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Post by ET on Jun 18, 2009 19:30:43 GMT -5
A favorite past time for hunting was going after cottontails. Often I looked forward to joining some of the boys on a Saturday, grab the shotguns, beagles and head out to a favorite spot to harvest some bunnies for a Sunday Dinner. Fresh air, good walking exercise, listening to beagles happily howling on a fresh scent and the sounds of shots ringing out all over the area. Also shots were being counted to compare to our bunny Talley when we met up. Now if in your area 3-shots were heard then 3-bunnies were expected to be harvested. If not some explaining was in order and boy did we hear some creative explanations over the years.
We had one real special farm location that we only hunted once a year on New Years Day. This particular hunt started out on a perfect day with the sun shinning brightly and temps approaching the freezing mark after a long cold spell. After gathering at the farmhouse 5 of us started out across the road that lead to an abandoned vineyard surrounded by a bush lot. No sooner than we crossed the road and reached the fenced opening into this lot the beagles took off howling. We spotted 2-bunnies dart away before we were even legally far enough away from the road to load up. Boy this looked like the start of one heck of a bunny hunt and real memorable hunt it will be.
As soon as the beagles had taken off we split up to take a line position and headed inward towards the bush area. As we worked our way in we were also kicking up more bunnies and had about 6-shot before we reached the location where the dogs roughly were. Man what a hunt this was turning into before the expected main event. Before long we passed the dozen mark and still going strong. As long as the beagles were howling carrying a load of 3-4 bunnies wasn’t so bad.
Now here is where it gets wild and interesting. Along an intersecting road there is a stretch of bush about 30yds wide and 200yds long that ran parallel to the road and always held numerous bunnies that if pushed in one direction would allow the bunnies to escape to the other end. Okay hunters are smarter and split into 2-groups so that one group approached from each end. At the start of this drive another 6-bunnies succumbed quickly to lead and my laden pouch already held 6-bunnies as we moved forward to meet up with the other half of the group. Once the distance between the groups shrunk to about 60yds the beagles were intensely following a hot scent that seemed to move back and forth between us. Then some shots were fired but the yell “missed” told us to stay on watch for this one bunny. Oh he was a smart one but I figured his time would soon be up when he made a mistake.
What happened next just totally caught me and the others off guard as the bunny made a break for the road to scoot across it to freedom. Of course no one was going to shoot in the direction of the road but what the bunny didn’t account for was possible traffic. Here a woman driving a station wagon came along and was going to block this bunny’s attempt to escape. But instead of turning around the bunny just kept racing forward and at the last second made one heck of a leap upwards as if to clear the hood. Well he almost made a clean leap but his front legs caught the top of the fender sort of knocking him on his side. His momentum was sufficient enough to carry him onto the hood where he slid part way across and then up and over the windshield out of sight. Man I could not believe what just happened. Oh the woman driver immediately began braking her vehicle but never came to a complete stop before proceeding on her journey. This had to be a seasoned country lady driver.
Now here back on the farm were 5-hunters standing around with their mouths wide open with what just unbelievably transpired. Finally someone said something like “Okay he got away” and everyone broke into laughter. So we called it a day and went to my buddies home to clean the bunnies and enjoy the good wild game chili waiting for us to devour.
The total count for that day was 23-bunnies with 3 tired happy beagles and 5 bewildered hunters enjoying the wild game chili and numerous times reliving the event about that daredevil bunny that got away. Somehow the shot counts were lost and no one had to account for any misses that day.
All I can add here is that cottontail’s legacy gave us a trophy hunt to always remember.
Ed
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Post by tar12 on Jun 18, 2009 20:03:02 GMT -5
Ed,
I have a lot fond memories of following those little hounds in the winter time! I had one particular little female named Bobbi.There was not a better rabbit dog born!She was very intellegent and would operate off of hand signals. We were hunting a brush choked creek bottom one sunny and chilly day in Nov. I called her over to me and signaled for her to go in.She took off like a rocket and soon jumped a bunny and it was on! My best friend and I took positions to try and intercept that little brown speed demon.My buddy had the first chance to shoot and 3 shots later ;D,he was still unscathed and had the after burners kicked in! Well ole Bobbi was no slouch and could flat scald a track.She put some heat on that bunny and was circling back through the creek bottom when all of a sudden she stopped running and was barking in one place? What the heck?If she put one in a hole she would simply just move on to the next one,but she almost sounded as if she was treeing?We went on down to investigate and found her barking at the base of a tree.My buddy started laughing and said the ole girl had gone plum loco!I was not convinced tha this was the case and moved up for a closer inspection of the situation and soon discovered that the rabbit had esacaped into a hole in a tree that was leaning out across the creek!I started tapping on the tree and he bailed out into the creek and it was on again!We did not kill that rabbit as he finally escaped for good in a concrete pile.What a hunt!
