Hare hunting opportunity

[tacklejunkie]

I was invited to join some folks for a hare hunting experience behind beagles this winter. I’m not much of a hunter except grouse only but I’m thinking of accepting their offer. I used to hunt snowshoe hares with a 22 rimfire as a teen. Right now I just have a 20 gauge for small game hunting would that be OK in that situation or should I go buy a 22?  

 

Has anybody done this and what did you think of it? 

[Rick]

A 20 gauge will be fine.  The rabbit will be moving a fair amount of the time being chased by beagles.

 

Chased rabbits tend to go in a large circle....weaving of course. Beagles always letting you know where the rabbit is as they chase.

[leech~~]

I use to hunt Snowshoes a lot with a .22 and scope but they seemed to have declined over the years with the raise of so may predators and the decline of fir sales.  Thanks PETA!

[eyeguy 54]

Doesn't take much to knock down a rabbit. have fun!

[tacklejunkie]

I’ll probably end up going unless it’s 20 below zero. I’ve got a ton of 7 1/2 shot left over from the grouse season. This should be adequate, right?

[tacklejunkie]

1 hour ago, leech~~ said:

I use to hunt Snowshoes a lot with a .22 and scope but they seemed to have declined over the years with the raise of so may predators and the decline of fir sales.  Thanks PETA!

 

 I don’t see as many as I did during around the late 70s early 80s. But there still out there

A few years ago, I strapped on my snowshoes and decide to go for a nice walk in the winter woods one warm February day and towards the evening I started seeing a few

[tacklejunkie]

Looks like next weekend I'll be going. Even if I don't get one it should be exciting

 

[Duffman]

Good luck!!

And enjoy the experience.

[tacklejunkie]

On 1/16/2020 at 8:46 PM, Duffman said:

Good luck!!

And enjoy the experience.

 

Thanks. I’m not a big hunter but I have to admit my predatory instincts must be surfacing because I’m actually looking forward to it.

Looks like a mild weekend next weekend to boot

[tacklejunkie]

Well heading out tomorrow morning. Pretty warm weather so I’m planning on sweating a little bit

[Mike89]

good luck and have fun!!!

[tacklejunkie]

Saw a few hares. Got none. Fast little buggers when chased by dogs. But it was an enjoyable way to spend a mild winter day outdoors. Hopefully, an invitation will come for next year. Next weekend the Mrs and I are invited for a hare dinner

 

Way different way to hunt them than as a youth plinking sitting hares with a .22. Does anybody snare them, anymore?

[tacklejunkie]

Seen a lot of grouse tracks but no grouse. I'm assuming they're burrowed under the deep snow

[huntnfish]

I’ve never hunted rabbits with dogs but it’s always been one of those things I always thought would be a blast. My dad has told me plenty of stories about hunting them with dogs down south when he was young. I’ve shot a few but they were always shot when I was younger and sneaking through the woods squirrel hunting. 

[tacklejunkie]

The hare was good. I wish I was a better shot and contributed at least one rabbit to the meal. Not like wingshooting a flushing grouse

[Rick]

53 minutes ago, tacklejunkie said:

The hare was good. I wish I was a better shot and contributed at least one rabbit to the meal. Not like wingshooting a flushing grouse

Nothing like a straight line running rabbit that darts at sharp angles everytime you take a shot.

[Coldtrack]

I'v put a lot of miles in the woods chasing these little white critters. It can be a lot of fun, also stressful when you have wolves about.