Destructive Armadillo in My Yard

[Billm]

My wife and I started seeing holes all over my backyard over the last two or three weeks. I put out a trailcam and didn’t see anything. It’s annoying because I’ve spent the last two years trying to to cultivate a one acre centipede lawn from seed - no easy task. I don’t have my DNT TNC225R mounted on a rifle right now. I took the scope out on the back porch tonight at midnight and handheld it. I usually see a couple of rabbits, but the wife has put those off limits. But, tonight I fired it up in thermal mode and out at 100yd +/- there was nice bright blob. I flipped it to night vision and increased the IR illumination. There it was, a big fat armadillo tearing up my yard. I believe it’s legal in Florida to shoot a nuisance armadillo, I will check to be sure. I’d like to shoot it from my back porch if possible. I get regular visits from a mama bear and her cubs in my backyard and I don’t want a run in with her lol. My question for you more experienced pesters - is my .30 Sonoran 85fpe lethal enough for an Armadillo at 60-100 yds. I’d probably use 50gr pellets or slugs shooting from a rest or tripod. I’m very capable of 1-2” groups at a 100yds with the rifle. The other option is my .25 Ghost HP. I have powder burners but that’s not really an option lol.

 

[Joey 69]

I'll bet a head shot will deter him.

 

[GHairgunner]

One Ghost to make another................

 

[FL22]

Here is PA’s guide for hunting/pesting.

Game & Pest Hunting | Choosing Best Equipment | Pyramyd AIR

Get expert tips on hunting game and controlling pests whether you prefer airgun hunting or bowhunting from the outdoor experts at Pyramyd AIR.

www.pyramydair.com

 

[FL22]

I have this page saved, might be helpful to others.

Airgun Calculators -

Totally understand if you don’t want to click the link, the calculator is on AoA.

 

[Chief55]

I would not handle it, just in case.

They can contract and transmit leprosy​

Leprosy—also known as Hansen’s disease—is a bacterial condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is transmitted between humans via droplets that are released from the nose and mouth and can lead to skin rashes, ulcers, and hair loss.

There is evidence that armadillos may also be able to carry the disease. In Brazil, it was found that people who eat and handle the nine-banded armadillo are more likely to possess antibodies against leprosy

 

[Danman]

My wife and I started seeing holes all over my backyard over the last two or three weeks. I put out a trailcam and didn’t see anything. It’s annoying because I’ve spent the last two years trying to to cultivate a one acre centipede lawn from seed - no easy task. I don’t have my DNT TNC225R mounted on a rifle right now. I took the scope out on the back porch tonight at midnight and handheld it. I usually see a couple of rabbits, but the wife has put those off limits. But, tonight I fired it up in thermal mode and out at 100yd +/- there was nice bright blob. I flipped it to night vision and increased the IR illumination. There it was, a big fat armadillo tearing up my yard. I believe it’s legal in Florida to shoot a nuisance armadillo, I will check to be sure. I’d like to shoot it from my back porch if possible. I get regular visits from a mama bear and her cubs in my backyard and I don’t want a run in with her lol. My question for you more experienced pesters - is my .30 Sonoran 85fpe lethal enough for an Armadillo at 60-100 yds. I’d probably use 50gr pellets or slugs shooting from a rest or tripod. I’m very capable of 1-2” groups at a 100yds with the rifle. The other option is my .25 Ghost HP. I have powder burners but that’s not really an option lol.

There's many ways to figure this out but i ALWAYS prefer the fun/scientific way vs mathematical methods.

- First determine where on animal you intend to hit (vitals under its armor or a head shot) I personally have never seen, let alone shot an Armadillo...no help there!

-Range is next and you have that figured for 100-ish Yards.

-Last is the fun part! Set up water jugs, 3/4-1inch thick wood, an empty metal paint can filled with water or sand...options are endless. Test the .25 (better penetration) vs your .30 (better smack) with ammo of choice and post results at that distance (I for one would love to know!!) and pest away.
Ex: My .22 ghost smashes through car doors and fenders inside 25 yards regardless of ammo choice...80Y? Nope just dents em....unacceptable range/fpe combo for big pests imo.

 

[Billm]

I would not handle it, just in case.

They can contract and transmit leprosy​

Leprosy—also known as Hansen’s disease—is a bacterial condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is transmitted between humans via droplets that are released from the nose and mouth and can lead to skin rashes, ulcers, and hair loss.

There is evidence that armadillos may also be able to carry the disease. In Brazil, it was found that people who eat and handle the nine-banded armadillo are more likely to possess antibodies against leprosy

I’ aware of the Leprosy etc.. I have no intention of touching it with anything other than a shovel. I’m a wimp lol. Thanks for pointing that out, I’m sure a lot of people are not aware of the hazards.

 

[Billm]

I’ll try to do that lol. At 50yds the .30 punches cleanly through 18ga sheet metal on 5/8” cedar and keeps on going. It has also punched holes through a rimfire bullet trap. I’ll put the chrono down range and measure the fpe.

 

[Vanman]

In Tennessee they are considered an invasive specie. No closed season, no limit.

