Rabbit blasting whilst they are cutting the hay!!!

[andyd99]

Just wondering if any guy's had done this before. Ive just had a phone call off one of my permissions asking me to go along tomorrow afternoon, to follow the combine which is cutting the hay, and blast the running rabbits. Ive heard of this before, but never had the chance to do it, and wondered if any of you guy's have done this in the past, and any hints and tips

 

Cheers

 

Andy

[al4x]

firstly combines don't cut hay but assuming you mean cutting either rape or barley at the moment then tips are either to walk alongside slightly in front or stop on the headland between the standing crop and the most likely hedge. Then shoot SAFELY away from the combine, you stand good chance of seeing a fox or two as well.

I occasionally stand on the combine steps and shoot but it depends on wind direction as to whether it gets too dusty, works very well but I usually find I can go in one direction and get in the cab to save getting too dusty when working the other way.

[vulpicide]

Blasting Hmm I would just shoot them :yp:

[pigeonblasterian]

Have done it before and i usually go a bit foreward of the combine and wait for anything to come out.

A farmer has asked me to do it next week as he is going to cut the barley weather permitting.Not everything runs out and i have shot a few with ears that have been cut in half.

[andyd99]

Blasting = another term for shooting :look:

 

As regards to the hay - combine etc, it was just the information the farmer has just replaid to me, i wont know much else until I get there tomorrow.

 

Many thanks for the reply though

[sitty tree]

goood luck andy. be safe if you have not done this before. watch those blades.

[rimmie]

Iv done this a few years running while my farmer cuts his rape. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on !! Really good, especialy when you have rabbits running out here there and everywhere. But obviously safety is very important especialy when there's a few of you shooting. I say go along it's great gun.

[bedwards1966]

Be very careful, getting caught in the combine, under the combine, or under the wheels of a tractor leading corn from the combine is not going to be a pleasant way to go. Don't get in the way of any machinery either, the farmer won't appreciate it if you slow the job down! (Grumpy *******!)

As combines don't cut hay, perhaps he's combining wheat or barley, and also cutting some grass for hay with a mower, and wants you there for both?

 

My dad (old guy) was telling me about how grass was cut years ago, they'd start from the edge of the field and go round in a circle until they did the last bit in the middle. Many people (probably half the village) would surround this bit, and when the last bit was being cut the rabbits would bolt, to meet many people with sticks. Pity nobody has the time to do it this way any more, I understand it was very effective.

[B725]

ask him to cut it in strips if its a big field it will be easier for you as the rabbits and foxes tend to stay in the standing corn and bolt at the last minute.Thats how I do it so the guns have a chance.