is ~1/2 mile

Even the measily little 22LR will travel 1-2 miles

Deer rifles aren't very practical around the farm due to neighbors, etc. but to put a large animal down, you need a rifle you can count on and get used to. Our rifle shoots a 7.62 x 51 round out to 800 meters with fair accuracy.

 

[Western]

Go to a fishing store buy a large trebble hook. Then go to the grocery store ask the manager for a ruined chicken. Put large piece of chicken on trebble hook hang from tree about 2 1/2 to 4 ft off ground . No sound will be made. Shovel and shut up

In Texas, if you where caught doing this , it would be a class A misdemeanor (cruelty to animals) same as "dumping" and animal. The humane way is to shoot it, or capture it and take to the county pound. (where it will likely be destroyed) Some county animal control offices have dog traps they use or will loan out to land owners, may be an alternative, but a slow one.

1000% agree with the 3'S , you already have suffered trouble with the Ferrel dogs, no point making it a "neighborhood" issue.

 

[Gator6x4]

A good supply source for a .223 or .243 is local Pawn Shops. Maybe cheaper than buying new. Hope your calves are okay. Remember if someone comes looking for dogs to say, "Nope haven't seen any, but something did kill a couple of my calfs", do you think it could have been your dogs?

 

[CMP]

I would contact DNR and the sheriff to let them know what has happened then inform them that you intend to protect your live stock if they return. Not sure what type of dog would be attacking cattle but they must be starving and not being taken care of by their owners. If these dogs do not have collars then they should be considered wild and open game like half breed coyotes, we have a bunch of those now. I have a 243 an it is a great shooting gun and have taken white tail deer with it.

 

[cqaigy2]

I would contact DNR and the sheriff to let them know what has happened then inform them that you intend to protect your live stock if they return. Not sure what type of dog would be attacking cattle but they must be starving and not being taken care of by their owners. If these dogs do not have collars then they should be considered wild and open game like half breed coyotes, we have a bunch of those now. I have a 243 an it is a great shooting gun and have taken white tail deer with it.

Dogs don't need to be starving or even hungry to chase livestock. When they pack up they're even worse. Around here you have the right to protect your livestock from dogs and the usual method is to shoot them. Most everybody understands if their dog is chasing your livestock that your within your rights to shoot it. I agree with the three s method.