squirrels and rabbits

[TheSollyLama]

my first hunting experiences were with a Savage Model 24 in .22LR/.410 shotgun combo.

To me it was perfect. If I spotted a bunny in his pot I'd line up and use the .22LR, but if he spooked and ran a flip of my finger set the gun on .410 with number 4's or 6's for the running shot.

The gun was even small, so from an early age I could wield it.

These days when I rabbit hunt I bring my dog, who just runs his nose right into a bunny's butt so all I carry is a shotgun. Often I have to pass on the shot because my dog is too close and just wants to make friends with the rabbit.
Although it's a bit of overkill, my usual gun is my Remington 870 12 gauge. I do have a Rossi 20 gauge side by side, but it's a 'stagecoach' model with the shortest barrels they make, so it's best as a close in quail or pheasant gun.

I pass on alot of days I could be coyote hunting or duck hunting just to rabbit hunt. First- I love it and the terrain is easy on my beat up knees.

Plus this year I've started taking my 8 year old daughter hunting (she doesn't carry a gun yet) with me and rabbit hunting is basically a nature walk with a gun. She can talk, ask questions, scout with bino's. It's interesting to her and I love the time we spend together.

So rabbit hunting is alot more than roast rabbit on the table for me.