Rabbit Hunting

I really enjoy rabbit hunting. Almost enough for me to consider getting my own rabbit dog. Almost. This year, I have both an excellent shotgun and a lightweight sidearm. I have a Benelli Ultra Light 20 gauge shotgun, which weighs only 5.2 pounds. I also have a Taurus 22 Magnum revolver in a full flap holster, which should be good for anything up to coyote.

Rabbit season in Missouri is October 1, 2010 to February 15, 2011 again this year. The daily limit is 6, and they may only be shot from sunrise to sunset. I need a Resident Small Game Hunting Permit, which costs $10.

Locations

One place I like is Blue Springs Creek near Bourbon, MO. We didn't have a lot of luck there last year, but the season was bad everywhere.

I still haven't gotten to try White Wildlife Area near Troy. The south side of the property has some good fields with brush and brush piles. I also haven't gotten to try Logan Conservation Area, also near Troy, which has some fields with brush at the northwestern part of the property.

I think I would also like to try hunting Huzzah conservation area and the Salem/Potosi ranger district of Mark Twain National Forest.

Ammunition

In my 20 gauge shotgun, I have been getting good results with #4 shot. The load I use is Winchester X204. This is a 2¾" shell packed with 1 oz of #4 lead shot, reaching a velocity of 1220 fps.

In 12 gauge, Carlos' favorite load for rabbit is a 2¾" shell with 1-1/8 oz of #4 shot. Winchester publishes a velocity of 1255 fps for this load.

Preparation

I need to get my gear together for this year's hunting. Since I just moved, that could be challenging.

firearms - hunting - gunwalker