rabbit hunting southern ontario advice

[tacticalredbeard]

Hey so I'm new to hunting I've got my self a .22 , 410 and a 12 gauge and I'm in 81a.I would love to go out and get a rabbit or two to start. Could someone help with some advice do I need more then a hunting licence and what would I use I think I'd like to use the .22 so I have something left to eat.

I'm a sponge for your knowledge

 

[hawkmp9]

.410 with #4 or 5 shot ahould do the trick and not ruin too much.
All your choices will work great tho. Aim for the head or lead a bit.
I'd go with hollow points if you choose to use the .22 maybe some mini mags or cci velocitors or stingers would be my voice of ammo.

 

[the spank]

81A...cottontail country. A 12 ga with 1 1/8 oz # 6 or 7 1/2. Push the thick stuff on railway/field/fencerows. Stomp the crap out of brush piles. Use an IC or Mod choke. Most times cottontails aren't sitting long enough for a 22 head shot. A light field load will not damage them at all and will increase your odds of getting one on the run. You'll also have what you need should a grouse/woodcock/pheasant happen to flush and season is open on them.

 

[brybenn]

All your choices work and I use all 3. Common trap loads work just fine on bunnies. If using a 22 avoid high velocity rounds unless you only plan on head shots. I use cci quiets or standard velocity depending on which rim fire I bring

 

[Mount Sweetness]

Some townships require a specific Township rabbit license. Not very costly but make sure to look into it.

 

[the spank]

Some townships require a specific Township rabbit license. Not very costly but make sure to look into it.

While I was living in the Niagara Region as a kid ( late 70's) almost every twp had this requirement but only one ever had a license to sell me. Most times the twp staff looked totally bamfoozled when asking for a twp hunting license. Probably hadn't stocked them since the 40's and 50's, LOL!!

 

[Winchested]

Norfolk actually has a plastic card with your township sticker on it. They do this to somewhat help offset the pheasant release costs. Oh and rabbit hunting used to be a huge pursuit not so much anymore but the county still wastes the time and money too take your $15-20 that doesn't even likely cover the costs of the useless program.

 

[Mount Sweetness]

Most townships in my area do still require the Township Rabbit Licence. I buy one every year.

 

[tacticalredbeard]

Thanks for all the great info didn't get around to rabbits this year focused on ducks, but now that it's over I might just go find some tracks on the neighbours property and find a nice dinner. I got a hold of a 410 that I'm going to use.

 

[KodiakII]

Township rabbit license wow what a money grab that is! Reminds me of a Simpson's episode....

 

[yomomma]

I have hunted rabbit in southern Ontario for close to 32 years. Bought a township license once. I have found rabbit numbers to be low this year.

 

[redbirddog]

Rabbit numbers are down this year, and have not see a Jack in almost 3 years. We need the Yote population to go down a bit as well as the bird predatation.

410 a great choice for bunnies! good luck

 

[cdn1canhunt]

Want bunnies buy a beagle and a semi auto rimfire .22 with a red dot or open sights.....Just about the most fun a guy can have while hunting!

 

[canadian hunter312]

Want bunnies buy a beagle and a semi auto rimfire .22 with a red dot or open sights.....Just about the most fun a guy can have while hunting!

Yep, a good dog will make rabbit hunting 10x more enjoyable and you'll see far more rabbits. Now we just need some snow around here so I can put the dog to work...