Getting started rabbit hunting - Indiana

[NoirFan]

Hello,

I’d like to ask the advice of the experienced hunters here. I have never hunted a thing in my life but I’d really like to start. I’ve always admired the hunting idea of preparing a meal every step of the way, from field to dinner plate, and I think it’s a shame that so many people are so disconnected from the meat we eat.

I am a suburban boy from an immigrant family, so while I’ve gone on many hiking and camping trips I have ZERO hunting background. So please don’t think of something and then think “well he already knows this”, because I probably don’t! I live in Indianapolis, and I have a CZ452 .22LR, and S&W19 .357 magnum. For rabbits I’m guessing I want to use the rifle and not the revolver. Here’s what I’d like to ask:

What other equipment do I need beside a firearm?
How do I find land to hunt on?
What permits would I need to acquire?
And any other advice would be very welcome!

Thanks

 

[indoorsoccerfrea]

small game permit, check this website

http://hunting.about.com/gi/dynamic...nting&zu=http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/hunt/

 

[indoorsoccerfrea]

this one too i believe...

http://hunting.about.com/gi/dynamic...nting&zu=http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/hunt/

 

[shaggy430]

I'd recommend a shotgun and a couple of beagles.

 

[TAB]

I recomend finding a hunter with exp...

 

[dagger dog]

NoirFan,

To start go to www.IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov, you will find links there for public hunting areas in your location, also info on hunting licsense, and a lot more. Read as much as you can, it will help to decide on what type of small game hunting you would like to persue.

If you decide to go for rabbit, I would suggest a shotgun unless your spot and stalk technique is infalable. It is a lot easier to bushwhack for rabbits,(thats walking around in rabbit habitat and actually stomping into any briar patches, brushpiles, fencerows, in an attempt to flush rabbits from their hiding places) than it is to spot and stalk.

The best gun for flushing or dog hunting for rabbits is a shotgun. It can be a simple single barrel single shot from makers like N.E.F New England Firearms. They are relatively inexpensive 150 bucks.

Squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail, grouse and waterfowl are all game that can be taken with shotguns.

The first of the small game season is squirrel, mid August. It will give you time to practise with your CZ452 which is a perfect rifle for that type of hunting. Rabbit comes in in late October on some hunting areas that are open to public use, and the rest of the state in November, by that time you should have gained some knowledge and be a dead eye shot as you will have alot of practise in by that time.

Feel free to PM me if there is any questions or thing I may help you with.

 

[tenbears]

Don't forget to take along a good knife.

 

[gbran]

You can use the handgun (short range) with wadcutters. They leave a nice little hole and don't expand to destroy meat.

The .22 rifle, however will be your weapon of choice. Use it iron sighted or with a very low power scope.

 

[ghoster]

hi,
what a fun endever.
get a shotgun, yes it is possible to get them with a rifle but not a lot of people are that good.

i would get a single 20 guage as it is plenty for any game and a single 12 is a little rude if your not used to getting the gun up , positioned, aimed and shot.
a little off and kick will hurt.

next get a china mart brick of shells any shot will do, find a friend, a bag of cans , and a place to shoot.

fill cans 1/4 full with sand, stones and stand ready, gun up , thumb on hammer, eyes closed.

have friend throw cans angling in front of you acrost the ground and open eyes at first sound of can hitting ground, pull hammer back while you shoulder the gun and aquire moving target with sights .--boom.

now if your like most aspiring new bunny hunters you will have noticed the swath of dirt blown through behind your target. he, he

bunnies going h--l bent arnt east to hit at first.

learn to lead them. only practice will make this easer. thus the brick of cheap shells and bag of cans.

any place you go to look at shotguns will have a copy of the hunting regulations ( free ) for your state and it will tell you all the requirements and seasons for game animals in your state.

without doubt the easiest animal to clean and once you taste fried or stewed rabbit you will be hooked for life.

have tons of fun. i always do.