Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Coyote, Small Game, Varmints => Topic started by: Axle on June 16, 2010, 09:05:57 AM

Title: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: Axle on June 16, 2010, 09:05:57 AM: I don't think I've ever seen the rabbit numbers jump so high in one year as they have this year. The problems associated are that
1. They eat my garden (or at least try to)
2. They turn on motion sensor lights all night long
3. They bring in the bobcats and coyotes which tend to go after the free-range chickens and that really chaps my hide!

There were a half dozen of them in my back yard recently and they were running around turning on the motion sensor lights and seemed to be enjoying it. I watched just long enough to enjoy them but I had to eventually put them all on the witness relocation program.

Driving around Issaquah yesterday, I noticed I was not the only one with lots of rabbits. I saw them everywhere there was a nice lawn.

I guess this is the 'up' cycle for them. The coyote and bobcat cycle will follow.
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: MIKEXRAY on June 16, 2010, 09:19:29 AM: I live in Federalway and we also have a bumper crop of rabbits this year. Usually have some but this year the numbers have tripled. I am seeing less coyote's also, might be the reason. I've told my wife everyother day about the number of rabbits being up, she thinks I'm silly. Mike
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: Atroxus on June 16, 2010, 09:21:46 AM: If you need any help controlling your rabbit/coyote population shoot me a PM. I would be happy to come out some time and shoot some of them for ya.(if you live someplace that shooting them would be legal that is)
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: NRA4LIFE on June 16, 2010, 09:45:26 AM: I live just south of you and have had almost none this year. Have only "relocated" one so far this year.

I have found a good way to keep them out of the garden. I leave all the clover in the lawn. They seem to like eating that more than anything.
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: Axle on June 16, 2010, 02:17:03 PM: Speaking of coyotes - I was just in the back yard and heard a woodpecker going nuts so I went over to see what was up. There was a coyote looking around for my chickens. Good thing my chickens were in the barn hiding at the time. I grabbed the 22 and went after the song dog but the brush was too thick to see it again. The challenge is on......
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: Atroxus on June 16, 2010, 02:26:20 PM: My step-son and wife saw a coyote on the sidewalk aout a block away from our house the other day. I live in the city though so shooting it is not an option. :(
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 16, 2010, 05:28:30 PM: Well, that's good. That will give us something to shoot since there won't be any grouse, pheasants or quail due to this soggy, cold spring... :(
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: seaduckhunter on June 16, 2010, 05:34:47 PM: Quote from: Atroxus on June 16, 2010, 02:26:20 PM
My step-son and wife saw a coyote on the sidewalk aout a block away from our house the other day. I live in the city though so shooting it is not an option. :(
Well at least the cat population will be under control. Keeps them from crapping in your flower beds.
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: runamuk on June 17, 2010, 10:56:37 AM: we have bunnies all over here as well...I am sure come open season they will all go nocturnal :bash: :bash:
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: Dave Workman on June 17, 2010, 12:14:46 PM: :hunter: :tup: :hunter: :bfg: :mgun2:

AND THAT JUST ABOUT SUMS IT UP FER ME!
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: Atroxus on June 17, 2010, 12:23:29 PM: Quote from: runamuk on June 17, 2010, 10:56:37 AM
we have bunnies all over here as well...I am sure come open season they will all go nocturnal :bash: :bash:

Someone in another thread posted some info indicating it would be legal to kill them out of season to prevent property damage. Hence all my recent offers to come shoot bunnies, coyotes, and/or raccoons for people. ;) Here is a link to the thread I mentioned. My offer is open to you as well, if you need or want any help controlling your bunny/coyote/raccoon population. :) :mgun2:
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,50368.msg624492.html#msg624492 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,50368.msg624492.html#msg624492)
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: runamuk on June 17, 2010, 03:48:57 PM: they aren't doing any actual damage :dunno: just like the crows aren't actually eating any of my cherries yet :bash: :bash: the voles on the other hand I would shoot if I could stupid hole making... plant killing.... vermin

I will just wait until they are open season.....
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: sled on June 17, 2010, 03:59:45 PM: Tons of them up here in Lake Stevens!
Title: Re: Rabbits a-plenty this year
Post by: Axle on June 19, 2010, 02:05:21 PM: Number 12 showed up in my garden and volunteered for the witness relocation program. Then number 13 ran into the brush later the same day before I could introduce it to the program.

Number 12 joined us for a crock pot dinner as I discusted the details of the program.