The Essex Hunter Posted August 3, 2012 Report Share Posted August 3, 2012 I picked up another small permission the other day but when I went to look at it I found that there will be problems shooting on the best part of it! It is only small, consisting of 4 fields but it is crawling with rabbits - I could have shot at least a dozen in as many minutes if I had chosen to! However, after looking carefully at the lay of the land and the close proximity of the houses and the main road I have decided that there is only really one field that I can safely shoot on without going to the extreme of using a FAC Air Rifle, which I don't really want to resort to because of the expence for just this one permission. The land is in quite a steep bank dropping down from a main road that runs all the way along the top of it with a Public Foot Path running all along the bottom of it. The far side of the road has houses on it which overlook the permission and I am told that some of these houses are inhabited by a few "antis". Antis don't usually bother me too much but I could well do without any visits from the police and to compound the problems in that respect the land owner, who is quite well known and respected in the area, doesn't want any hastle from the locals, so we straight away have yet another problem there. To add to that, if I were to shoot paralell with the road (Obviously a safe distance from it) I would be shooting straight towards a couple of houses about 300 yards away right on the skyline, and with a .22LR I would be chancing a strong possibility of ricochets which could put the householders in danger, so that is definitely a big No No! This is even more complicated by the fact that there are horses on the top fields along side the road! Therefore there is only one of the fields that is safe to shoot, (Which only had a few sheep on it and is not seen from the houses or the road) which I did and took 5 rabbits for 5 shots in just as many minutes. The landowner want the rabbits thinning right down but the only way that I can see of doing it safely and legally is to long net it and maybe ferret the main burrow which is easily accessible and hidden from the view of the houses with the antis. I have not come across such a complicated situation before so I would welcome any practical and sensible thoughts or suggestions. Having said that please do not reply by saying "S*d the antis" (An attitude which I could use) as I have to respect the land owners respected position and his standing in the community. Edit: When I mention ferreting the burrow, that is not even too practicl an option at the moment as it is crawling with quite young rabbits which suggest quite a strong possibility of a lot of "lay ups" and some hard digging! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Essex Hunter Posted August 3, 2012 Report Share Posted August 3, 2012 I picked up another small permission the other day but when I went to look at it I found that there will be problems shooting on the best part of it! It is only small, consisting of 4 fields but it is crawling with rabbits - I could have shot at least a dozen in as many minutes if I had chosen to! However, after looking carefully at the lay of the land and the close proximity of the houses and the main road I have decided that there is only really one field that I can safely shoot on without going to the extreme of using a FAC Air Rifle, which I don't really want to resort to because of the expence for just this one permission. The land is in quite a steep bank dropping down from a main road that runs all the way along the top of it with a Public Foot Path running all along the bottom of it. The far side of the road has houses on it which overlook the permission and I am told that some of these houses are inhabited by a few "antis". Antis don't usually bother me too much but I could well do without any visits from the police and to compound the problems in that respect the land owner, who is quite well known and respected in the area, doesn't want any hastle from the locals, so we straight away have yet another problem there. To add to that, if I were to shoot paralell with the road (Obviously a safe distance from it) I would be shooting straight towards a couple of houses about 300 yards away right on the skyline, and with a .22LR I would be chancing a strong possibility of ricochets which could put the householders in danger, so that is definitely a big No No! This is even more complicated by the fact that there are horses on the top fields along side the road! Therefore there is only one of the fields that is safe to shoot, (Which only had a few sheep on it and is not seen from the houses or the road) which I did and took 5 rabbits for 5 shots in just as many minutes. The landowner want the rabbits thinning right down but the only way that I can see of doing it safely and legally is to long net it and maybe ferret the main burrow which is easily accessible and hidden from the view of the houses with the antis. I have not come across such a complicated situation before so I would welcome any practical and sensible thoughts or suggestions. Having said that please do not reply by saying "S*d the antis" (An attitude which I could use) as I have to respect the land owners respected position and his standing in the community. Edit: When I mention ferreting the burrow, that is not even too practicl an option at the moment as it is crawling with quite young rabbits which suggest quite a strong possibility of a lot of "lay ups" and some hard digging! Long nets and a windy night......! TEH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted August 3, 2012 Report Share Posted August 3, 2012 I have somewhere similar, turn up first light with a .22 rimmfire and sit in the top right hand corner for a couple of hours, leave before anyone gets up, they wont know you have been. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casts_by_fly Posted August 3, 2012 Report Share Posted August 3, 2012 what about sitting up on a tractor parked between the tractor shed and main coppice? Should give you plenty of height like a high seat and give you a slightly concealed position to shoot from. If the farmed really wants rid of the rabbits, I'm sure he could find a few hours here or there when the tractors aren't in use. thanks rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Vector Posted August 3, 2012 Report Share Posted August 3, 2012 How about a few dozen cage traps? No noise, effective and easily concealed in long grass. I made a load for somebody a few years ago and they didn't cost much either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gav05 Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 (edited) 10 or so homemade rabbit traps just check them every morning and a few hours after re setting them easy to make a few springs some wood and some wire or buy them cheaper then fac and you'll