How many times have you wished that you could say “Hey Baby, I’m leaving the house to go chase some ‘Tail” and hoped to be met with thunderous applause? Well, here’s the playbook to make that happen.
1. The Who
For the offseason sportsman who wants to go burn some gun powder on a low-stakes high-opportunity rate type hunt that’s great for all ages. Rabbit hunting can be successfully achieved as either an independent, or as a team endeavor.
2. The What
Grab a small caliber rifle, or a shotgun with small sized shot. It’s hard to beat the old .22lr and 12-gauge #6 shot combo if you’re part of a team. If this is a man versus rabbits type situation, grab the old “double deuce.” Depending on your tactics, you may want to bring either a pair of binoculars, or a good rabbit driving dog. If you don’t have a dog, purchase a six pack and offer it to a dear friend in exchange for an “afternoon of hiking.” See Exhibit A.
3. The Where
Anywhere there is vegetation and a few solid hiding places nearby. Rabbits are herbivorous, so they are only going to be present in areas that they can find food. The solid hiding places could be anything, an old twisted pile of metal, a few large rocks, a pile of brush, etc. Rabbits spend most of their time burrowed near these solid objects as it offers them protection from predators.
4. The When
Anytime you feel that cabin fever setting in. For me my most productive rabbit hunting days have been in the afternoon on cold sunny days. In the afternoon the majority of rabbits will leave their burrows and will be warming themselves on the southern side of whatever cover they’re burrowed next to.
5. The How
Your tactics depend if your buddy accepted that six pack in exchange for his services as your rabbit-driving dog. If they did, you’re in luck. The graphic demonstrates a two man rabbit driving scenario.
If you’re going at it solo, tactics are much simpler. Sit back and scan likely rabbit hiding spots with your bino’s. Once you spot a rabbit, move in for a shot with the old rimfire. This method is preferred to utilizing a shotgun, as you can aim for the head and will have less meat wastage this way.
6. The Why
Because rabbits are delicious, and there isn’t really a better offseason cure for an itchy trigger finger.
And mostly because rabbit hunting is fun.
Keep up with Robert’s guiding, outfitting, and personal hunting experiences on his website!
