5 replies to this topic

[lukem]

I recentally decided i have graduated from ground squirrels to rabbits. Partially because i feel this is the natural progression, and partially because i want to hunt something i can eat. But in all the time ive been out there, i havn't seen a single rabbit. i have gone both early in the day, late, and in the afternoon. I am in the areas i have been led to believe rabbits like; thick brush next to medows, but i havn't seen anything. What am i doing wrong? Am i in the wrong places? Am i going at the wrong times? I just can't figure it out. I hunt the areas around San Luis Obispo, mainly the National Forrest. Are there just no rabbits around here? Just to be clear, I AM NOT ASKING FOR YOUR SPOT. I am just asking for help on what I am doing wrong. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.lukem

[ratassassin]

Cottontails tend to like the early mornings and late afternoon to dusk. A lot of places just don't have any. Then others will have lots of them. Just have to drive and scout around until you find them.

[Thumper Dunker]

Do not go high up for rabbits . cottontails will be with ground squirrels. jacks like open grassy areas or grassy orchards. Small dry creek beds are good for bunnies also. Up high and you will find snow shoes ,realy hard to find but they are there.

[Air Rifle Hunter]

When I've seen them, they are out right before and as the sun comes up over the mountains. Then I also see them come out about an hour, maybe an hour and a half right before dusk. I rarely ever see a cottontail during the middle of the day. That's very, very rare. If they are out during the middle of the day it is sometimes when it is overcast and sunlight is diffused. They also hang out within 10 feet of brush or cover of some kind so that they can bounce into their safe area when startled or feel like they are in danger. They call that the "Edge Effect". One thing to keep an eye out for, is when you are facing towards the sun look for yellowish orange ellipses amonst the terrain as you glass for your potential targets. Rabbits ears light up and look like the old candle flame light bulbs when the sun is behind them, making them a little easier to spot. This is more prevelant with Jack Rabbits though because of their large ears. Also, look for the eyes. They also stand out from their surroundings as different. Jack Rabbits I've not seen when out hunting just yet (except when I'm driving at night or don't have my rifles with me). I do know that they are out early and late and then during the day they spend it bedded near a bush in the shade (if it's hot) or you might catch them out sunning if it is really cold. They do seem to prefer flat, open areas where they can see the potential dangers. Try driving around near the areas you are hunting (if that is possible) before sunrise and after sunset just to see if you spot any running across the road. Or near the road side jumping for cover. I always know that rabbits will be in an area during hunting times if I see them near the roads when it's dark.

[ShooterJohn]

Are there rabbits in the area you are looking? Have you found any rabbit sign, like droppings? If they aren't around you can't hunt them. Look at different areas until you find them. Good luck.

[tonyd]

Most of the rabbits i've seen have been 1/2 to 1 hour before sunrise, and like I've read here before, if you don't see any road kill anywhere, there probly isn't many of the small critters around.