1st time shooter needs help

[Sqwelchy]

Hey people,as the topic indicates im a first time shooter. Every day when i walk to work i always see rabbits in the field, so iv got permission to shoot on them. Been out over the weekend hoping to get atleast one,but came back empty handed. Is there any advice you can give me on bettering my chances please?

 

Now onto the pigeons how the hell do you set up decoys and what are patterns?? I thought i could just place them in random places. But the blighters have outsmarted me. Im only using a BSA Tactical XL air rifle so i carnt really shoot at them in mid flight. Again any advice would be greatful.

 

Sorry if iv put this up in the wrong place

[Bleeh]

Post a location, and I'm sure there will be someone kind enough to show you the ropes in person. - Firsthand experiance is always a ton more helpful.

[Toombsy]

Hello mate,

 

So you know the rabbits are there, so what you need to do now is get within shooting distance - around 35-40 yards.

 

I would try evening sessions to begin with, and lie up behind some cover at a suitable distance from where you've seen the bunnies. Try to get there at around 7.

 

If there's any wind, make sure its not blowing behind you, taking your scent straight towards the rabbits - they'll smell you and run for cover. So make sure you're positioned with the wind facing you or to your side.

 

Then just lie there and wait for them to pop out. If you're hidden and remain quiet, it won't be long before they start to emerge.

 

Don't shoot them as soon as they pop out the burrows as they could roll down the hole.... wait for them to clear the warren properly before letting lead fly.

 

If you shoot one, leave it where it's shot. Others will pop out and they won't be bothered by the dead one too much.

 

 

And regarding the pigeons - you''ll struggle to decoy them and get them to land within range. Best thing to do is to find some trees and check underneath them for a lot of droppings - that means the pigeosn roost there, so lying up from 45 mins before dusk will see plenty of pigeons land right above you.

 

Good luck

Edited May 25, 2009 by Toombsy

[Sqwelchy]

Nice one thanks guys,i'll put that into practice thursday

 

2 post 82 veiws thats poor lol

[njc110381]

You've picked a good time of year to start out. The young bunnies are pretty dumb so you've got a good chance of getting a few. Ypou'll be able to see where most of the bunnies are by the length of the grass. They almost mow it if there are enough of them! Look for droppings too, that's a good sign of the numbers.

 

As said above make sure the wind is in your face and stay very still. Lie down prone behind the rifle and point it at where the bunnies will come out so you don't need to move too much when they show their faces. If you can find a tuft of grassto poke the barrel of your rifle through all the better, it will give you more cover :blink:

[Sqwelchy]

:blink: Awesome chhers dude