 

[Billm]

I think the Sonoran can get it done. I was a little worried. I moved the DNT TNC225R to the Sonoran. I had difficulty putting pellets or slugs on the backstop, which is 5/6 ft tall by 2ft wide. The site comes with a 0 MOA mount and I believe it needs a 20 MOA mount with the Sonoran. So, I reluctantly placed a washer between the scope and the rear of the mount.. Back on target. I shot a 10 shot group at 101yds with AEA 52.2gr slugs. The last three got away from me, but still acceptable. The first seven shots were sub MOA. I was in pain during the last half of the string and I’m pretty sure it was me and not the gun. It could be dropping off the reg.. I made the mistake of increasing the reg too much, took it to 200 bar. I already know once it hits 190 bar it drops velocity. It dropped to 850fps. But, I think they shot pretty good at that speed. I then placed a 2x4 scrap on top of the trap, to test its penetration at 101yds. I should’ve hit the record button. It went through the 2x4, breaking it in two. I couldn’t find the back piece, I’m assuming it was carried away by the slug.

 

[FL22]

I believe it’s legal in Florida to shoot a nuisance armadillo, I will check to be sure.

Under legal options

Land Mammals - Armadillo

Armadillo

myfwc.com

 

[JimT66]

I think the Sonoran can get it done. I was a little worried. I moved the DNT TNC225R to the Sonoran. I had difficulty putting pellets or slugs on the backstop, which is 5/6 ft tall by 2ft wide. The site comes with a 0 MOA mount and I believe it needs a 20 MOA mount with the Sonoran. So, I reluctantly placed a washer between the scope and the rear of the mount.. Back on target. I shot a 10 shot group at 101yds with AEA 52.2gr slugs. The last three got away from me, but still acceptable. The first seven shots were sub MOA. I was in pain during the last half of the string and I’m pretty sure it was me and not the gun. It could be dropping off the reg.. I made the mistake of increasing the reg too much, took it to 200 bar. I already know once it hits 190 bar it drops velocity. It dropped to 850fps. But, I think they shot pretty good at that speed. I then placed a 2x4 scrap on top of the trap, to test its penetration at 101yds. I should’ve hit the record button. It went through the 2x4, breaking it in two. I couldn’t find the back piece, I’m assuming it was carried away by the slug.

That Sonoran .30 will sure get him. I didn't have a way to record the last one I got, but wished I had. Never knew dillos performed acrobatics. He jumped easy 5 feet straight up did a backflip, and ran a big 20 ft circle before expiring. A lot faster than you would believe. That was with a 33 grain 22 slug outta my Condor put it right behind his head. That was my mistake, went for a head shot

 

[Billm]

That Sonoran .30 will sure get him. I didn't have a way to record the last one I got, but wished I had. Never knew dillos performed acrobatics. He jumped easy 5 feet straight up did a backflip, and ran a big 20 ft circle before expiring. A lot faster than you would believe. That was with a 33 grain 22 slug outta my Condor put it right behind his head. That was my mistake, went for a head shot

I shot another 2x4 and still forgot to hit record lol. But, it’s falling off the reg., the first shot on the second 2x4 was another pass through, but not as destructive. The next shot didn’t pass through.

 

[Billm]

Under legal options

Land Mammals - Armadillo

Armadillo

myfwc.com

That’s a good thing. I to,d my wife that I was just going to spray insecticide and that the armadillo will move on. She’s like: “no, I want you to shoot it”.

 

[JimT66]

I shot another 2x4 and still forgot to hit record lol. But, it’s falling off the reg., the first shot on the second 2x4 was another pass through, but not as destructive. The next shot didn’t pass through.

I really am wanting a good .30. I tell myself it will make a better yote gun thank my AirForce Condor and EscapeSS. You know about them Bill. Is the .30 a big improvement over the .25?

 

[Billm]

I really am wanting a good .30. I tell myself it will make a better yote gun thank my AirForce Condor and EscapeSS. You know about them Bill. Is the .30 a big improvement over the .25?

Yes, in my opinion it is. I really like the .30. I can see why it has become very popular in 100yd competition. Of course my only experience is with the Sonoran, which is just an all around good gun with the Sub-MOA barrel.

 

[FL22]

That’s a good thing. I to,d my wife that I was just going to spray insecticide and that the armadillo will move on. She’s like: “no, I want you to shoot it”.

Yes, that’s because it has “crossed” her. That’s what my wife said about squirrels when they chewed up the wiring of her car and our house.

For those of us who have lived through many, many years of marital bliss we all know that “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” .

 

[Billm]

Yes, that’s because it has “crossed” her. That’s what my wife said about squirrels when they chewed up the wiring of her car and our house.

For those of us who have lived through many, many years of marital bliss we all know that “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” .

So true. Been, there done that that with the squirrels. The last time I killed anything was six or seven squirrels that had gotten into the attic at my mom’s house in P’cola. I started with my daughter’s Crossman Co2 Semi-auto.177, but it was taking 3 or 4 shots to dispatch them. So I broke out the Diana 48 .177 with wadcutters, Wadcutters at 800-900fps under 30 yds are lethal. That was 10-12 years ago. This is the first Florida house, where I have no squirrels.

 

[FL22]

So true. Been, there done that that with the squirrels. The last time I killed anything was six or seven squirrels that had gotten into the attic at my mom’s house in P’cola. I started with my daughter’s Crossman Co2 Semi-auto.177, but it was taking 3 or 4 shots to dispatch them. So I broke out the Diana 48 .177 with wadcutters, Wadcutters at 800-900fps under 30 yds are lethal. That was 10-12 years ago. This is the first Florida house, where I have no squirrels.

Some folks swear by wadcutters. If you have no squirrels, then they must’ve all moved to where I live lol.
Seriously that’s interesting that you haven’t seen any. Is there an abundance of predators?