rabbits on West side

[TWG2A]

Why not just bend down and grab the little rascals?   

[mendozer]

suppose that would work. i'm a noob so we'll see.  On that note, do we have a section on here for hunters that are willing to take a noob out to learn and shadow??

[TWG2A]

I've seen several posts about how to learn hunting skills, and the general message seems to be "Contact an Outfitter".

From what I understand, Bearpaw Outfitters is a pretty good outfit. That way, you can learn from the pro's and you'll have an experienced hunter to help you scout, equip yourself and shooting/bowhunting skills.

Bearpaw is here on HW..... Try sending him a message to see what he recommends.

And in the meantime....

Gwab one a doze wascly wabbits at the store and make some wabbit stew to make sure you like wabbit eating! 

[mendozer]

i will definitely check that out.  as for taste, i already like rabbit.

[AWS]

Question.  Can you trap rabbits in this state?  Growing up in WI my dad would have a string of box traps set all over rural Milwaukee country in the winter and we ate  A LOT of rabbit. 

When we moved to the country I snared alot of them(not legal in WA ?) in the fence rows around the house.

Nothing better than stewed rabbit with dumplings and sweet/sour red cabage.

[TWG2A]

Yes, one may trap rabbits in Washington State during open season.  One may NOT trap Jack Rabbits and Pygmy Rabbits. 

Cottontail Rabbit and Snowshoe Hare
5/day, see notes Statewide:
Sept. 1, 2012 - Mar. 15, 2013 Possession limit: 15 straight or mixed bag

Pygmy Rabbit, Jackrabbit Closed statewide, year-round 

You can read more info at the WDFW site here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/summary_hunting_dates.html#small_game

[TWG2A]

Forgot to add the season just ended Mar. 31

You'll have to wait until Sept. 1, 2012 for fresh wabbit stew

[Kain]

Yes, one may trap rabbits in Washington State during open season.  One may NOT trap Jack Rabbits and Pygmy Rabbits. 

Cottontail Rabbit and Snowshoe Hare
5/day, see notes Statewide:
Sept. 1, 2012 - Mar. 15, 2013 Possession limit: 15 straight or mixed bag

Pygmy Rabbit, Jackrabbit Closed statewide, year-round 

You can read more info at the WDFW site here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/summary_hunting_dates.html#small_game

I dont see where it says they can be trapped.  What you posted are the hunting regulations.  As far as I know the only way you can trap them legally is if they are on your property and causing damage.  I would love it if you are right though.

Legal Status

Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about rabbits change, contact your local wildlife office for updates.

The Nuttall's cottontail rabbit, Eastern cottontail rabbit, and snowshoe hare are classified as game animals. A hunting license and open season are required to hunt them.

A property owner or the owner's immediate family, employee, or tenant may kill or trap the above species on that property if they are damaging crops or domestic animals (RCW 77.36.030). In such cases, no permit is necessary for the use of live (cage) traps. However, a special trapping permit is required from the Department of Fish and Wildlife for the use of all other types of traps.

The domestic rabbit is unclassified and may be trapped or killed year-round and no permit is necessary; however, the above restrictions on trapping devices still apply (RCW 77.15.192).

[bucksandbulls]

lately I have seen a huge explosion of rabbits in the kitsap penn area.dont know what kind they are . about 2-3lbs each , deer brown. with little white tipped tails. they are running all over the place. i have at least a dozen on my driveway. i see them all over the county. they get run over on the roads there are so many.

[TWG2A]

One can learn more about trapping at the WDFW site.

Just type "trapping" in the search box.

[lokidog]

  I suggest you download the regs and read them.

 

My thoughts exactly.

As far as learning to hunt as a newbie, if you can find and sneak up on a rabbit, you can probably sneak up on a deer.  It is good practice for your woodsmanship skills.

Question.  Can you trap rabbits in this state?  Growing up in WI my dad would have a string of box traps set all over rural Milwaukee country in the winter and we ate  A LOT of rabbit. 

When we moved to the country I snared alot of them(not legal in WA ?) in the fence rows around the house.

Nothing better than stewed rabbit with dumplings and sweet/sour red cabage.

We trapped a lot back in WI as well, sometimes we'd even give them a chance to get away and release them instead of bonking them... we missed a few when they would zig instead of zag.   

Mendozer, if you like rabbit, try porcupine, open year-round, I think.  Just a little harder to skin.   

[BOWHUNTER45]

If you want to really catch some waaaabbit then you need one of these 

[lokidog]

Bow45, did you just post your phone number?  Prank call time... woohoo!

I've never hunted wabbits with a dog, we just took turns being the dog - woof.

[AWS]

We used to hunt them over a little beagle and it was a ball,  Hit the marshes in the winter with a couple of 410's.  It's just about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.

[Kain]

One can learn more about trapping at the WDFW site.

Just type "trapping" in the search box.

Yep and I still have never seen where is say trapping rabbits is legal.  Can you post your source please.