Do you want to start rabbit hunting? Look for ALL the signs.

I shot my first rabbit with a .22 around 8 years ago, and I was hooked. I didn't know much back then about the 'why' and 'how' in terms of the field craft, I was just thinking about my meals for the week and ensuring I took an ethical shot.

I learned a lot on those first few outings; about my ability to shoot at certain ranges with a .22, about how the rabbits behaved in certain weathers - and I certainly learnt how good they are at picking up the slightest noise! But it wasn't until I got my own permission a few years later that I started to learn more about looking out for the signs, finding the rabbits and also (with the introduction of my thermal and night vision equipment) how to shoot them at night. So I thought I'd share a couple of pointers - if you're an experienced rabbit pest controller you can stop reading now otherwise you'll be bored stiff!

1 - Look for burrows

If you don't know what a rabbit burrow looks like, Google it - but basically if you see a rabbit sized hole and evidence of digging/damaged/lumpy ground, especially near hedgerows or wooded areas; then this will generally indicate that rabbit activity is nearby. Also look for narrow tracks through long grass and through hedgerows, as they will often start feeding in one field and head through the hedgerow into the field next door; but 9 times out of 10 they will stay close to their warren.

2 - Checking for poop

It can be tricky to find rabbit poo, but usually you will spot at least a handful of pellets where there is rabbit activity. If you don't, they're probably not around - just because you spot their burrows, doesn't mean they're in use. If a colony has been wiped out by myxomatosis it could be several years before the rabbit population starts to reappear - so you won't see any poo around. Remember that fresh droppings are black, the older they are, the browner they become - so look for those fresh black pellets if you want to know where to set up on the same day/next evening.

3 - Look for small leaves and crops being nibbled.

This can be a key indication, especially if the crops are high and the smaller crops/leaves lower down are being nibbled, as is usually the case with oil seed rape, for example. If all crops are low or only a few weeks old, some of the damage will be from pigeons - stick to the crops closest to the hedgerow.

Remember, the time of year could make a difference to where you see the damage. In Summer they'll be on the grass, crops, weeds and wild herbs; but in Winter/coming into Spring they tend to eat more twigs and buds from young shrubs, so check the lower parts of the hedgerows and trees too.

4 - Look for actual rabbits!

Sounds silly right - but not so! You don't want to spend hours traipsing round a field after 1 or 2 bunnies, it's more efficient to head out to a location and at a time of day when you will get the most from your outing with at least a dozen rabbit hopping about, even if they're spread over a couple hundred yards. Remember; they are more active at night, but they do come out in the day too! They need to eat as much as their weight in grass/weeds/crops per day, so they are constantly in and out of their burrows.

5 - Look out for signs from Mother Nature

I.e. the weather! Rabbits aren't keen on damp conditions, so if it's raining, they'll be hidden away. But get ready for when the rain stops, especially if it's been going for a few hours or overnight - because they'll be starving!

Basically "eat, sleep, breed, repeat" is their motto. Which is why they are usually seen in such large numbers and causing huge damage to crops, meadows and young shrubs - unless Mother Nature has done her thing and wiped them out with disease, which she likes to do every now and then.

I use the best equipment I can, that is within my budget and suits my body frame, hand size, arthritis limitations and my eyesight; to enhance the experience and be as efficient as I can each time I go out (I am obsessed with my HikMicro gear and my new FX M4 Compact air rifle!)

Ensuring I get this right improves my chances of an efficient hunting trip, keeping the landowner happy be it farmer, golf club owner or allotments - and usually results in me bringing home as much dinner for me, my family, and my dog as possible!

For me, it's all about the food. What most excites you about rabbit hunting? Whatever it is, I wish you a happy and successful hunt!

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