We have rattlers, skunks, coons, coyotes, pigeons, deer, rabbits, upland fowl, badgers, coyotes, coons, pigeons, prairie dogs, antelope, crows, prairie dogs, coons, pigeons, coyotes, rattlers, and coons. For pigeons and rattlers and youth practice I grab bb guns, .22 revolver or rifle, and without youth, the 12 GA, .38 revolver, 9mm .410 shotgun, .223 and .243 all have seen their use quite often, usually the night yard disturbances are met with the 12 GA or .223 (has a scope light) and a pistol on the hip... one time I cleared a Coon nest out of an abandoned barn and the 12 GA, hipoint .40 and .22 revolver did NOT have enough ammo. Also, there are still occasions when ye olde .300 wm gets to stretch its legs. And while the 9mm carbine needs new sights, it has also earned its own place in the yard protection game.