Rabbit Hunting Season Change 08-09

[sebastian]

Has this been discussed yet? A MAJOR change in rabbit hunting will occur next September. From the NJF&W website:

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/artcode08.htm

RABBIT and HARE
Opening day of rabbit season will move forward from the second week in November to the last Saturday in September.

The opening day of small game traditionally starts on the Saturday closest to November 10 to allow farmers time to harvest crops. This proposal maintains that tradition by keeping the November opening day timing for pheasants, chukar and quail. An earlier rabbit/hare season should not interfere with farming activities since rabbit hunting involves hedgerows, old fields and most often uses a dog to flush and chase game back to the stationary hunter. An earlier open also provides ample opportunity for rabbit/hare hunters to enjoy their sport when rabbit populations are most abundant plus will allow hunting on WMAs without encountering bird hunters and trappers. Private landowners can choose not to allow the earlier open on their property. -------------------------

What do you guys think? Good or bad? This season change will definitely get me out in the hedgerows early and often and will put bunnies in the crockpot for sure.

[ub1243]

i don't hunt rabbits. but i think it's a little warm for the dogs to run hard. also down south the chiggers are still a issue that early. and the rabbits will still be loaded with fleas and ticks. on wma's there will be a few more hound guy/bowhunter issues.
just wait and see how this plays out.
can't say bad or good yet.

[brown bob]

i don't hunt rabbits. but i think it's a little warm for the dogs to run hard. also down south the chiggers are still a issue that early. and the rabbits will still be loaded with fleas and ticks. on wma's there will be a few more hound guy/bowhunter issues.
just wait and see how this plays out.
can't say bad or good yet. the rabbits will have fleas all year long ,regardless of when the season starts,as long as the rabbit is alive the fleas will be on it. but i do agree that it should not start that early, as the best rabbit hunting is usually after the new year.just my opinion. bb

[ub1243]

i didn't think they carried fleas all year. coons and fox seem to lose them once it gets cold. i skin outside during the early season and spray the pelts. but once the cold sets in, i skin in the basement. i don't see fleas after late december.
learn something new today. :)

[brown bob]

kill a rabbit in the snow, jan feb hold it over and gut it watch the fleas jump like crazy, they must feel the body temp already starting to drop. killed hundreds and was always amazed. bb

[Unami]

Ugh. Now there will be guys chasing rabbits earlier. I love rabbit hunting but I'm not happy to hear of more guys chasing the rabbits and messing with the archery season.

[jonny one shot]

is the state trying too kill all of the rabbits off lik the deer?

[scu078]

It doesnt sound like a bad idea, just another option we will have.. it begins then same time early season goose and Bow season... My only problem is figuring which one to hunt....

[Liv2hunt]

In my opinion, one of the worst decisions ever by the state:thdown:

Why or what is the state's reason for the recent push to clutter up the woods during bow season? What is wrong with extending it at the end of February/early March? Can't wait to pull into the WMA parking area the first week of Oct and see a couple trucks with dog boxes in the back:thdown:

And no, not a selfish attitude, don't tell me the "State land..everyone has a right." Everyone should have their own time, but not all at the same time:nuts:

Unami, I thought business picked up on your side when the pressure increased? Might not be too bad for you:)

[IronSpirit]

Sounds fun! Can't imagine rabbit hunters interfering with fall bow hunters...now I can carry around broadheads and judos during fall bow and stalk bunnies when I get bored :)

[Unami]

Liv2hunt,

The deer do come into my area when pressure increases on the state property. They are just a bit more skittish. I'd rather the deer just kept to thier regular patterns so everyone can enjoy the deer hunting. It's so much more enjoyable when the deer are not being harrassed and everyone is enjoying the woods during bow season. Nothing stinks worse than taking the time out of your busy life to enjoy some peacefull bow hunting only to have it ruined by someone trompsing around the area you are hunting.

For some reason the small game hunters don't seem to think is a big deal to tresspass "just a little" on our property. I often encounter small game hunters running dogs on our place. Especially rabbit hunters. The dogs start running rabbits all over the private land and the hunters are waiting on (or just over) the border waiting for the rabbits to circle back. It screws up the deer for the day when that happens. The hunters don't seem to think it's any big deal.

I just don't understand the rationale. The rabbit season seems to be working fine now. The rabbit population doesn't seem to be out of control and everyone gets plenty of time to chase the game they choose.

[Liv2hunt]

Unami, I think next year is going to be interesting, but most likely aggravating. I'm hoping any new early season arrivals will be shocked and put off by the amount of bugs that time of year. Hopefully it won't be so bad that you are thinking of the good old days...when all you had to worry about was some damn Camden County officer building towers on your piece:p:D

[Unami]

Luckily there are no bugs down there. :eek:

[Liv2hunt]

"Luckily there are no bugs down there. :eek: "

I was working at Andy's house last week, we were just joking about how bad it was in August, when I had my crab pots off his dock. Thought I was going to need a pint of blood after checking the pots:D