Few days ago.

[JackReid 35]

Hello all,

 

Did this a few days ago so cant remember in detail for an exiting write-up haha! However I do remember the basics and the pictures just outline my chosen spots and the successive fails/victories. Might give a bit of flavour to someone news idea of where to start when taking rabbits.

 

I seem to remember spending the good portion of the day at the farm with Hugo and Dylan. Hugo was hungover so got in the hide shown in previous topics, and stayed there with his HW97KT and a .22LR in case of much longer range shots. I tried a variety of rabbit spots but apart from sparing the odd kit rabbit, I didnt see much in terms of rabbits.

 

First spot was an old favourite and nou doubt will emerge as one again as the rabbits come and and bask in the sun and feed on the fresh grass. Everything here was a no show so I moved on.

Edited April 9, 2010 by JackReid

[JackReid 35]

After this I cut through a hedge and attempted to stalk my way along/through a hedgeline to get more or less underneath the huge pigeon tree's I usually try and shoot. Never stalked this way successfully before and did a real good job, having to stop every now and then to catch my breath. Eventually the first round blob was visible through all the branches and it had its back to me, perfect. It was a ridiculous steep angle but I was confident with that. The problem was a stick crossing its back killzone, not allowing a between the wing heart shot. I thought I would wait and if all else failed try put a shot over the top in the back of its head. I had to give a fair bit of clearance for some sticks and knew it was would either be a spectacular kill or miss, which is a good way to go I suppose. Unfortunatley I missed but now I know I can stalk through there and just about not be seen, just need to perfect my finishing.

 

The next shot is where I went after this little episode.

 

Going along what will become a busy hedgeline as the weather gets warmer, I set down to try get some rabbits that may of come out in the sun.

 

Farm on my left.

[JackReid 35]

This (turning fro mthe farm to look right) is the hedgerow I was going for.

 

Using the orange electric fence posts as markers, the 2nd furthest from me being 30 metres I was well equipt to take out anything that came out.

 

It was quite windy, but I chose the least windy side of the hedge, giving myself shade from the wind, and also hoping the rabbits may have the same idea, they have in the past, but not today....

 

Once again this wasnt frustrating I was having fun nevertheless.

[JackReid 35]

Eventually thinking it was a no go here also, I headed to go see Hugo in the hide, on the way down something dragged itself throuh the hedge next to be and stopped. I froze, dropped my adjustable objective to its lowest point, magnification to x3..... Stayed still and peered through where the rabbit had stopped moving, I could see its backend and wondered if even I could see the head I would be able to hit it as it was so close. I slowly shuffled right with the rabbit not moving, something wasnt right. I took a step back and could see the head, it was riddled in mixi, gave the appropriate holdunder and took the shot. I wont lie, I held too low and the shot missed the cranium passing through the head/face area. the rabbit was really far gone and I took the shot as it was right by its hole, knowing I could likely follow up if needed. The rabbit like most mixi's do, seemed fairl unphased by being shot, they already half dead when mixi'd up I hoped the shot would maybe have clipped the brain slightly and it would die, but I heard a cough and knew the shot was too low and it wouldnt die there and then, it took a step forward as if it was sniffing its way down the hole (bearing in mind the rabbits eyes were basically no existant because of the disease) so I thought it I've got to get it, so I put the rifle down and covered my face and pushed my way through the thick brambles for a metre or two until I knew I was almsot there. Swiped its back legs as it went for the whole, pulled the ehad away from body brekaing the neck, instantly going limp the rabbit was no more, a quick strike of the back of its head to be certain and the job was done.

 

Wasnt fun but there you go had to be done.

Edited April 9, 2010 by JackReid

[JackReid 35]

So we headed back, fun day, not much to show but oh well.

 

This pigeon the day after made up for it though, was a lovley shot.

 

Sorry for quick round off but gota go, will post when I've got more.

[venomviper 129]

hi ya jack

some good pictures there buddy and cracking shooting to matey and a good write up to as always

 

shay

[JackReid 35]

The pigeon

[aaronpigeonplucker 32]

nice write up. i stop shooting pigeons this time of year as they are rasing their young and me being a softy i hate to have killed a pigeon and for its chicks to die slowly in the nest. just this mornign i was squirrel bashing and a pair of woodys landed above me and i saw them walk to their nest and take turns regurgataing food to the chicks.

[Buster321c 1,010]

nice write up. i stop shooting pigeons this time of year as they are rasing their young and me being a softy i hate to have killed a pigeon and for its chicks to die slowly in the nest. just this mornign i was squirrel bashing and a pair of woodys landed above me and i saw them walk to their nest and take turns regurgataing food to the chicks.

 

 

Aaron , you`ll find most species will be raising young . So do you stop shooting all together ??

[zini 1,939]

Nice write up Jack 5 stars from me.

 

I think the HW springers are just great rifles.

 

i really am after a HW97KT myself for my next rifle.

 

Si

[pest hunter 151 15]

good write up mate

[farmerkev09 105]

nice shooting jack some good pics there mate

 

farmer

[Sweeney-Todd 208]

Hi jack.

 

What a great write up, very interesting too.

Congrats on the Pigeon, and well done for ending the suffering of the Mixi Bun.

Bet your pleased you have cracked stalking that hedge row now

 

 

ATB.

 

 

 

 

 

Bill.

[ferretville 69]

Good write up jack sounds like you enjoyed yourself. Why don`t you put all your pics on the same page jack would make life easier for you