Springers on rabbits

stevoman

I want to get my little bitch hunting on rabbits as it wil bring her on for next year and give her planty of drive. i was just wondering what time of year would other dog men begin to start their springers hunting rabbits?

ferrete

only hunt rabbits in the month with an r in it to allow the peace to breed also.

deeksofdoom

stevoman wrote: »

I want to get my little bitch hunting on rabbits as it wil bring her on for next year and give her planty of drive. i was just wondering what time of year would other dog men begin to start their springers hunting rabbits?

Just make sure you've got good control over her first, stopping and recalling to the whistle. Are you planning to shoot a few for her?

EPointer=Birdss

Weeks of training & steadying before you drop a rabbit.
Train her to stop or sit on command & then bring her out & train it to the flush of a rabbit.
When steady chance dropping one or better still have a buddy do it & keep your eye on her.
Then let her out for the retrieve...

Be prepared though the springer will go bananas!!:D

thepin

Best of luck with her...my springer is 6 months old but very bold.
Im looking for a starter pistol to get her gun ready...any help with buying one would be great...

kerryltz

I also have a 9 month old springer pup this is my first dog trying to train its hard work as you may think everything is going well until she see's or gets a nosefull of rabbit then its bye bye but she is getting better. When she is just out normally she is perfect on stopping and returning to the whistle also is steady on dummy but just gets over excited when seeing or getting strong scent of rabbits she crashes through briars and cover after them at full belt I think she will be OK in the long run as if she wasnt hunting it would be alot worse but if any of ye with more experience can give any advice it all helps.

bunny shooter

ferrete wrote: »

only hunt rabbits in the month with an r in it to allow the peace to breed also.

I thought it was hunt in months with no "r" in it

deeksofdoom

bunny shooter wrote: »

I thought it was hunt in months with no "r" in it

He must be thinking of Ducks.

dicky82

is it bad form to pick off one or two at this time of year? have to admit ive popt three yesterday for a tastey curry. . .

bunny shooter

Ferreter wrote: »

You were right the first time...Only hunt them in months with an R - Although thats an old saying and most people pack up in march now

Going by your name here I reckon those using ferrets use your old saying and shooters use mine

EPointer=Birdss

Had springer pup out today for 1st time on my population of pet rabbits.
Worked a treat - busting ditches for a finish & responding well to the recall & whistle.
Only problem was the heat, 20 minutes & he was wiped out.

Most notable difference was his interest in open ground has lessened & the ditch is the place to be.

Thank god for rabbits!