Thread: Humane dispatch of possums

I was wondering what methods you use to dispatch possums when they're still kicking after being shot? It happens sometimes and while i know the standard method is to whack them over the head i'm not overly fond of it, just a bit too brutal for my tastes. Not a fan of putting another shot into them at close range either, seems a little iffy.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

As Davy Crockett said - "Hit em anywhere in the eye"

I don't know a method of killing possums that isn't a bit brutal. It just goes with the territory.

I've felt the same way on occasion, but I had to remind myself that the animal was suffering, and the quickest way out for it was a smack on the noggin.

Seriously, either put another round in it's head or whack it hard, it's about as humane as you gonna get after not killing it cleanly with the first shot (granted that happens) but if your gonna shoot em you gotta get your head around the fact you may have to finish the job even if it is unpleasant

Or carry a little knjfe and stick em like a pig

Just shoot them in the head again mate. Boot heel or piece of wood if there is no gun

Originally Posted by bigbear

Or carry a little knjfe and stick em like a pig

That's kind of what i was after, i remember there being a method to it but i can't remember it for the life of me.

You wanna try stickng them rather than putting another slug in em or knocking them over the head, bugger that if there still kicking they can do some damage I'd rather not put my hand anywhere near em

9 times out of 10 when i do need to finish them off they're not very agile or fighty by that point anyway.

LOL

Maybe practice shooting them better...

Otherwise a ball peen hammer is good.

Originally Posted by bigbear

Or carry a little knjfe and stick em like a pig

If giving it a smack on the head makes you queezy im sure sticking it aint gonna be any better.. just shoot it again

Originally Posted by Angus_A

9 times out of 10 when i do need to finish them off they're not very agile or fighty by that point anyway.

Wat till one claws ya or takes a bite of ya and then see how keen ya are to stick em. There's a reason they whack them on the head or shoot em again

Originally Posted by dannyb

Wat till one claws ya or takes a bite of ya and then see how keen ya are to stick em. There's a reason they whack themmon the head or shoot em again

I've gotten clawed by them before, maybe it's just from being a chef and being used to cuts but it wasn't that bad. Biting might be another matter.

@Angus_A as said above be careful putting your hands anywhere near a wounded possum!
You just shot him and ruined his night he’s not going to take kindly to, strangulation, guillotine or a death love cuddles
A hammer is good! A knife year nar make sure you put your gun down first.
We know your a chef so I can see why you would want to lean towards a knife.
But another shot or hammer is quick and humane.
It’s good to know that you feel squeamish, it means to me that you are showing respect for the animals that you hunt. It’s perfectly normal.
But remember the faster you put the animal out of its misery the better.
Good luck

I wouldn't even bother shooting them just grab them out off the tree by there tail flip them over and stick em but i want pics