dead-eye-dick Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 i have, near me, a cricket pitch with a rabbit problem. i is the only place on which I have "permission" to shoot rabbits. A friend of mine who plays for the cricket team (and is trustworthy) has asked the club chairman and has got authority for us both to shoot. We have been a few times but, due to work, it is only very occasionly we can both go. I'd like to go on my own, but as I've never meet anyone at the club feel alittle nervous about going without him. what do you think..... P.S what makes a good night for lamping, we haven't had alot of success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Columbus Polumbus Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Hi Dead Eye We need a little more info really before we can make a judgement, I assume its not the oval or Lords were talking about seriously, is it a village type location or in a built up area? Making the assumption it is a village type green, next time they play go along and I would introduce myself to the chairman and quietly bring it into the conversation about paying your visits alone. Things to watch out for; make sure your buddy knows otherwise he MIGHT think your going behind his back, you don't want him to get the hump with you. Goes without saying your insured. Other than that I wouldn't worry, its similar to cold calling on a farmer, you dont really know him or his staff there but you have your permission and if your not seen to be effective.......... he'll find someone else who is. Alternatively, get your mate to speak with him, a telephone call saying he can't make it tonight but you'll be there on your own if anyone should call him should suffice. At this point he will say one way or the other if he has a problem with you going alone. Hope this helps Col Pol P.s. not quite 20,000 words PP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeon Pieman Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Col Pol I am VERY impressed PP (Sorry folks, private joke ) Dead eye, what are you shooting the rabbits with? Ideally, lamping nights should be cloudy with a moderate breeze. A little bit of rain blowing in the wind isn't bad either (unless you vehicle doesn't like wet grass!) Having said that, you can shoot large numbers on deathly still nights with a full moon. The rabbits soon get wise to you being there so hit them really hard for a couple of nights then rest them for a while. If you don't they become lamp shy and will scuttle off as soon as a light appears. Then when the landowner looks out in the morning he'll see hundreds of rabbits - which you have made hide from lights - eating his lovely grass!!!! What colour lamps are you using? E.g. red, white , blue etc. Hope this helps. BW PP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dead-eye-dick Posted October 27, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Cheers boyz, Am using my NEW air rifle, AA410. (as yet with no notches). We have been using the plain white light, but I do have a red filter. I am sure the chairman will be ok, my concern is the local nosey bunch calling the police. It is a small village pitch, with houses one one side - obviously shooting away from etc.etc. I am keen to get upthere to shoot, but don't need any hassle for the odd bunnie.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeon Pieman Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Dead eye, I'd definitely opt for the red filter. The rabbits are fare more likely to 'hold' in the light for you to take a well aimed shot. My own opinion would be to speak to the local copper and let him know what you are up to, but other forum members will disagree with that. I like to let people know where I'll be in case of any problems! Are you walking and shooting or shooting from a vehicle? The AAS410 is a very good rifle. I had one before I changed it for a .22 rimfire. What scope are you using? The scope will make all the difference when shooting at night, especially with a lowlight filter. Also, practice with the light and rifle before you use them in anger. Things look very different through red filter BW PP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markadams Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Hi Dead-eye, Good to hear that you have finally got somewhere to use the Air rifle, I agree with PP that a red filter does spook the rabbits a lot less, what lamp are you using? I would say that providing you have written permission (which you carry with you), then you should not worry about shooting alone. As for lamping tips, switch the light on with the lamp pointed in the air and slowly lower it to the ground (or slowly increase the brightness, if available). If you are walking, then slowly crouch down as you get closer to the rabbit, this gives the impression that you are going away. Move slowly, and nights with a little wind are best and they hide any noise but make sure that you walk into the wind to avoid your scent being blown in front of you. I hope this helps. Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Ive had similar problems with "shared" shooting,i would make yourself known to a few of the committee type people before you go it alone and as col pol says make sure your mate knows about it.Do you stop for tea whilst playing the rabbits with a straight bat and knocking them for six on this shoot?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Columbus Polumbus Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 I've been miss understood again - sorry lads continuation of the private joke) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeon Pieman Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Col Pol Tee hee hee PP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammergun Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Maybe a nice slice of bunny pie and chips afterwards? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Pudding Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 dead eye I was asked to clear the pigeons from the local church with the use of an air rifle . Lots of house's surrounding the church . So having no bottle i declined . What about netting the rabbits ? Look at the long netting thread there's everything there to show you haow to do it . And the pictures author can be contacted if you need some nets. all the best yis yp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammergun Posted October 29, 2003 Report Share Posted October 29, 2003 On a serious note chaps----- Technically rabbits are covered under the Ground Game Act, an archaic piece of legislation from the Victorian era. This dates from the time when rabbits had a much higher value and poaching was rife. The act states that rabbits and ground game may only be shot by the occupier, a member of the occupier's household or staff, or employed for reward. The following are allowed to shoot at night: An owner-occupier with shooting rights A landlord who has reserved his shooting rights A shooting tenant not in occupation who has derived his shooting rights from the owner An occupier or one other person authorised by him provided he has written authority from another person with shooting rights. Basically, you need to get in writing that you have authority to shoot the rabbits. The "Employed for reward" part is satisfied by having the occupier state in the letter that he allows you to keep the carcasses, which counts as your reward. Curiously, this applies only for shooting, and not other forms of rabbit control. Most locals couldnt give a toss, and are usually glad to see the rabbit population being hammered, but it is worth remembering just in case someone trys to cause trouble. A written note is enough to satisfy the police if you show it to them. If you are using a shotgun after dark, it's good manners to use subsonic cartridges if the shots are likely to be heard by neighbouring farms. They are a good deal quiter and I find them just as effective when shooting rabbits from the vehicle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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