M@tt
08-06-18, 02:34
Sorry for any graphic detail, I'll try to keep it civilized.
So, almost two weeks ago I was at my tattoo artist's shop, and we were discussing skulls. I mentioned I could get him a few different skulls, since I'm a predator and varmint hunter. He'd have to clean them or get a taxidermist to clean them, but they'd be whole, and entact.
When I got home from the shop, I was sitting on my back deck, and saw a groundhog I've been trying to eliminate come out into the open. I stood up and the groundhog started to run (she was 100 yards from me), but stopped at the woodline. Not wanting to spook her I crawled in, and crawled back out with my rifle and humanely eliminated her with a heart shot.
After confirming the groundhog was dead, I sent my artist a text, asking if he wanted the skull for sure. He said YES! So, twenty minutes have passed, and I walk out with my work gloves, and a machete. The plan was to simply press down on the neck to remove it cleanly. That didn't happen. I ended up laying it on a stump and chopping it off. Now, NOTHING got on my face or arms, and I didn't feel anything hit my eyes. I picked the head up, double bagged it, and tossed it in the skull and fur freezer.
It wasn't until a day later that I started thinking about rabies, since we had a suspected rabid groundhog on the property last year. Then I started thinking about my mouth, nose, and eyes being exposed! Then, Tuesday this week, a sinus issue and headache started. Last night everything piqued as I started panicking like crazy while trying to get to sleep. Needless to say, I woke up better, and only have a slightly sore throat as I type this.
Anyways, I just wanted to thank this site for helping me get over the fear of this virus. While I handle a lot of dead animals, I know it would take the planets aligning and god's hand to guide a drop or two of cerebrospinal fluid into my eye, nose, or mouth,AND that animal would have to be infected from the word go.
While some on this site get annoyed at all the rabies posts, the stories help. A lot. My situation is a little more unique, but I bothered the county health department and was told I'll be fine. Anyways, cheers! :yesyes:
EDIT: Luckily I know a lot of local trappers and hunters, and none of them have caught anything but Lymes disease, and have handled far more animals than me!
---------- Post added at 21:34 ---------- Previous post was at 18:26 ----------
Well, there's still some second guessing, but still no tingling, fever, chills, etcetera. I hate anxiety.
So, almost two weeks ago I was at my tattoo artist's shop, and we were discussing skulls. I mentioned I could get him a few different skulls, since I'm a predator and varmint hunter. He'd have to clean them or get a taxidermist to clean them, but they'd be whole, and entact.
When I got home from the shop, I was sitting on my back deck, and saw a groundhog I've been trying to eliminate come out into the open. I stood up and the groundhog started to run (she was 100 yards from me), but stopped at the woodline. Not wanting to spook her I crawled in, and crawled back out with my rifle and humanely eliminated her with a heart shot.
After confirming the groundhog was dead, I sent my artist a text, asking if he wanted the skull for sure. He said YES! So, twenty minutes have passed, and I walk out with my work gloves, and a machete. The plan was to simply press down on the neck to remove it cleanly. That didn't happen. I ended up laying it on a stump and chopping it off. Now, NOTHING got on my face or arms, and I didn't feel anything hit my eyes. I picked the head up, double bagged it, and tossed it in the skull and fur freezer.
It wasn't until a day later that I started thinking about rabies, since we had a suspected rabid groundhog on the property last year. Then I started thinking about my mouth, nose, and eyes being exposed! Then, Tuesday this week, a sinus issue and headache started. Last night everything piqued as I started panicking like crazy while trying to get to sleep. Needless to say, I woke up better, and only have a slightly sore throat as I type this.
Anyways, I just wanted to thank this site for helping me get over the fear of this virus. While I handle a lot of dead animals, I know it would take the planets aligning and god's hand to guide a drop or two of cerebrospinal fluid into my eye, nose, or mouth,AND that animal would have to be infected from the word go.
While some on this site get annoyed at all the rabies posts, the stories help. A lot. My situation is a little more unique, but I bothered the county health department and was told I'll be fine. Anyways, cheers! :yesyes:
EDIT: Luckily I know a lot of local trappers and hunters, and none of them have caught anything but Lymes disease, and have handled far more animals than me!
---------- Post added at 21:34 ---------- Previous post was at 18:26 ----------
Well, there's still some second guessing, but still no tingling, fever, chills, etcetera. I hate anxiety.