I thoroughly enjoyed hunting cotton tail rabbits here in upstate NY.
I used my Ithaca Lefever .410 double with 26" barrels choked Mod and Full that I bought in September of 1968 for $150.00 from Pearson's Gun Shop in Auburn NY. Usually 1/2 ounce #4's in the Mod right barrel and 3/4 ounce #4's in the left Full choke barrel.
Early on I had two beagles back to back: Boomer and Barney followed by my black and white English Springer Spaniel Teddy Rough Rider Roosevelt. Named him after handling TR's F grade Fox then owned by Tom Kidd.
Spent many days hunting bunnies with my older brother Tom who owned 250 plus acres near Cape Vincent NY (where Lake Ontario becomes the St. Lawrence River). He also had a black and white Springer Black Jack.
Great dogs for working rabbit cover with the added bonus of some Ruffed Grouse. Teddy got so he would retrieve rabbits back to me, no matter who shot them. Occasionally, the rabbits were still alive.
Maybe not the magic of upland bird hunting, or ducks over decoy's or you name it but those days will live in my memory forever.
And by the way, and as many of you know, rabbits are great table fare.
|
Threaded Mode