by Eoin O' Sullivan

Created on: February 01, 2009   Last Updated: March 01, 2009

Before I tackle the specific subject of hunting rabbits, I think it is necessary to define the terms and conditions of hunting as a pursuit or sport. Hunting as a sport or recreation is the ability of a person to pit their wits and skill against animal and nature. The animal, in this case a rabbit, is often referred to as game. The first question any would be hunter should ask themselves is this 'why do I want to hunt?' because the answer(s) to this should serve as guidelines, both moral and ethical in the practise of hunting. Anyone who answers the question along the lines of 'well, I just want to kill something', is not a hunter in my book. He/she is nothing more than an exterminator. You should never kill more game than the intended means and never more in a single population that would unbalance an ecosystem or deplete numbers drastically. The best hunters understand nature and are conservationists.

On to the game. Rabbits. A hunter should always have a good understanding of the quarry he/she pursues, from habitat and breeding to feeding patterns. Rabbits live a group called a herd in a warren or burrow and in varying conditions, from lush green fields and forests to desert climates. They are herbivores, grazing mainly on grasses and wild plants. By knowing when they feed and breed a hunter is best able to plan at what times to hunt. I suggest that you take the time to study rabbits, especially in the area you intend to hunt, in greater detail, consulting hunters in your area and the internet.

The Equipment.

Weapon. Rifle

Rabbits are not big game and therefore there are a number of calibres suited to the task of hunting them. The most popular of these are as follows: .22LR, .22WMR. 17HMR. The 22LR has been around for a long time and is a cheap round. It offers an outsize kill range of 100 yards with a headshot. There are also many popular makes of rifle in this calibre, with semi or bolt action. One of the most attractive features of this calibre is the availability of sub sonic rounds which means that the rifle can be fitted with a silencer. This is a very desirable feature in built up areas or on a farm where noise must be kept to a minimum, or in pest control situations.

The .22WMR, is a similiar round to the .22, but offers an outside kill range of 130 yards and packs a much more of a punch in penetration and stopping power. The sound can be attenuated somewhat with a supressor, but not silenced, since no subsonic rounds are available. In terms of range,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>