My first live possum!

November 2004. Moving on from leg traps, I decided to try my hand at making a box trap out of plywood. Once again, my first attempt was a success - and now I could bring home live ones - much to the disgust of my family! Actually, we kept this one for a couple of weeks, and even tired to give it away as a birthday present to one of the girls in the youth group. I don't think her dad was too keen though!  These little beasts are very strong, and I'd only ever hold one with leather welding gloves - as per picture. Never forget these things are national pests - and have destroyed much of our native forests and wildlife. Take a look at my Possum Facts page, you might be surprised at how much damage these beasts cause to our natural heritage.

About this time I started getting frustrated with the lack of power with my air rifle, and the fact that a good one would cost me around NZ $1,500. I decided to begin the process of obtaining my Firearms License. Once completed, I bought my first firearm, a Toz .22 bolt action that I modified a bit with bipods, silencer, scope and lazer.