What a crappy, miserable winter. One week of -3 to -9* each morning. Almost nonstop rain for 4 months. Finally, this week we had 2 days of 65*. I normally don't "open" groundhog season until Feb. 15, but next week is scheduled for more rain and snow plus cold temps each day.
I went to 3 of my barely passable fields. I only saw one 'hog each day, but that was enough to get the juices flowing. First up was my seldom used XP-100R rear grip .22-250 factory gun. It's a little unhandy, but I have more plans for it this year, so I need to get comphy with it.
After 30 minutes of watching a prime spot, a hog came out of his hole and started housekeeping. He was so busy that he didn't notice me at 130 yds. I let him work a while so his day wouldn't be totally wasted. I put a Horn. ZMax in and shot one shoulder on a quartering angle. He was wasted as well as his day

The 50 gr. Zmax exited his hip with a 1 1/2' exit. I normally use 40 gr. BTs, which won't exit 'hogs on 99% of the shots. The 50s will probably hold up a little better in winds that I may encounter later this year.
I got another one on the second warm day with my Quiet Gun (Ruger MkIII, suppressed) at 60 yds. He wiggled in the hole, so no photos of him.
Today is cold with 30mph winds, so nothing to do but post this. I just love being retire(ed).

Glad you were able to get out and take advantage of the few beautiful days we had.
I take it the 22-250 will see more action this year?

I believe this is the first year in a long time that I haven't killed a chuck. I'm not sure what happened to them, but they are rare as hens teeth around these parts.

DOC: IF YOU EVER GIVE UP BEING THE HITMAN IT WILL BE A SAD DAY FOR ALL

Good shootin! They have been pretty scarce here in South Central KY. for a few years but I think they are making a comeback.