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Post by ET on Jun 18, 2009 21:10:48 GMT -5
Tar12
I enjoyed following your trophy memory of a rabbit hunt. Bobbi obviously was a go-getter to please. I’ll even bet she stayed on and ran one specific bunny scent at a time. But what says it all was your undoubting faith in her with her proven past. To have such a hound is priceless in the field. Thanks for sharing that one as I really enjoy reading about such hunts.
Now as for your partner missing 3-consecutive shots making Bobbi’s efforts more laborious to please, no comment. ;D ;D
Ed
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Post by tar12 on Jun 18, 2009 21:31:44 GMT -5
Ed,
Trust me in saying ole 3 shot will never live that one down! ;D I remind him when his memory starts to fade.... ;D
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Post by chuck41 on Jun 18, 2009 22:26:40 GMT -5
Ed, Trust me in saying ole 3 shot will never live that one down! ;D I remind him when his memory starts to fade.... ;D That's what friends are for. ;D ;D |
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Post by mike3132 on Jun 19, 2009 7:40:13 GMT -5
Ive been raising AKC hunting beagles for over 30 years and have spent hundreds of hours training and hunting over them. I used to take them in Sept to the U.P. of Michigan for the opening of hare season and then in March to Wisconsin. During early winter and late spring I ran cottontails here in Indiana.
You couldn't imagine the things Ive seen in the woods while running dogs. Some time I'll scan some of the pictures and post them along with a few stories.
Heres a couple of short videos of three of my females named Tiffy, Ginger and Little Red. Hope you enjoy. Mike
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Post by ET on Jun 19, 2009 22:20:51 GMT -5
Ed, Trust me in saying ole 3 shot will never live that one down! ;D I remind him when his memory starts to fade.... ;D Tar12 Now I know you would have fit right in with the boys that hunted bunnies together here. ;D Mike3132 I did enjoy watching your beagle doing the retrieve that brought back memories of the beagle my hunting partner had. Her name was “Mitzi” and she was a gem on the hunt. We nicked named her the “hot scent lady” because she would never start howling until she was on a fresh scent. If Mitzi yelped you knew she was on a hot scent and we were ready for the action to follow. You’re right about some of the extraordinary things one sees while in the woods or frozen over swamps chasing bunnies. Now I got to ask you if you’ve ever been robbed of a shot rabbit? One time my good friend and hunting partner tagged a bunny out about 40yds trying to escape along an old fence-row. Mitzi was hot on the trail and zeroing in on that bunny fast. But just before she got to it a Red Tailed Hawk swooped down out of nowhere and grabbed that bunny.  Talk about dumb looks on the hunter’s faces including the startled beagle as to what just happened. After a short time span Mitzi just turned around and went searching after another bunny. Ed |
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Post by tar12 on Jun 20, 2009 18:09:51 GMT -5
Chuck, You know it! ;D
Ed, A interesting side note about the Bobbi dog and how I came to own her. I was working for a farmer one summer and he had me out brush-hogging on some of his properties.On the last leg of the return trip to his farm I came around a 90 in the road and something caught my eye moving in the grass in the ditch.I chalked up the old Farm All and went back for a closer look.Much to my surprise and soon anger,there lay a beagle in the ditch.I could tell right away she was hurt.I hurried back to the farm and came back and got her.Some sorry S%B had shot her with a shotgun.I dug 14 no. 6 shot out of her and the vet got 2 more.
