Aaz Posted February 26, 2012 Report Share Posted February 26, 2012 This might be a daft question but as I'm fairly new to hunting rabbits - is there a way you can identify the sexes visually? One reason I ask is I have a permission on a small holding, rabbits aren't so much of a pest but a bit of a nuisance, digging under chicken pens etc. Although I'd like to take some rabbits for the pot (so would the land owner) I also don't want to wipe them all out by taking pregnant does - its not a nice experience and I'd like to manage the population. Would you leave them alone for a month or 2? I know its difficult question as they breed pretty much all year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsdad Posted February 26, 2012 Report Share Posted February 26, 2012 You can tell visually but it is not easy and not an exact science at range. The bucks will have a more angular head than the does who have a more rounded nose face. Pregnant does will be fatter obviously depending on how far gone they are and often a pregnant doe will just sit there and make no attempt to escape as if she thinks that you will realise she is carrying and leave her alone. I have the luxury of being able to leave does like this but some who are doing a higher level of pest control may still have to shoot them. Anthony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beretta28g Posted February 26, 2012 Report Share Posted February 26, 2012 Does belly fur will be quite mangey where they have been feeding young. When on serious Rabbit control, any rabbit that is seen, and safe, gets shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeh Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 Does belly fur will be quite mangey where they have been feeding young. When on serious Rabbit control, any rabbit that is seen, and safe, gets shot. Shot at in your case... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beretta28g Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 That CWD really liked me, i wacked him fair and square! as did i the last Muntie and Fox. Capable of using a .22 if i want. Why do you think i miss everything? Esp as you and i have never shot rifles together. You, are correct though with a shotgun im scrap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimlet Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 (edited) Don't want contradict Oscarsdad but it is the does that have the long thin faces and the bucks the round heads with blunt snouts. Older bucks often have very thick necks with their heads appearing to grow straight out of their shoulders while does have a more delicate outline with a distinct slender neck and pointed face. This can be easy to spot at range in profile but its not 100% because yearling bucks can look quite feminine as well. A useful thing to bear in mind when you're ambush shooting is that when two rabbits bolt from cover and chase around playfully this is often pre-mating fun and games and the one doing the chasing will most often be the buck. When offered a choice like this I'll try to take the doe first in case I don't get a chance at the other one. They all count but as with deer, its killing females that keeps the numbers down. On the other hand if you've seen them mating then if you shoot the buck the doe will be reluctant to leave him and will often give you another shot. But if thet're playful and skittish you'll probably only get one shot at that pair, so take the doe. Edited March 8, 2012 by Gimlet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsdad Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 I have just re-read my post and I did get the sexes the wrong way around! Good job I don't do that with humans as I am really not that way inclined. I agree with Gimlet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 Just shoot them. They are obviously pests in this area, They are very difficult to perminantly exterminate at best you might not need to shoot any next year. Does can have kittens developing at any time of year, if it bothers you dont look, milky does bother me more but this is vermin control all said and done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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