Shot a Cottontail in the Air
Aug 25, 2019 14:18:10 GMT -5
Post by ET on Aug 25, 2019 14:18:10 GMT -5
Prelude
Cottontail hunting was an enjoyable time when a couple of the boys and beagles got together on Saturday. I also enjoy a good rabbit dinner.
One event that kept us puzzled for a long time when there was no snow is when the beagles lost scent on open ground. There was nothing near where they could hole up or hide. Finally, I witnessed my answer.
Saturday Hunt
It was a beautiful wintery Saturday with a fresh snowfall the night before. Also, the temp was going to rise around the freezing mark after a cold spell. Perfect condition to acquire a few bunnies.
The boys and I chose a small woodlot where we knew some bunnies were running around. No sooner did we hit the edge of the woodlot the beagles took off howling and the game was on. We split up to park ourselves where we thought the bunny would circle through and patiently waited. It wasn’t long before I heard the beagles turning my way and froze.
Few minutes later the bunny appeared approx. 12ft from my position and momentarily stopped. He was too close to shoot so I waited for a better opportunity. I could hardly believe what I saw happen next. Instead of just assuming he’d run he took a long leap to left, then another leap to the right and so on. I was momentarily mesmerized but got my composure back quick enough to take a shot that caught him in mid leap. When the shot hit him in midair, he did an acrobatic twist before hitting the ground down and out.
Postlude
Whenever we tag a rabbit with beagles, we allow them to find them to let them know that this rabbit was done and they also proudly enjoyed bringing the prize to a nearby hunter. What also transpired this day was the beagles also getting an education on rabbit tactics. When they arrived at the first jump point, they became confused until I got them on the first jump landing. Again, momentary confusion until I got them on the second landing. After that they caught on and found the rabbit that I unceremoniously knocked out of the air.
Now convincing the beagles about the bunny leap tactic was easy compared to when my fellow hunters arrived and told my story. They felt I was yanking their chain until they examined the dog tracking direction and at the jump landings a few rabbit foot prints were still visible. Of course, the real chain yanking came on future hunts when I was asked if I was planning on another aerial shot, chuckle.
Ed
Cottontail hunting was an enjoyable time when a couple of the boys and beagles got together on Saturday. I also enjoy a good rabbit dinner.
One event that kept us puzzled for a long time when there was no snow is when the beagles lost scent on open ground. There was nothing near where they could hole up or hide. Finally, I witnessed my answer.
Saturday Hunt
It was a beautiful wintery Saturday with a fresh snowfall the night before. Also, the temp was going to rise around the freezing mark after a cold spell. Perfect condition to acquire a few bunnies.
The boys and I chose a small woodlot where we knew some bunnies were running around. No sooner did we hit the edge of the woodlot the beagles took off howling and the game was on. We split up to park ourselves where we thought the bunny would circle through and patiently waited. It wasn’t long before I heard the beagles turning my way and froze.
Few minutes later the bunny appeared approx. 12ft from my position and momentarily stopped. He was too close to shoot so I waited for a better opportunity. I could hardly believe what I saw happen next. Instead of just assuming he’d run he took a long leap to left, then another leap to the right and so on. I was momentarily mesmerized but got my composure back quick enough to take a shot that caught him in mid leap. When the shot hit him in midair, he did an acrobatic twist before hitting the ground down and out.
Postlude
Whenever we tag a rabbit with beagles, we allow them to find them to let them know that this rabbit was done and they also proudly enjoyed bringing the prize to a nearby hunter. What also transpired this day was the beagles also getting an education on rabbit tactics. When they arrived at the first jump point, they became confused until I got them on the first jump landing. Again, momentary confusion until I got them on the second landing. After that they caught on and found the rabbit that I unceremoniously knocked out of the air.
Now convincing the beagles about the bunny leap tactic was easy compared to when my fellow hunters arrived and told my story. They felt I was yanking their chain until they examined the dog tracking direction and at the jump landings a few rabbit foot prints were still visible. Of course, the real chain yanking came on future hunts when I was asked if I was planning on another aerial shot, chuckle.
Ed
