In the spirit of the outstanding "Mole Killing" thread I thought I'd share a story.
Several years ago I was renting a cottage in Northern Michigan. My dog Sports Fan, know by those who loved simply as “Sport” was my roommate and constant companion. "Sport", having just recently been introduced to rural living took to it with great gusto. In fact what he took to was attacking any Porcupine that had the poor taste to wander through our yard. "Sport" was a Greyhound /Labrador mix and was more than a match in speed for the slothful Porcupine.
Besides the obvious that having Porcupine quills stuck in one’s throat, snout and face must hurt like bloody hell, it’s also an expensive trip to the Vet’s office. "Sport" was unwilling to get a job and contribute to the family finances, thus, I was drafted into his war upon Porcupine. I resolved that no Porcupine would ever survive an encounter with me.
Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2000. Having left work early and enjoyed a “Few” adult beverages at a local watering hole, I decided that I needed a hot shower and change of clothes, as I was to scheduled to present myself at the girlfriends parents home for Dinner that evening.
Upon exiting the shower I heard Sport barking like mad. I looked out the window and sure as hell the “enemy” was invading our yard. With no thought to my own personal safety, and oblivious to the fact that the “Cold and Flu” season was upon us, I grabbed my Double barrel 16 Ga shotgun. I ran onto the front porch, took steady aim and touched off both barrels. That Porcupine never had a chance! He was quite dead. The enemy Porcupine soundly dispatched to the afterlife (and feeling a bit proud my victory) I relaxed, took a deep breath and looked around.
It was then that I noticed two important facts: One, that the neighbors were out decorating their Cottage for the holidays. Observation number Two, I was in fact quite naked (“Bare beam and buck naked” is the phrase my grandmother would have used). Embarrassed, I waved, covered myself was well as I could and retreated back into my Cottage.
Needless to say I wasn’t invited over to the neighbors for many months and then only if I promised to wear clothes and leave the firearms at home.