SPORTING ANSWERS

Shed light on elusive rabbits

AIRGUNNING

Q The rabbits have become very elusive on the farm I shoot over with my air rifle. It is now unusual to see any in areas where I used to see good numbers during the summer months. I don’t think the rabbits have been wiped out by disease because there are still lots of signs of their presence, including droppings and fresh excavations around their burrows. Why are they suddenly spending so little time above ground?

A My guess is that the rabbits are not spending much less time above ground, they are simply now venturing out after dark. If you think about it, rabbits that emerged to feed at around 7pm earlier in the year would have been out well before sunset. If they are keeping similar hours now, they will be emerging well after nightfall.

Try adopting a nocturnal approach and head out an hour or two after the sun goes down, either with night-vision gear or a simple lamping set-up. You could be surprised by the number of rabbits you encounter. MM

GUN CASE LABEL OF THE WEEK

G E LEWIS

This paper and ink label from the inside lid of a gun case makes