My wife and I nursed her back to health.I had no idea if she would hunt,let alone if she would be gun shy.But I wanted to find out! 2 nights before I was going to find out she got out of her pen in the middle of night.My wife awoke me to say that there was a dog barking outside.I was half awake when it dawned on me that it was a beagle running.My first question to my was where is Bobbi?She went to check on her and came running back saying she was gone!I got dressed and grabbed my light and low and behold it was her running that rabbit! The very next day when I got home I got out my .22 and shot some CBs around her.No problem there.So I started hunting her and shooting rabbits to her with that .22 for 2 weeks and then broke out the .410.It did not faze her!It was amazing to me that she was not completely ruined after being shot.For the life of me I could never figure out why in the world anybody would of shot her.She was very gentle and loving and no meanness to her at all.She was a excellent jump dog and excellent track dog that could move a rabbit very well. She was a med.- fast track dog.I competioned hunted beagles for several years and spent some serious cash on them in the process and never owned one that was as good as she was or as balanced.I avg. 200 plus bunnies a year with her..sure do miss her.....
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Post by mike3132 on Jun 20, 2009 19:11:00 GMT -5
Ed, Trust me in saying ole 3 shot will never live that one down! ;D I remind him when his memory starts to fade.... ;D Tar12 Now I know you would have fit right in with the boys that hunted bunnies together here. ;D Mike3132 I did enjoy watching your beagle doing the retrieve that brought back memories of the beagle my hunting partner had. Her name was “Mitzi” and she was a gem on the hunt. We nicked named her the “hot scent lady” because she would never start howling until she was on a fresh scent. If Mitzi yelped you knew she was on a hot scent and we were ready for the action to follow. You’re right about some of the extraordinary things one sees while in the woods or frozen over swamps chasing bunnies. Now I got to ask you if you’ve ever been robbed of a shot rabbit? One time my good friend and hunting partner tagged a bunny out about 40yds trying to escape along an old fence-row. Mitzi was hot on the trail and zeroing in on that bunny fast. But just before she got to it a Red Tailed Hawk swooped down out of nowhere and grabbed that bunny. Talk about dumb looks on the hunter’s faces including the startled beagle as to what just happened. After a short time span Mitzi just turned around and went searching after another bunny. Ed Ed, Ive never been robbed of a rabbit that I know. In my early years I tried to kill a limit every time out but as I got older one or two was my average kill. I usually let the dogs run them for an hour or so before Id shoot. I figured if I killed the rabbit right after the jumped him Id have to move on and get another up. Most the rabbits I shot were given away to elderly people who enjoyed the meat but were physically unable to go. My favorite way to cook rabbit or squirrel is to use salt, pepper and garlic powder, then flower and quick brown them in a cast iron dutch oven. Then bake @300 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. The last 15 min I ate about a cup of water. That steams them and makes some good gravy. MMMMmmm..... Mike |
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Post by tar12 on Jun 20, 2009 19:27:10 GMT -5
Mike,
As you age the kill is less and less important.There would be days the shotgun never came out of the case.A cup of coffee on the tailgate was all that was needed as those those young dogs got after it!I use to keep all of the elderly family members supplied with rabbit meat.It all came back to me ten fold by way of fabulous meals my Aunt and Grandma cooked up!My Grandma cooked on a woodstove until she could no longer cook.She was a magician with that woodburner.I spent many a weekend there as a child...I also spent many a Sat. morn splitting wood for that stove! ;D It was a labor of love!
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Post by mike3132 on Jun 20, 2009 21:09:38 GMT -5
tar,
Don't get me wrong, there were times I went to kill and times I didn't care if i shot a thing. On the average I killed around 50-60 rabbits a year but the last 10 years or so I bet I don't kill a dozen a year. Theres one 85 year old woman thats like a second mother to me and I try to keep her stocked up with rabbits, squirrels and deer meat. She was raised on wild game and loves it. Mike
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Post by tar12 on Jun 20, 2009 21:25:08 GMT -5
Back in the day, my best friend and I would really knock them down.I actually got burnt out on it all.We hunted every day as we both worked construction and had the winters off.We hunted everything back then.Done a lot trapping in the late 70s and early 80s when fur prices were good.Foot loose and fancy free..the good ole days..
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Post by ET on Jun 21, 2009 19:45:18 GMT -5
Tar12
When I read Bobbi’s origin I felt sorry and anger that anyone would do something so cruel to man’s best friend. For a short while I was at a loss for any comment. But what surfaced in my mind for what you did for Bobbi at giving her back her health, a second chance at life and letting Bobbi prove her worth you have my respect and admiration.
