Rabbit hunting

[gloria_mundi 0]

I realise this is not in the correct place, but there seems to be no correct place.

 

I'd like to start rabbit hunting. Advice on technique, equipment etc.? Much appreciated, thanks.

[the ratcatcher 1]

there are a few methods you could use ferrets, dogs or guns, netting, snares or even traps but your best bet is to find somebody near to you that is willing to take you out and you can learn first hand and hopefully learn correctly atb

[John-B 4]

how do you intend to hunt these rabbits then we can help you from there???

[gloria_mundi 0]

how do you intend to hunt these rabbits then we can help you from there???

 

I intend to shoot them, with an air rifle, on some family land.

[gloria_mundi 0]

bump

[diggermad 154]

i have some land close to me i can take you on depends where you are cheers DM

[stubby 175]

I think this post will see more replies if I move it to the air rifle section, as here its more shotgun related

[orangeeric 2]

Hi Gloria_Mundi,

 

I have always found everyone on this forum extremely helpful - but they need something to work with to give you the benefit of some excellent experience. I see someone has already been generous enough to offer to take you out - can't beat that as the way forward for learning in the field. I'd do the same if I were closer.

 

So, please could you tell us a bit about you:

 

What has prompted you to start thinking about doing this - is it interest or need (you have a rabbit problem) for example?

Do you have any equipment at all?

Is it something you'll stay with? (This will affect budget - and you can pretty much spend as much as you want....(oops!) - so what budget do you have in mind?

Do you have any experience at all, or do we start at the beginning (don't want to teach granny and all that)

When will you shoot (time of day etc.) - and on what sort of land (i.e farm etc.) - you'll get lots of opinions on the best time here...!!

What do you know about Airgun and Animal law?

 

I know that this is a bit of a pain, but it will allow us to understand you better and target advice better. Always happy to help.

 

To give you an idea, I use a Daystate Airwolf .22 air rifle (amongst other things) for close quarter rabbiting/vermin. That's £1200 just for the gun. The scope is another chunk more. I'm not boasting, just giving you an idea of how big the range is. I shoot around three times a week, day and night (using a torch or lamp, and in my case NV). I have camo gear and set hides to shoot from on big warrens. But there's nothing stopping you going out in dark clothes with a £100 air rifle with open sights and walking hedgerows or shooting from the window of a vehicle (if safe to do so).

 

Another layer of advice will be what you need to do before you even consider firing on live quarry - line of sight/ safe shots etc. and I don't advocate anyone firing on live quarry until they can put five pellets inside an inch (two at max) at 30 yds - so practice needed! I'm not trying to put you off - on the contrary I encourage people to take up the sport - but you need to be safe. Far too many people wanting to knock shooting.

 

I'm going on now, so I'll stop, but you've done the first thing dead right in asking questions first. Here to help, so ask away.

Kind regards

[jackinbox99 41]

As others have said this is like saying how long is a piece of string.

 

Firstly id read up as much as possible on this forum. A lot of rabbit and shooting experts on here.

 

Id suggest the best option for rabbit hunting is an air rifle. I started with a springer, but soon sold it and got a PCP air rifle. I wish id done that for a start. A nice 2nd hand air arms s410 (or similar) like mine can be had for about £450 second hand and is deadly accurate to 40->45 yards. Once you get a gun, the main thing to do is practise on targets until you are 100% confident you can get pellet on pellet, and you can workout accurately the various ranges and the hold over / under you need.

 

Once you have the gun and are accurate you can hit the field. Do as much research as possible first as to techniques, where to aim and how to kill a rabbit with your bare hands if you mis judge the shot. If the rabbits have not been hunted before, the first 2 or 3 times you go hunting you will have a golden chance to make a big hit as they will not be expecting it. Once they get used to you, they will soon vanish as soon as you enter the field in which case it turns more into a sitting and waiting patiently game until they re-appear.

 

Dont get too hung up on expensive gear. I wear tracksuit bottoms / hooded fleece under a set of £10 army dpm trousers / hooded top i got new from a surplus store. Im lovely & cosy even when its cold and havent splashed out a fortune.

 

One of the biggest problems you will find, even if you are accurate is judging ranges whilst in the field, so each time you are out there, measure out using paces distances from where you can hide and where the rabbits are - i know that x number of paces = 25 yards, 35yards, 45yards etc, and ive gotten to know "landmarks" in the fields i go in.

 

All in all, rabbit hunting can be frustrating and yet can be great fun. Enjoy it and good luck!!!

[gloria_mundi 0]

Hi Gloria_Mundi,

 

I have always found everyone on this forum extremely helpful - but they need something to work with to give you the benefit of some excellent experience. I see someone has already been generous enough to offer to take you out - can't beat that as the way forward for learning in the field. I'd do the same if I were closer.

