lamping

[dan222]

I All in the know - shooting rabbits,

question ? is it better to walk the hrdgrows with a scope fixed lamp ,

or drive around slowley at the required distance you are zeroed in at, still useing the scope fixed gun lamp on the gun through the door window ?

[adymorris]

If you walk the hedgerow's you have a big chance of the bunny bolting up the middle of or to the other side of the hedge, we cover 800 acres over six areas on one farm and can drive around in the 4x4 which does produce, albeit with a .22rf the other permission is approx 15,000 acres and snided out with the little beggars and we park up and bag shed loads or just walk the hedge with a dog & the shotguns

 

depends on how they react to a lamp, if they stand still all well & good but if they are a bit skittish they will bolt - not ggod for an air rifle really

[Dave-G]

A vehicle is not seen as a predator by our quarry - unless they have previously been "shot at by a car".

 

If you don't have a 4x4 try to make something that will adapt the door mirror so you can take a forward facing shot. You will frequently get just within air rifle reach of them with a vehicle if you can keep the headlights on them. It is unlikely the driver will get much opportunity to shoot rabbit sideways out of the car window within air rifle range.

 

If you are not sure of the shot leave it for next time - because if you miss they have then learned that car = confirmed danger rather than may be dangerous. An air rifle is so much quieter than anything else that might get used for rabbit so the other bunnies are usually unaware if their mate gets shot if the car engine is still running.

 

Most jap 4x4's in particular accept a rifle stock between the door frame and the inner top of the mirror, and it naturally adopts a shoot whats in front of the car position. The driver just has to rest his armpit over the 'window ledge' and manouver the rear end of the rifle to acquire any quarry thats lit up by his headlight (on his side). Surprisingly this also works for the front passenger if his rifle has an ambi stock because he's not having to support the rifle. A roll over cheekpiece would prevent the passenger side shooter from viewing through the scope unless he had a left hooker.

 

Rabbits usually run towards home when they realise you are getting closer, and whilst in the glare of your headlights will frequently be unable to spot their hole into the hedge so will pause at the edge of the field. With practice you will learn to anticipate where they are heading - and stop the car before they reach the hedge. This stage is important, as the danger has stopped approaching them - and you need to be stationary anyway for the shot. They know they are only a hop away from safety and this is the time to be lined up ready for the shot. Once they smell the way home they will go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also stalk the hedges while wearing camo if it's daylight - or less need for camo at night. Scope mounted lamps are good, the best ones for close in work have a dimmer switch that allows a stealthy initial scan around on very low power for those bright eyes we all know and love. If you have the power set low enough bunnies will not take any notice of you. If nothing is spotted try a bit brighter for more distant bunnies. If a bunny sits and watches you freeze for a bit without turning off the light. If bunny relaxes, keep the light on it, get within range and position then increase the light and take your shot.

 

Keep close to the hedge as you are less likely to be spotted. If it's a low hedge you will frequently get skylined. Avoid full moon nights as they generally don't come out if its light enough for predators to spot them easily. If you hunt as a pair its best to shoot in turns while the other hangs back so there is less noise and human smell. Stalk into wind where possible, especially if you are approaching a hot spot. If you are a smoker they will probably smell you quicker than a non smoker. Don't use aftershave or any other smell nice stuff - and dont let the mrs wash your clothes in smell fresh stuff either, your hunting clothes belong in "your room".