MidTennFisher
Well-Known Member
My father and I have made a few rabbit hunting outings over the past month or so and we're expending entirely too much energy to maybe jump one rabbit, sometimes none. We don't have dogs to hunt with, we just stay 20 yards apart and walk through thick briars, honeysuckle, fallen trees, anything that looks like excellent rabbit cover. I'd find it very difficult to believe that there actually aren't any rabbits in the stuff we stomp through, especially with the food nearby such thick shelter. I don't know too much about hunting rabbits so I'm wondering a few things.
1] On New Years Eve, for example, we stomped all through Williamsport and didn't jump a single one. Does that area get hit hard with the Beagles and we're just too late since the rabbits have been thinned out? I know you guys with the dogs have some awesome rabbit hunts.
2] We did notice a lot of holes among that thick stuff. Is it possible all the rabbits are just going underground long before we get close enough to see them? Is it possible they're taking off way ahead of us because surely they know we're coming from 50 yards away? Perhaps that's why this game is a lot more productive with a dog or several so they can chase them back towards you.
My dad did get a few rabbits last year and gave me one, its one of the best tasting meats I've ever eaten so I'd sure like to get some more. Is there something else I should be looking for habitat wise that I'm missing? I do like spending a crisp day in the woods but man, hours of walking and getting stabbed with briar thorns needs to yield a meal or two of rabbit or it's just not worth it. Any advice you seasoned rabbit hunters can give is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
1] On New Years Eve, for example, we stomped all through Williamsport and didn't jump a single one. Does that area get hit hard with the Beagles and we're just too late since the rabbits have been thinned out? I know you guys with the dogs have some awesome rabbit hunts.
2] We did notice a lot of holes among that thick stuff. Is it possible all the rabbits are just going underground long before we get close enough to see them? Is it possible they're taking off way ahead of us because surely they know we're coming from 50 yards away? Perhaps that's why this game is a lot more productive with a dog or several so they can chase them back towards you.
My dad did get a few rabbits last year and gave me one, its one of the best tasting meats I've ever eaten so I'd sure like to get some more. Is there something else I should be looking for habitat wise that I'm missing? I do like spending a crisp day in the woods but man, hours of walking and getting stabbed with briar thorns needs to yield a meal or two of rabbit or it's just not worth it. Any advice you seasoned rabbit hunters can give is greatly appreciated. Thanks!