soon have the problem under control. Not the most fun as your not shooting but it gets over the problems. Edited August 4, 2012 by gav05 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 A night shooting swappsy sounds the best idea here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 We've had some good results lamping with a .410 hushpower Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanj Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 I picked up another small permission the other day but when I went to look at it I found that there will be problems shooting on the best part of it! It is only small, consisting of 4 fields but it is crawling with rabbits - I could have shot at least a dozen in as many minutes if I had chosen to! However, after looking carefully at the lay of the land and the close proximity of the houses and the main road I have decided that there is only really one field that I can safely shoot on without going to the extreme of using a FAC Air Rifle, which I don't really want to resort to because of the expence for just this one permission. The land is in quite a steep bank dropping down from a main road that runs all the way along the top of it with a Public Foot Path running all along the bottom of it. The far side of the road has houses on it which overlook the permission and I am told that some of these houses are inhabited by a few "antis". Antis don't usually bother me too much but I could well do without any visits from the police and to compound the problems in that respect the land owner, who is quite well known and respected in the area, doesn't want any hastle from the locals, so we straight away have yet another problem there. To add to that, if I were to shoot paralell with the road (Obviously a safe distance from it) I would be shooting straight towards a couple of houses about 300 yards away right on the skyline, and with a .22LR I would be chancing a strong possibility of ricochets which could put the householders in danger, so that is definitely a big No No! This is even more complicated by the fact that there are horses on the top fields along side the road! Therefore there is only one of the fields that is safe to shoot, (Which only had a few sheep on it and is not seen from the houses or the road) which I did and took 5 rabbits for 5 shots in just as many minutes. The landowner want the rabbits thinning right down but the only way that I can see of doing it safely and legally is to long net it and maybe ferret the main burrow which is easily accessible and hidden from the view of the houses with the antis. I have not come across such a complicated situation before so I would welcome any practical and sensible thoughts or suggestions. Having said that please do not reply by saying "S*d the antis" (An attitude which I could use) as I have to respect the land owners respected position and his standing in the community. Edit: When I mention ferreting the burrow, that is not even too practicl an option at the moment as it is crawling with quite young rabbits which suggest quite a strong possibility of a lot of "lay ups" and some hard digging! Just shoot the one field that doesnt cause problems ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted August 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 Just shoot the one field that doesnt cause problems ? That is what I have been doing up to now and do seem to be making a "small" impression on the numbers but the biggest majority of these rabbits seen to prefer to feed in the top fields nearer to the road! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 (edited) That is what I have been doing up to now and do seem to be making a "small" impression on the numbers but the biggest majority of these rabbits seen to prefer to feed in the top fields nearer to the road! Look on the bright side, you can shoot to your hearts content on the accessible parts in the knowledge that the other parts will always repopulate the areas that would otherwise be over-shot. And you have a good excuse to buy - or build your own Nv system. Edited August 6, 2012 by Dave-G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinytim38 Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 had the same situation a few years ago, the rabbits know where they are safe, and you wont be the first to have tried, the way I got rid of them for the farmer was to use fenn traps, just check them every day and make sure they are anchored very strongly, because charlie will take advantage of the free meal, but he will take the trap with him if it isnt secured, I lost a few this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolly Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 .22lr with nitesite works for me you could make a (recordable) video nite site for less the £80 and as it is dark it allows you to be in a position where you can take safe shots where you would normally be "exposed" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 .22lr with nitesite works for me you could make a (recordable) video nite site for less the £80 and as it is dark it allows you to be in a position where you can take safe shots where you would normally be "exposed" Recordable? for rimfire ranges? I like an optimist. Are you claiming recorded rimfire rabbit ranges with relatively covert illumination for that £80 - or ratting ranges with stacks of barely covert 808nm IR? I've lost count of how many NV virgins have been led into buying buying ultra cheap components for NV home builds only to find out that either they can only see a few yards - or have to use massive amounts of barely covert IR to get a decent image (especially for recording) at rimfire ranges. Of course they were impressed - and most raved about how good they are in their backyards... for a few hours. The guys who needed decent gear almost immediately upgrade to better camera's a few pounds more before finally getting the decent range stuff such as a Watec which needs a lot less and more covert IR. £180 ~ £200 ish is a realistic figure for reasonably covert add-on homebuilds for rimfire ranges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolly Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 well tbh I use a recordable device with my N550 but it works perfectly adequately on my nitesite copy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted August 9, 2012 Report Share Posted August 9, 2012 Snares? FM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynny Posted August 9, 2012 Report Share Posted August 9, 2012 Recordable? for rimfire ranges? I like an optimist. Are you claiming recorded rimfire rabbit ranges with relatively covert illumination for that £80 - or ratting ranges with stacks of barely covert 808nm IR? I've lost count of how many NV virgins have been led into buying buying ultra cheap components for NV home builds only to find out that either they can only