Pennsylvania Game News - November 2011 - 6

all you need. If you know a youngster you want to break into the sport, make him your “bag man.” I can’t think of a safer, more fun way to see what hunting is all about. Begin the adventure by explaining that the process of “eyeing” rabbits is one they will play an important part in, and as the two of you sneak quietly through the woods and thickets you’ll be depending on them to help locate the black shiny eye of the rabbit, which will most likely be sitting against a snow bank or in a tangle of brush. By introducing a youngster to hunting, you’ll be creating a bond to last a lifetime. You will be able to answer their questions about things seen and heard on those days in the wild while you tutor them on stalking quietly, gun safety and the ethics of hunting. Later they can be introduced to hunting with beagles. I have heard it said, and agree, that the song of beagles hounding a rabbit on a frosty fall morning is the kind of music angels

play for hunters who make it to the happy hunting grounds. Finally, you will have the satisfaction of helping that youngster satisfy their “rights of passage” into the rabbit hunting ranks. Rabbit hunting is one of the few remaining outdoor pursuits that hasn’t been corrupted by such things as clover scented lure, female bunny decoys or brightly colored orange plastic carrots, and by all that is holy to me, I hope it remains that way for generations to come. Many moons have passed since I turned in my feed sack, but I still enjoy chasing bunnies. They’re kind of scarce where I live now and the big “woods” bunnies we have usually wind up gracing the dinner plate of one predator or another long before the season opens. I still make a trip or two to the southwest part of the state for a rabbit or two to eat. I’m often content to cradle my little Fox 16-gauge double in the crook of my arm and take in the magical sights and sounds around me, and to remember days gone by and dogs that now sing only in my heart. 

Trapper’s Tips…

By Dan Lynch

Using a snare pole to release non-target animals:
Trap long enough and you’ll encounter a non-target animal in one of your sets. If the animal is a domestic dog you want to take care not to get bitten or scratched. One of the best methods of safely releasing the dog is through the use of a snare or catch pole made of aluminum or PVC. Place the loop of the catch pole around the animal’s neck and tighten until firm but not choking the animal. Pin the animal’s head to the ground and step on the trap levers or cut the cable restraint using a top quality cable cutter device. If the animal is a domestic cat, or a bobcat for which you do not have a permit, make sure to slip the loop over the neck and one loose foot so that the loop does not accidentally suffocate the animal you are trying to release unharmed. Having another person help you with these procedures is advisable.
6 GAME NEWS

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/920435/trapper's_tips_pdf

Pennsylvania Game News - November 2011

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