looking to do a little rabbit hunting

[mtnwalker]

looking to  do a little rabbit hunting after deer season, but i have a couple questions.  First where in the world do rabbits hold up in the mountains that are either hardwoods or laurel.  i know that brush piles and field edges are great places but not many of those around here.  secondly, do i use the same broadheads that i use or will use if i ever get a chance at a deer.  Do you the that the muzzy 125g broadhead that i picked up at the evil empire at the end of last season would work. They are the replaceable blade style. any input would be very helpful. thanks

[The Night Stalker]

Some guys on this forum are big rabbit hunters, they can tell you what to use heads wize.
As far as the rabbits, I think most of mine go underground, especially when it is cold. On unseasonal warm sunny days, it seems there are out around the farm. I have coyote issues, so after deer season, I go into predator control mode. I seen less fawns this year than ever.

[Sarah]

I would love an answer to this question! I found a nice meadow with rabbit trails and droppings all through it, but the only time I've ever seen a cottontail in the woods was in pitch darkness (it hopped right by where I was waiting for daylight)! How on earth do you catch the little buggers above ground?

[The Night Stalker]

Sarah, start trapping the predators or find someone who will do it for you. We are from 3100 to 5000ft so the cold plays a major componet here in the mountains. I have just noticed them more during mild days.

[Roadkill]

Rabbits make tons of tracks and lots of poop.  My way of finding places to concentrate on is to look for pee spots amongst the poop. those dark damp spots tell you they are around.

Next stand off from thickets and glass them like you do deer.  on cold days they like to sit under as much cover as they can, but still in the sun to warm themselves.

We never use BH's-only blunts and judos-unless you are blessed with unlimited funds to replace arrows.  Often get more than one shot as they do not know what went by-aim at heads. if the arrow flies by they often run from it to you!  NC 2was tough for rabbits for me, but I lived down at LeJeune at teh time.  
Go slow, find a farmer's junk pile and look a long time before you move into it.  If you find them, they stay around.  Look ubnder everything from as far away as you can get.  If they are under something and you move thye just slide back under cover.  If I could do photobucket I 'd send you pics of last Sunday's results.  Patience pays off heer too.  if you hunt them as if you had a gun, you may be frustrated.  This is HUNTING rabbits, not just killing them

[Roger Norris]

I hunt with Daisy The Wonder Beagle, so I never use broadheads......Ace Hex Head blunts are awesome. I don't have a clue about rabbits in your area, but hunt the absolute thickest spots you can find.

[mtnwalker]

yeah we got some cover, thick laurel and rhododendrons and some blow overs as well.  Will have to sit at a distance and glass.  The broadheads that i would use are the bad to the bone muzzys i got for something around 9 buck for three.  We also have a lot of yotes here around the asheville area.

[Roadkill]

we hunt in sage.  Easy to get more than one shot when you FINALLY find them.  Seriously, those damp pee spots will put you on to rabbits faster than walking 100 miles.  if you see it, it is fairly fresh.
I am carrying red yarn balls starting this weekend.  When I shoot I will put one on the sage from where I shot so I can go back and collect my arrows.  I have several of them still missing, and actually found one from last year this weekend!.  As I said, aim for head shots and if the arrow goes by them, they sometimes  freeze or sometimes run back to you!  If you miss them on Saturday, they will be back near that sspot on Sunday. Come on Saturday!!!

[mtnwalker]

that's a good idea on the yarn trick, keeps you from spending more time huntin' arrows than rabbits.

[rwbowman]

I have yet to connect on a rabbit (my shots are usually on the run!), but have found the most activity where I hunt near brushpiles. I like the tip of looking for wet spots on their trails and plan to put that to use. Another something I have learned about rabbits is their eating habits. If you have trails, look for saplings with the bark/skin stripped off the lower reaches. This will give you an idea of where they are feeding. Good luck and hammer one for me!