Rabbit hunt help

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Mr. Hawk

Mr. Hawk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2003
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838
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Putnam co
I've lined up a guy to bring beagles to my farm for a rabbit hunt next weekend and I plan to bring my nephews who have never rabbit hunted but have taken hunter safety and killed a deer or two. My priority is safety and with them being 12, 13 and 15 any tips on what to expect and should I have them wear orange or anything special. I've only been myself 1 time 30 years ago and don't recall. Plan to have them hunt with 20ga. Also, how many hunters is normal to have along. I've got plenty of good quality rabbit habitat and large tract.
 
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Like Mick said , lota orange and maybe have the kids take turns at the spot where the dogs jump the rabbit, he'll sometimes pass back by that spot. Other than that be sure whats behind the rabbit before they shoot, don't shoot if the dog is right on the rabbit, he'll be back and it ain't a killing contest, the hunting is the fun and reward.
 
Yes to orange
More hunters and More dogs=More fun
Don't shoot the dogs
Don't jump shoot rabbits
Dont move around a lot
Give the dogs room to work
Have fun

I'd stay fairly close to the youngsters until they get the hang of what's going on. Hopefully after a rabbit or 2 yall will be locked in.
 
Lots of good advice.I'm assuming this isn't an option for you but I always have an experienced hunter with the first timers just helping them learn the ropes learning when is safe to shoot and when is not. Also helping them learn how to get in front of the dogs. Another thing alot don't realize is rabbits aren't dumb. Don't move and be quiet when the dogs are headed your way they will turn on ya quickly and be gone.
 
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No rabbit is worth shooting a dog. Have clear view of rabbit before shooting. If in doubt just wait. Better to be told thanks for holding out but that rabbit was good to shoot. Also, let the dogs hunt and the handlers mess with them. Them dogs ain't "pets". Yall will have a blast. Just communicate up front and enjoy
 
The most fun rabbit hunting is listening too a watching the dogs work . I love listening to good pack beagles . Let the rabbit run a bit a the rabbit will make a circle an u will know where to stand and cut him off for safe shot. Them kids will never forget than hunt . An always congratulate the dogs with treats
 
If the field lays out where you can do it safely, don't be afraid to send one of those kids into a thin spot to cut the rabbit off. Skin grows back and blood comes out in the wash. They'll probably be the ones getting the shooting.

Also explain they aren't looking for an entire rabbit in the wide open. They're looking for a shiny black eye, an ear twitch, or a flash of the tail moving just inside the cover. Confirm your target before the shot though.

If the terrain is steep, post the kids along the downhill side. That's where the rabbit is running more often than not.
 
I like to have an adult or experienced hunter with the youth for the first or all runs, so they can see and be told what to expect. Excitement has killed a lot of people, especially with young hunters. Hope ya'll have a safe and good hunt !
 
Thanks for all the replies. We did the hunt yesterday and had a blast. The guy had 4 dogs and it was fun watching them work. While we didn't kill any we saw a couple but couldn't get shots. The dogs seemed to get on them for just a short spell and then lose them most of the time. Gonna try again in a month or so.
 
Mr. Hawk said:
Thanks for all the replies. We did the hunt yesterday and had a blast. The guy had 4 dogs and it was fun watching them work. While we didn't kill any we saw a couple but couldn't get shots. The dogs seemed to get on them for just a short spell and then lose them most of the time. Gonna try again in a month or so.
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Couldve been a bad scent day or they are the types that let their toes outrun their nose🙃

Hopefully yall make up for it next time out. It has happened to me before. Get invited to a new spot by new land owners, get excited, then show up and the day doesn't go at all what you expected! Couldn't get a wooden nickel for the pack on Saturday, show up at the same spot on Sunday they might be worth a million bucks!
 

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