Lamping's a shocker when your new to it!

[Toombsy]

Just got back from my second-ever walk round the permission with the new rifle and scope mounted lamp.

 

It's amazing what you come across when you're off the beaten track at night. There are eyes everywhere!

 

The first time out, saw plenty of rabbits on a rape field they have absolutely destroyed. They were all out of range though, so a little more practice is needed there. But I couldn't believe the amount of partridges. You don't see them at all during the day here... but there are 100s of 'em at night!

 

And tonight I had the shock of my life. I was very slowly and steadily making my way along a large hedgerow with the lamp off, trying to get around 50 yards from a known rabbit hotspot. The track's grass, the hedgerow's to me right and there's a thick rape field to my left. I stopped midway along the hedge to cut through it. Just as I got into the thick hedge and down the dip my phone rattled. I stopped and from nowhere I heard grunting and snorting like I've never heard in front of me, behind me and to the side.

 

In a bit of a panic I switched the lamp on and no more than 4ft in front of me was a badger, and another, and two behind me, and three more to my side. Nearly **** myself!

 

Amazing looking creatures when you're that close. Just wish I had a camera, but I will next time.

 

 

Anyway, enough of the rambling... can anyone pass on any lamping tips to help me along, please, bearing in mind I'm on foot? Best weather for it? How often to use the lamp? Is it best to get out there as soon as darkness falls, or give it an hour or so? That sort of info will be really useful.

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited April 12, 2009 by Toombsy

[Ferret Master]

In my experience for rabbits, the best weather is an overcast night with little moon and a decent breeze, a little bit of light drizzle won't go amis either.

 

So if the forecast stays the same as it's currently predicting for Friday I won't be going as we are due clear skys and virtually no wind here.

 

FM

[JohnGalway]

Try using a rabbit distress call and getting buzzed several times by a curious owl

 

I've got ****** all rabbits to shoot here anymore so I'll try to offer some general advice without knowing your skill or expierance level regarding going out with others or shooting in general. But, and without trying to sound patronising, regarding shot range - crawl before you walk, walk before you run, meaning shoot plenty of paper to know what your rifle/ammo does then get the simple closer live shots down well first and they'll become natural so you won't end up getting frustrated if missing or injuries start happening from longer shots, it can be quite disheartening. Never shoot at eyes, this is most likely the golden rule of lamping and will keep you out of all sorts of trouble. Depending on the amount of gear, if any, you bring with you try to keep certain items like range finder in specific pockets so reaching for them becomes a natural action and you will cut out needless fumbling and time wasting. Wear comfortable footwear including good socks. I don't know what amp battery you're carrying about, if it's above 14amp then a backpack with wide shoulder straps is good, a piece or cord or rope to tie from each strap across your chest can take weight off your shoulders as well. Snip off any zipper pulls, they're noisy and not needed. A piece of thread tied to the end of the barrel can help with wind direction at a glance, I don't use it but it's a tip anyway. Take your time, remember the gun safety tips and have fun