see a few yards - or have to use massive amounts of barely covert IR to get a decent image (especially for recording) at rimfire ranges. Of course they were impressed - and most raved about how good they are in their backyards... for a few hours. The guys who needed decent gear almost immediately upgrade to better camera's a few pounds more before finally getting the decent range stuff such as a Watec which needs a lot less and more covert IR. £180 ~ £200 ish is a realistic figure for reasonably covert add-on homebuilds for rimfire ranges. OOOOOHHHHHHHHHH that's everyone told , thanks for telling us all Dave G, are you employed by NASA and a world leader in Night vision technology, Jolly is only trying to HELP frenchie, so theres no need to get on your high horse mate ha ha lmao, But it does sound like you need some decent NV frenchie but all the posts are good info mate, ATB Flynny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kelly Posted August 9, 2012 Report Share Posted August 9, 2012 Ferret and nets in the winter. Traps and snares in the summer. Depends whether you want to sort out the rabbit problem for the farmer, or just want some shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoguy2910 Posted August 9, 2012 Report Share Posted August 9, 2012 How about a ghillie suit, just get into position and wait, folk will just see a lump if grass (or report seeing a yeti sunbaiting ). do it with a sub 12 air rifle and folk wont even know you're there, The NV is a great idea too though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted August 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2012 Neither snares or traps are an option due to horses on one of the fields and sheep on the other. There has however been a breakthrough today! I went to visit the farmer this morning to see if he had finished baling a couple of fields as I fancied doing a bit of crow shooting. He said he hadn't done the haymaking in those fields yet but after pointing out and counting over 30 rabbits on the 2 "problem" fields he just said why didn't I go back home and get my rifle and deal with these pests and "s*d what the antis" might say because as long as I was happy that any shot I took was safe and away from the road the rabbits needed dealing with and if anyone wanted to say anything that was up to them as I was acting perfectly legally and with his blessings. Well I didn't need telling twice so off home I went and swapped the 12 bore for my trusty little Browning .22LR Pumper and a box of sub-sonic ammunition and I was back within about 20 minutes ready for action. I was shooting from behind the sheds and the stables (Out of sight from prying eyse) in a downwards direction and I accounted for 14 rabbits before the rest decided that it wasn't too safe to stick around munching away for the rest of the morning. The 14 that I shot hardly made a dent in this rabbit infestation but the farmer is now quite happy as he can see that there is something positive being done to sort the little pests out. He had the first 4 that I shot for his freezer, all of which were shot right in front of him within literally one minute of me loading the rifle and retrieved, skinned and gutted within 5 minutes - He was extremely surprised at how quiet my .22LR was, it makes less noise than a springer air rifle. The other 10 were skinned and gutted for friends who want them so the carcasses are being put to good use and not wasted! I believe that pointing out and him seeing so many rabbits happily munching away on his grass in broad daylight might have "swayed" his attitude a little - I'm not sure on that one but who cares, as that is what I call a result, 14 rabbits in under an hour with less than 20 yards of walking from the car which was parked in the yard to my "safe and out of sight" shooting position. I will now "rest" the fields for a couple of days and then have another session or two, either early in the morning or late in the evening, until the rabbits start getting too twitchy and educated when I will have to think about a couple of sessions of lamping during the small hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapid rich Posted August 12, 2012 Report Share Posted August 12, 2012 Good work Frenchie, you're on a winner now Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbga9pgf Posted August 13, 2012 Report Share Posted August 13, 2012 (edited) .22cb? Alternatively, YouTube "rabbit pit trap". Seems pretty effective and all you need is a spade and some plywood joinery! http://www.fourteenacre.co.uk/rabbit-drop-box/ Edited August 13, 2012 by mbga9pgf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted August 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2012 (edited) .22cb? Alternatively, YouTube "rabbit pit trap". Seems pretty effective and all you need is a spade and some plywood joinery! http://www.fourteena...abbit-drop-box/ Nice thought but as previously stated snares and traps are not an option due to the sheep and horses. I am sure that things will get "sorted" now I have the go ahead with the .22LR with moderator, and as I said I will in time lamp it with the .22LR or with one of my air rifles fitted with my lower powered gun lamp and amber filter during the small hours (With the police notified in case some busy body sees anything and phones them). Thanks for the thought mate! Edited August 13, 2012 by Frenchieboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ste12b Posted August 13, 2012 Report Share Posted August 13, 2012 Nice thought but as previously stated snares and traps are not an option due to the sheep and horses. I am sure that things will get "sorted" now I have the go ahead with the .22LR with moderator, and as I said I will in time lamp it with the .22LR or with one of my air rifles fitted with my lower powered gun lamp and amber filter during the small hours (With the police notified in case some busy body sees anything and phones them). Thanks for the thought mate! Hi Pete, sounds ok does that. Recognised the fields! If you need to borrow my PCP for the other difficult shots, let me know. Ste Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted August 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 Hi Pete, sounds ok does that. Recognised the fields! If you need to borrow my PCP for the other difficult shots, let me know. Ste Hi Ste, If you recognise the fields and have looked over the wall from the road recently you will know how large the rabbit population is and what I am up against! Thanks for the kind offer mate. I will stick to the .22LR for now and then if need be try my "springer" afterwards. If push comes to shove I might take you up on your offer at a later date. Many thanks Pete p.s. The magnum is back up on song again thanks to your help. I'm much obliged to you mate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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