15 replies to this topic

[Davo]

So, my friend and I got to Los Padres at around 6:15am and almost ran over 2 little cottontails on the road. Seems like a good sign, so we drive a little further to a location I found on google map that looked good. Walked about 5 minutes into the scrub and bush, don't see anything and too bushy and hilly. Its ok I have 3 or 4 places I wanted to check out anyways. Found a nice flat, not too bushy field off the highway. Walk in about 10 minutes and start glassing for 10 minutes, nothing. Ok, no worries have a few more spots to check out and already saw the rabbits on the road. Driving to the third spot see some more cottontails on the side of the road, but all on the side of the road or on private property so keep driving. Nearing the 3rd spot while looking for parking see a cottontail jump off the highway to the spot I was checking out. Its about 7:30 now, parked grab the 22 rifle and bipod and as I start going into the field my friend and I see a huge jackrabbit 50 yards away just running for its life. Wow, that one must have been shot at before. We start heading over to where we saw it, then it pops out about 70 yards from us and again just takes off. We try to corner it by a hill but its too far and fast for us. If you can't tell already this is our first time hunting. So, we look around don't see much and I decide we need to get to higher ground cause its a little bushy. So were on a little hill about 5 feet high next to a steep hill in the sun looking out in the field. After about 10 minutes my friends sees another smaller jack rabbit going by a small stream about 75 to 100 yards away with his binos, but I'm the only one with the rifle and hunting license and I can't find him in my scope and off he runs in the bushes. Its about 8:15 now and the hill thing in the sun doesn't seem to be working, so we head back to the car for one last stop. On the way back a cottontail is just sitting up in the middle of a dry creek bed about 40 yards away. I looked twice and confirm its a rabbit and then it takes off into the bushes. So we're still motivated since we see rabbits, but don't know how to get to shoot them. So we find some shade besides a tree in the dry creek bed waiting for another rabbit to show about. Go the bipod and rifle ready, we're both glassing, but nothing. Drive up the highway to another spot and again see more cottontails along the highway, but again can't find them in the field. So I learned a few things about rabbit hunting today, 1 it ain't easy. I thought they would be like rabbits you see on the golf course not scared of us we are over 10 feet away. Only the ones by the highway were not scared of us. And 2, I need to get out here even earlier cause it is hot. But, at least I found out where they generally live.So, my question to all the real rabbit hunters. I know the general vicinity where these rabbits are at now, but how do I hunt them. Should I look for a high ground and glass until one shows up, or will they just see my and run? Or should I wait in a shady area in my camo and wait for one to move within my shooting area? Or 3 walk around until I get one to run away and just wait for it to stop and then shoot it? Oh, and I tried using a cottontail in distress with a call Ron made. Didn't really bring them rabbits running into me. Thanks,Davo

[ShooterJohn]

I think you need some practice with your offhand shooting the .22 and forget the bipod. At the distances you mentioned it shouldn't be to hard to hit them with a .22. Otherwise switch to a shotgun and go after them that way if the brush is too thick. A shotgun is just easier for some people on small moving targets. They are always going to run from you and the smart ones stay by the road.

[Frank]

Oh, and I tried using a cottontail in distress with a call Ron made.

That would be the LAST thing you should be using for rabbits. In other words, you are imitating a rabbit being tortured to death and will hardly get them running TOWARDS the killer.Also, what John said... And while I use shooting stix & bipods for other game, coyote & deer respectively, I can't ever recall using one for rabbit hunting. But hey?Gotta read your entire post now, so I may be back. LOLAnd Keep after 'emFrank

[mtn dog]

Sounds like those bunnies got you all fired up! That's great!Before your next hunt, check with a DFG warden to make sure you and your unlicensed friend are crystal clear on whether his actions were legal out there without a hunting license. This is one of those murky areas where an uptight warden might see cause to cite him if he was assisting in "taking" rabbits. The way the license requirement reads, "taking" applies to more than "killing" and a cranky warden might cite him because he was doing things to assist your effort and not a completely passive observer.http://www.dfg.ca.go...untingfaqs.htmlQ: Who needs a hunting license?A: A California hunting license is required for any person taking birds or mammals. Hunters must carry licenses and be prepared to show them on request. Fish and Game Code, Section 86 defines “taking” as hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.Also...http://californiaout...r-and-movement/I'm not trying to be a "Richard" about this. I've heard and read of friends of hunters being cited because they were more than passive in their participation.Have him get a license anyway. We need as many licensed hunters in this state as we can get just so the bunny-huggers don't think we are a dying breed. If he refuses to get a license, make him carry a camera with a telephoto lens instead of binoculars so you have a better chance of fighting a hard-ass citation in court if worse comes to worse.

[Single Six]

Go very early. Be there at dawn, soon as it's light before sunrise. Sneak slowly and quietly a little at a time. Hunker down a bit and whistle every once in a while. They'll hear it and wonder what the sound was and stick their pink little ears up for you to spot. When a jack sees you, freeze or duck as low as you can so he can't see you and often they'll stop to see where you went. Watch where they go and very carefully sneak up on them from a different direction than where they last saw you.

[chuckocaster]

there are bunches of ways to hunt; spot and stalk, blind hunting, etc. i usually hunt by spot and stalk, i grew up hunting with a bow and arrow so you have to get close! take your time and be quiet, camo helps too. but then again i've shot animals at close range (less than 20 yards) with street clothes on. best shooting times are either first thing in the morning or last light. i usually hunt last light as i'm not much of a morning person.

[Baxter]

My favorite way is grab the shotgun with birdshot and a mod or full choke and bash through the bushes. Once they run put them down. That works well. You can also walk slow and quietly, I like to be a little noisy so they bust from their cover. This of course only works if you know where they live. Good luck.

[oz_fox_hunter]

hahaha.. great story. Now you know where to find them that's half the battle won. You'll bag your bunny soon enough

[CoyoteHuntress]

You need a carrot in distress call... works very well

[ShooterJohn]

Those work great!

[Baxter]

Does Ron make the carrot in distress call?

[Single Six]

Chew on a carrot (or a stick will do if you don't have one) like a rodent, record it, play it LOUD!

[Davo]

Thanks for all the tips guys.

[TonyS]

O'dark thirty until sun is full is the best time. After that you are on a walk. Bunnies like to be out early since no one is supposed to be there. I personally am going to take some reach with me until my gaiters get here. Bush crashing this time of year is great for the brave. But a friend showed me a spot the size of a chicken leg he lost to an excited rattler. No thanks!

[Single Six]

I've had much success jumping and re-stalking jackrabbits. Cottontails, not so much! You gotta see them first or get them on the run with a shotgun.

[fishandhunt4ever]

Keep at it. As long as you learn something new on every outing, you are doing good.

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