Swamper Hunt

[X-Tennessean]

Had some friends that wanted to meet up and turn the dogs loose in the bottom on my Tn lease, we dropped the tailgate at 7:30 and shut them at 3! Had some awesome runs and a great time but I am sore as all get out now, the back aint what it used to be
We killed 21 and lost another 3-4 and some of the longest runs I think I have ever been on. At one time the gps on the collar had them at 2 tenths of a mile away before the rabbit circled back. I think they are starting to rut and that plays a role in why they run so far plus IMO the coyotes being so thick they are used to them ? They also sat tight and literally had to step on top of them to get them up and running.
I got some video using the new Tactacam but did not get any kill shots, it was the first time out with the camera and I am so far pleased with it although I feel it is gonna be better suited for deer/turkey hunting. I need some help loading the video if anyone wants to send me a pm with directions!

 

[tailchaser]

WOW that's a bunch of rabbits,I bet you was wore out,congrats

 

[Mike Belt]

Congrats! Sounds like you had fun. Question though...Exactly what does the rut have to do with how far a rabbit runs and is there such a thing as a rabbit rut? I thought they bred 2-3 times a season. I used to do a lot of rabbit hunting and when I specifically went after swampers it wasn't unusual for them to run 1/2 mile+ before turning back.

 

[Mud Creek]

Usually around feb. and especially march buck rabbits travel to breed. You get a buck rabbit up durimg.this time and theyll take dogs for a ride



Congrats...awesome hunt!!

 

[RUGER]

Very cool.

 

[X-Tennessean]

That's a lot of meat! Swamp rabbits do tend to run wider circles than Hillbilly Cottontails.

I agree but some of these races seemed a little extreme. I grew up running beagles (every weekend) and just sold my pack when I moved to MO. The fellas that owned these dogs were amazed as well because swamp rabbits are all they hunt and they generally do not have races near as long as some of these were.

 

[cornbread]

nice!