 

So, please could you tell us a bit about you:

 

What has prompted you to start thinking about doing this - is it interest or need (you have a rabbit problem) for example?A family member has a rabbit problem on his farm. I don't have to sort it for him, he merely suggested it as he thought I might be interested. And I am.

Do you have any equipment at all? Warm clothing? Not much at all

Is it something you'll stay with? (This will affect budget - and you can pretty much spend as much as you want....(oops!) - so what budget do you have in mind?It really is impossible to say whether or not I'll stick with it, but I haven't tended to flit between hobbies and never settle in the past.

I don't want to pay for rubbish. I've probably got about £400 to spend, but it is flexible. Something I can sell on if I change my mind, just a basic kit(ie no night vision scope or that sort of thing), to get me started.

Do you have any experience at all, or do we start at the beginning (don't want to teach granny and all that)

When will you shoot (time of day etc.) - and on what sort of land (i.e farm etc.) - you'll get lots of opinions on the best time here...!! Experience is non-existent, bar one unsuccessful outing to kill foxes, a few years ago. I imagine the best time of day is when the rabbits are out and about - but when is that? Either way, definitely day-time to begin with.

Farm land. I don't know, a few open fields, stretching down to the sea shore. Roads within sight, but not terribly close - 100 yards maybe.

What do you know about Airgun and Animal law? Not much.

 

I know that this is a bit of a pain, but it will allow us to understand you better and target advice better. Always happy to help.

 

To give you an idea, I use a Daystate Airwolf .22 air rifle (amongst other things) for close quarter rabbiting/vermin. That's £1200 just for the gun. The scope is another chunk more. I'm not boasting, just giving you an idea of how big the range is. I shoot around three times a week, day and night (using a torch or lamp, and in my case NV). I have camo gear and set hides to shoot from on big warrens. But there's nothing stopping you going out in dark clothes with a £100 air rifle with open sights and walking hedgerows or shooting from the window of a vehicle (if safe to do so).

 

Another layer of advice will be what you need to do before you even consider firing on live quarry - line of sight/ safe shots etc. and I don't advocate anyone firing on live quarry until they can put five pellets inside an inch (two at max) at 30 yds - so practice needed! I'm not trying to put you off - on the contrary I encourage people to take up the sport - but you need to be safe. Far too many people wanting to knock shooting.

 

I'm going on now, so I'll stop, but you've done the first thing dead right in asking questions first. Here to help, so ask away.

Kind regards

 

edit: Being naturally left-handed, but having played golf right-handedly, I'd prefer a left-handed weapon(I notice on some for sale forums people seem to specify a left-handed gun, I wasn't previously aware that there was much difference), but if it's significantly cheaper, right-handed would be fine.

Edited November 27, 2010 by gloria_mundi

[gloria_mundi 0]

i have some land close to me i can take you on depends where you are cheers DM

 

I appreciate that, but I'm far away. Northern Ireland. Perhaps in years to come

[Marksman 934]

i have some land close to me i can take you on depends where you are cheers DM

 

I appreciate that, but I'm far away. Northern Ireland. Perhaps in years to come

 

Plenty of practice on targets BEFORE you even think about shooting at ANYTHING living

*Note for this you will have to rezero a couple of times*

 

Start short (10M) with a circle an inch in diameter, as soon as you can hit EVERY shot within that circle move out to 15m,and do the same, then 20, 25 and so on until you find it difficult to keep the, all in the circle, If you get to 30-35m and start pulling shots outside the circle then this is the limit at which YOU will be able to shoot until you improve. DO NOT try and take shots on live quarry past your limit until you are sure you are going to hit in case of the risk of wounding

 

Its then just a case of keeping the practice up.

Noone will think any less of you if you only manage a short distance, we all had to start somewhere and I guarantee 100% if you keep the practice you WILL improve.

 

If you need any other help just pop a post on here and I'm sure someone will be able to answer you

 

Darryl

[1652HCU 0]

As others have said ensure you are accuracy proficient, before shooting at live game.

 

There is much info to be gained off YouTube, I like John Darling’s videos. Lots of info and all by a true legend.

 

I always believe that the best way to learn is to accompany someone who is proficient in the art. Best way to learn.

[hunter1989 91]

hi matey

 

as marksman has stated

 

atb steve

[Phantom 631]

Hi There and welcome to the forum

 

The VERY FIRST thing that YOU PERSONALLY NEED TO DO (as your in NI) is check in with your local constabluary because you will need to obtain the relavent License.

 

Your not going to be able to buy a gun (even a sub12 air rifle) without one.

 

If you are granted one and you then purchase an air rifle or air gun (please don't use the term Weapon as a weapon is intended to hurt/kill/injure another human being) then come back to us and we'll talk you through setting up and zeroing your gun/scope and then we'll talk you through what you must be able to do effectively everything from target work to obtaining permission and how to find the furry little buggers and where to put the pellet once you have done; as well as how to cope with situation's (such as wounding) that we all encounter from time to time and what to do about them.

 

Again Welcome aboard

Phantom