Rabbits

[NORD]

I really want to start hunting rabbits with my 32 muzzleloader while the weather is still getting into the 40's and 50's in the afternoon and before winter really sets in. :g
Does anybody really know if it is ok to hunt rabbits before the hard cold sets in for the winter? Or is it ok to hunt rabbits any time the season is open? Is there any thing you really have to look for as in illnesses they might get or you could get from handling or eating them? Any good input would be appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[AZ-Robert]

Tularemia, a bacteria borne disease, is about the only real risk. The risk is pretty minimal to begin with and is lessened in the winter because the ticks and mosquitos that might carry it from animal to animal are less active after the first frost. Rabbits die from it about a week after they are infected. A rabbit that is infected is sluggish and acts tame -- won't run and hide. Humans get flu-like symptoms. Most humans get infected by bug bites or by getting the blood of infected animals into cuts on their hands while cleaning game.

Check with your fish and game guys to see if it is a problem where you live. Here in Arizona, where the season on rabbits is all-year long, there have been only five cases of tularemia reported in the last ten years.

Oh, almost forgot -- rabbits are magnets for parasites, summer or winter. You want those babies well-cooked.

 

[NORD]

Thank you very much sir!

We have had a few frost already this fall so I think I will go rabbit hunting after I give the Game and Fish a call

 

[BrownBear]

Disease problems aside, there's one other issue rabbit hunting with your 32- serious addiction! Have a ball, but be careful about getting hooked. :winking:

 

[NORD]

I am getting very addicted and I am not going to look for any rehab! :haha: