Max
I spent many years in the Top End working firstly as a buffalo shooter
and then as a biological consultant. Following the latter occupation I
occasionally came upon marihuana plants and always warned visiting
consultants and my field assistants to stay away from them and especially
any people in the area. Once a colleague and I stumbled upon - I guess
one would call them cattle rustlers for want of a better name. We were
told to clear out otherwise we'd get shot and having seen the industry
from the other side I didn't wait to be told twice.
In my later work I carried a .357 Magnum. It was mainly for crocodiles
(I was doing aquatic surveys) and pigs, but as a smallish woman I felt a
little safer having it beside me while working alone in remote areas.
You were wise to move away. People wandering around the Top End needn't
be paranoid but to just take some care. Also stay well away from remote
dwellings - their occupants even when not involved in nefarious
activities, have been known to take potshots at unwanted visitors.
I don't doubt you on the Grey Butcherbirds. An interesting record; I'll
keep my eyes out for them.
Denise Goodfellow
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