Need some advice on bunny huntin

[Crappie John]

This is gonna be my first time bunny huntin and my friend has a couple of outings under his belt but I need some advice. What shot size is good cause I have a ton of #7 1/2 in 20 ga pump and I have #6 in a 12 ga single shot, I also have a 10/22 that im not that bad with. but what kinda of gear do you hunters use? and I was gonna hunt WaterLoo rec area and maybe Proud lake rec area but im not sure, need some advice on where to hunt for some rabits. Kinda want to limit out but getting a few is good to.
thx - Crappie John

[plugger]

20 guage with 7 1/2 shot would be perfect for rabbits.

[Pigpen69]

I can t see why 7 1/2 s wouldnt work, I use my 410 and 22. As for areas, Im from barry county and theres some good state land up here though. Ive never hunted the spots you mentioned. good luck regardless

[Huntsman27]

When we go jump shooting [no dogs] I like to use a load of No9s as a lead shell and use larger behind it in my pump. This load has quite an area of coverage and Knocks em off out to about 25 yards. Same for 8s works ok too. If your shots will be longer go with 6s.

Unlike squirrels, rabbits are relatively easier to kill as their hide isnt as tough to penetrate [as any squirrel hunter will tell you].

The 22s are fun to use, but you have to beware of riccochets. But, if you carry a Ruger single six like I do as a side arm, and see them sitting a head shot doesnt ruin any meat. Rich

[Fordfreak]

Hey John,

As a long time bunny hunter I would opt for the 20 guage with #6 shot for jump shooting wabbits. Shot smaller than #6 usually means picking lots of shot from the meat.
The last few years I have been using my Browning Buckmark 22 pistol for most of my rabbit hunting. Its lots of fun and you leave lots of rabbits behind for future hunting trips. Being your first rabbit hunting trip you should definately use the shotgun. Youll be more successful and kill more rabbits with the scattergun.

Fordfreak

[choop]

I have been hunting rabbits the last few seasons with my father's old ithaca 16guage pump using 6shot. No complaints here although some will say it is an overkill.

[quillbackCARPSUCKER]

Like fordfreak said, if this is your first rabbit hunt, you may want to bring the shotgun. The 20 guage would make a good choice.

If you find shooting them with the shotgun too easy, you should try out your 10/22. A group of buddies and I do a bit of rabbit hunting each winter and we all bring the .22's. It's more of a challenge, but once you get the hang of it, you can be pretty darn successful with the .22 and you don't fill the rabbits full of lead shot...If you bring the 10/22, don't forget to bring some extra ammo..With the shotgun, it's usually a one-shot deal, but with the .22, you'd be surprised how quickly you can go through the ammo shooting at running rabbits...Goodluck

quillback

[Crappie John]

thx for all the info i'll post the turn out.
just to make sure, is it leagal to hunt in zone 3 with a semi .22 with 10 round clip? and what about a 25 round clip?

[Crosman]

Can you use a 12 gauge? and what about erie state game area or pt mouliee, are they good for bunnies?

yeah i want to hunt me a few to.

[Ron84]

Can you use a 12 gauge? and what about erie state game area or pt mouliee, are they good for bunnies?

yeah i want to hunt me a few to.
A 12 gauge would be a bit much - the idea (IMO) behind hunting is to bring home some meat for dinner. :) ;)

Considering what I have done to rabbits at close range with my 20 ga, a 12 wouldn't leave a lot behind to salvage. I would stick to smaller bore sizes.

FWIW, I have used everything from #4 (all I had at the moment) to #8 shot for rabbits. #4s are just too much, while #7-#8 isn't enough for a follow up shot at longer ranges. I stilck with #6s for that reason - they work really well IME. :corkysm55

[explodingvarmints]

good to know we (hunters) have a showing in that area:lol: . 20 gauge for sure if you want quantity. 22 for sure if your just looking to stalk and have fun. i myself bought a semi-auto 28 gauge to make small game hunting at least some kind of challenge. have fun and watch the direction your shooting wih the 22's

[choop]

On a warm morning following a freezing evening you sometimes find them sitting in thickets. With my 16ge I usually do not point directly at them but off of the head a little bit to save them from being torn up. I remember a buddy of mine caught one sitting and shot it with his 20 dead on close quarters. Not much left, but what there was went into the stew pot.

[WMU05]

I was taught growing up that shooting a sitting rabbit with a shotgun was the same as taking a pheasant on the ground. Anyone have any thoughts on this. (Not criticizing anyone, just offering something to ponder).

[Robert W. McCoy Jr]

Almost every one I hunt with uses a 20.

We all use number 6 shot.

As far as shooting a rabbit sitting. If I didn't have dogs to hunt with I would consider that treat. Most of the time there doing 45 mph . :lol:

With dogs we don't shoot any rabbits untill they circle them.

But as far as sporting goes. They really don't have much of a chance with a pack of beagles chomping at there butt.

[Huntsman27]

I see nothing wrong with it, whats the difference if its a 12 ga or a 22. Im there to kill it bring it home and eat it. Head shot with a 12 may be a bit messy, but Ive shot quite a few that way. I might add if one holds off a bit all youll hit it with are a few pellets and not have a mess.

Kinda like shooting ducks on the water, big deal were there to shoot them and kill them not miss them. The notion its not sporting is rather dodging the fact. If you want sport shoot clays, Im there to kill the game not play with it. Rich

[Robert W. McCoy Jr]

I give you some more advice.

When you get to a brush pile or thicket take your time.

I can't tell you how important it is to go slow and get them rabbits nerviouse.

Thats what gets them to jump out and run.