Hello all,
First post here.
I finally got my hunter number and license this year and I happen to be going on a camping trip for the Labour Day weekend on a piece of land between Keremeos and Princeton (around Hedley).
I was hoping that grouse season would be upon us as I know they are in the area (as from what I understand, they are stupid enough that one could probably hunt them with a rock)...but it appears that I am a week too early. Therefore, the only things that I could shoot at are snowshoe hare and European rabbits (which of course are Schedule C). It looks set to be nice weather, so I would not be opposed to walking around the bush/hiking up a mountain with a shotgun or 22 in hand, hoping to bag a rabbit.
So the obvious questions: ARE there rabbits up there (I assume there are?), and does anyone know if they are plentiful? How do I find them (are there any good "rabbiting spots" there where a first-time hunter could get a rabbit for dinner?), and how do I know when exactly I am on Crown land and thus able to shoot at things (are there maps and such? How do I get them?)? What size/type of shot should I use for rabbit here? What time does one see them, usually?
What kind of tips do you all have for this (i.e. where does one usually find rabbits, and such)?
I am unexperienced and just looking to get some rabbit. If this is impossible in this area, then feel free to laugh me out of here , but I figure that if there weren't rabbit there, then they wouldn't have a season for them.
Thank you!