Power load selection is very important; it can make the difference in getting the animal immobilized or medicated quickly or having to work out another shot. There are many factors involved in choosing the correct power load.
e. How close can you approach the animal before their flight response takes over?
If the animal is up a tree with obstructions such as limbs where you only have a small target area you will need to use a stronger load than you would normally use for a range that is on level ground. Even though you may hit harder than normal, a stronger load is necessary in order for the syringe to travel in an upward motion or through a small target area. On larger animals, you have more room for error; on cattle you could have an 8 to 10 inch target in the hip area vs. a 2 to 4 inch target on the hip area of dogs. Aiming for the neck area of cattle will also decrease your target area. In urban areas the distance to a target animal should be as close as possible. Extra caution should be taken with animals standing on pavement or concrete roads or driveways, as syringes will ricochet if you miss. Even with the highest power load and the smallest syringe they only travel about 400 feet per second. There is time for your target to move or someone to walk into your line of fire. Always use the same precautionary measures with Cap-Chur projectors as you would with a firearm. At higher altitudes where the air is thinner, as a general rule you will get more distance from your syringe than at lower altitudes with the same strength power load. All animals have a comfort zone you can approach without them running off. Most animals will let you approach closer in a vehicle than on foot provided they have not been chased previously in a vehicle. It is much easier to make a 45 feet shot than an 85 feet shot. A yarn tail piece that has been used often will allow the syringe to fly much faster, even when using the same strength power load As a general rule the very low and low loads are the most commonly used power loads. (refer distance chart for complete range information) |