When Feb. 1 arrives, it is time to turn my attention from my passion of deer hunting to rabbit and hog stalking. My choice of weapon is a Marlin bolt action .22 mag rifle with a scope. Armed with that gun, I can zero in on the rabbits hiding in the brush and still have the knock down power to take out a hog with a well placed head shot.
This type of hunting can provide lots of action and fun. But foremost in my mind is to put safety first for my buddies and myself. We wear hunter orange caps and vests. We make sure that at all times we know where each other are during the hunt. Constant communication is a must.
When allowed, many hunters choose to use dogs to assist in their hunts. I prefer the walk-and-stalk method. Executed correctly, a well scouted location will normally provide the desired eight rabbit limit per hunter.
The key is finding the thickest, nastiest foliage and then making a good plan as to where the rabbits might try to escape. If possible, do not allow the rabbit to escape into a large open area. Plan to block those exits off with a hunter. Keep the rabbits in the thick cover as much as you can. This technique will be conducive to your success. And stay alert!
When you have completed all of the areas in your location, simply start over again. It is very likely there will be more rabbits that you missed or did not see the first time around. As the accumulated rabbits mount up, it can become an issue on how to carry them along with you. We use a deer sled. It can be brought along and used by all in your party to save time and energy on unnecessary trips back to your base.
At certain locations, you are also allowed to take a hog if you encounter one. I consider that a great bonus when it occurs. As my family loves the taste of wild pork, I am always on the lookout for any hog sign or sounds. We have taken many hogs while on rabbit hunts and the deer sled is even more crucial on those days!
February hunting days are normally cool to cold, so a stalk hunt is usually very comfortable. I would advise wearing briar proof pants and boots, because at times you have to bust though some really rough stuff to retrieve a rabbit.
If you want to have some fun, with lots of action, scout out a location with plenty of rabbit sign and try your luck on a walk-and-stalk hunt. You will be glad you did!
The post “A late season rabbit and hog stalk” first appeared on LouisianaSportsman.com.
Be the first to comment