collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Rabbits on Fort Lewis  (Read 1166 times)

Offline SimoneBird

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Pilgrim
  • *
  • Join Date: Oct 2018
  • Posts: 7
Rabbits on Fort Lewis
« on: December 06, 2022, 05:28:02 PM »
Hello all, I recently got my hunting permission and license for Fort Lewis. I've been looking for cottontails but no sign so far. I ran my dogs (they are trained rabbit dogs) but got nothing up. Not looking for anyone's spots but just wondering if their populations are down on the base or if I just haven't looked in the right places yet (though I have been hunting rabbits for 20 years so I would hope I know good rabbitat when I see it!). I also saw on an old post on this forum that there are snowshoe hares on base but wasn't sure if anyone has seen them recently. Any general tips or info appreciated. I'll keep looking, too!

Offline duckmen1

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 2398
  • Location: outdoors
Re: Rabbits on Fort Lewis
« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2022, 05:37:33 PM »
I don't have much help about rabbit populations on base. But in past being out there sightings have been minimal. The problem I see is coyote populations are so high there. But it can be hard to hunt them due to area closures or weapon and shot restrictions to effectively target the coyotes.
Maturity is when you have the power to destroy someone who did you wrong but instead you breathe, walk away, and let life take care of them.

Offline GWP

  • Forum Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+22)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Posts: 1481
  • Location: Big Sandy-By Westport
Re: Rabbits on Fort Lewis
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2022, 06:21:02 PM »
In the years hunting and training out there I am having a difficult time remembering even seeing a rabbit. If you want to go to EWa I could suggest some places.
Cuterebra are NOT cute!

Offline SimoneBird

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Pilgrim
  • *
  • Join Date: Oct 2018
  • Posts: 7
Re: Rabbits on Fort Lewis
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2022, 03:12:44 PM »
Thanks for the info. Interesting, maybe their numbers just aren't that high on base. I'll keep looking around a big but it's too bad- there is lots of good habitat! GWP, suggestions in EWa would be great when you have time!

Offline Threewolves

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2008
  • Posts: 804
  • Location: North West, USA
  • USA (R)
  • Groups: VFW, NRA
Re: Rabbits on Fort Lewis
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2022, 01:40:39 PM »
Rabbits are just about any place on Ft Lewis  where there are fields or patches of broom brush, and there are lots of them.

 I hear what people say about hardly ever seeing rabbits and that is true, EXCEPT when using beagles. It helps  if the broom brush patch has a two track  through  it so you can see the rabbits crossing. The rabbits are usually  running about 20 to 30 feet ahead of the dogs, so when you hear the dogs coming be ready!

Usually  you may see one or two while driving in the early  morning.

I know  It's not JBLM, but Skucomechuck had cottontails that we ran dogs on.  Seen a lot of rabbit  sign out at scatter creek, but never hunted it for rabbits. Good hunting!

Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk

There are only so many sunrises left.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Walked a cougar down by BULLBLASTER
[Today at 02:54:02 PM]


2023 Hunting-Washington Christmas Gift Exchange "GO" by vandeman17
[Today at 02:37:27 PM]


2023/2024 Cams by Ridgerunner
[Today at 02:31:57 PM]


Public comment for the December meeting can now be signed up for by Rainier10
[Today at 02:05:13 PM]


Opening Day Ducks Video - SE Louisiana by Platensek-po
[Today at 02:00:36 PM]


Machias and the Mrs. 2023 Idaho Moose Hunt by Machias
[Today at 01:46:06 PM]


AKC Australian Shepherd Puppies by Machias
[Today at 01:43:17 PM]


Bearpaw Season - Fall 2023 by Machias
[Today at 01:42:18 PM]


WTS Ruger American Ranch 7.62x39 by dreadi
[Today at 01:39:56 PM]


WTS Henry Big Boy X Model (1) by dreadi
[Today at 01:39:19 PM]


WTS Dead Air Wolverine & Mask HD by dreadi
[Today at 01:37:20 PM]


2023 Eastern WA Pics portfolio by Machias
[Today at 01:36:09 PM]


Open seat thread (waterfowl) by mboyle0828
[Today at 01:26:06 PM]


3rd Annual Winter Workshop by Trapper John
[Today at 01:22:09 PM]


Idaho nonresident question by Machias
[Today at 12:56:53 PM]


1965 Chevrolet Malibu by Alchase
[Today at 12:46:42 PM]


WTS WTT Swarovski Spotter by bowman
[Today at 12:12:55 PM]


FS 30 Cal 210 Nosler Accubond Long Range by elkslayer069
[Today at 11:42:26 AM]


Trap line by JakeLand
[Today at 10:59:45 AM]


WTS: PSE brute force compound bow - $200 by Ellensburg
[Today at 09:57:26 AM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2023, SimplePortal