Know what you mean about missing a beloved dog. I still miss Shadow who has been gone only for a year. Out back underneath a spruce tree he had dug out an area to rest in out of the hot sun. To this day I still can’t find it in my heart to fill in that depression.
Mike3132
I too enjoy a good cooked rabbit diner. During the hunting season (when I was married) I would stash 10-12 back legs of bunnies away for Christmas. Also a few Geese, Pheasants and Ducks. When we had the family get together over the Holidays I would do a Wild Game spread for everyone to enjoy instead of the usual everyone else did. The rabbit would usually be the first to disappear. Stuffed goose breasts and pheasant came in second. And for dessert the ex could make a mean bread pudding with raisins.
Ed
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Post by tar12 on Jun 21, 2009 22:27:08 GMT -5
Ed,
Old Bobbi ran bunnies until she was 10 years old.The last year it was painful watching her go down hill.She slowed down a bunch,but would give it her all everytime!It was a sad day as you know when it came time to put her down.I buried her on the excact spot I shot her first rabbit to her.That goofy dog ran rabbits in her sleep!That was pretty funny! She spent almost all of her life inside.She would fall asleep on the couch.Her legs would start twitching and she would emit muffled barks as she dream chased bunnies!It was hilarious to watch her!
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Post by mike3132 on Jun 21, 2009 22:44:03 GMT -5
Ive lost 2 beagles this year. One was 15 1/2 years old and the other one died three weeks ago of lung cancer. She was 11 today. I bred and raised both. I walked hundreds of miles hunting with them. I'm down to 2 beagles now which is the least Ive had in 30 years. I have one that I can breed yet. I debating whether to quit raising dogs. Mike
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Post by tar12 on Jun 21, 2009 22:54:18 GMT -5
Mike,
I tried to walk away from hunting dogs several times,due to time constraints with work and the kids.I just could not do it.It is in my blood.There is no denying it.If it is still bringing you pleasure,keep at it!
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Post by ET on Jun 22, 2009 21:20:16 GMT -5
Mike3132
I am a firm believer that fresh air with physical activities can add longevity to a person’s life barring diseases like cancer. So keep winding up and be a Timex that keeps on ticking.
Tar12
Shadow spent as much time indoors as well as outdoors and know what you mean about dogs dreaming. Now his nickname was also Stinker. Often he would just be happy lying near the couch in the evening snoozing away when I was reading or watching the boob tube for a while. Now and then he would release one of those silent but pungent wind that you never knew coming until your nose told you it was already there. Often I would just loudly proclaim my disgust by mentioning his name or nickname. And I’d always get the same responsive look when he raised his head as if to say “Whhaaat”.
Funny how even a disgusting memory that can now been seen as humorous can awaken feelings for a lost friend that was always close to your side.
Ed
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Post by 161 on Jun 23, 2009 21:53:00 GMT -5
I've never owned a Beagle but have had a few chances to hunt with then. What a riot. I love watching those little dogs work. One time I heard one howling and thought he was two hills away. Then about 20 feet from me he came out of a brush pile covered with snow and still moving. I have a Jack Russel that will run rabbits and squirrels on sight but won't track one. If a pheasant is around she'll track like crazy, flush and retrieve. Then at night sit on my lap an watch TV with me. Shes my buddy
161
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Post by 161 on Jun 23, 2009 22:00:33 GMT -5
mike
I watched you videos. They were great my wife was a little concerned when I got my Red Rider BB gun out an waited for a shot while I watched them. It's been a long summer already.
161
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Post by ET on Jun 24, 2009 22:18:41 GMT -5
I've never owned a Beagle but have had a few chances to hunt with then. What a riot. I love watching those little dogs work. One time I heard one howling and thought he was two hills away. Then about 20 feet from me he came out of a brush pile covered with snow and still moving. I have a Jack Russel that will run rabbits and squirrels on sight but won't track one. If a pheasant is around she'll track like crazy, flush and retrieve. Then at night sit on my lap an watch TV with me. Shes my buddy 161 No question about hunting with beagles is great fun and productive on rabbits. The Jack Russel from my experience is tenacious and really devoted to it's master. But when dogs become buddies the master's rule relationship seems to dissappear at times. ;D Ed |
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