Rabbit Shooting
Shooting of rabbits is undertaken by government vertebrate pest control officers, landholders and professional or experienced amateur shooters. Although shooting may be useful when rabbit numbers are already low, it is labour intensive and is not effective as a general rabbit control method. Shooting is usually done at night with the aid of a spotlight but can also be conducted during the day.
Shooting can be a humane method of destroying rabbits when it is carried out by experienced, skilled, and responsible shooters; the animal can be clearly seen and is within range; and, the correct firearm, ammunition and shot placement is used.
This standard operating procedure (SOP) is a guide only. It does not replace or override the legislation that applies in the relevant state or territory jurisdiction. The SOP should only be used subject to the applicable legal requirements (including OH&S) operating in the relevant jurisdiction.
Application
- Shooting should only be used in a strategic manner as part of a co-ordinated program designed to achieve sustained effective control.
- Shooting is sometimes used as an adjunct to other control methods. However, it is not considered to be an effective or efficient rabbit population control technique.
- Shooting may have limited use in controlling light rabbit infestations, but it is ineffective in significantly reducing rabbit populations or even maintaining them at low levels.
- It is most suited to areas with little cover. Shooting should be concentrated in rabbit feeding areas, normally indicated by shortly cropped grass with rabbit scratchings and droppings.
- Ineffective shooting may produce rabbits that are ‘shy’ of both guns and spotlights; therefore, several months should pass before any further shooting operations are undertaken.
- Shooting is not suitable in the vicinity of human habitation.
- Shooting of rabbits should only be performed by skilled operators who have the necessary experience with firearms and who hold the appropriate licences and accreditation.
- Storage and transportation of firearms and ammunition must comply with relevant legislative requirements.
Animal welfare considerations
Impact on target animals
- Humaneness of shooting as a control technique depends almost entirely on the skill and judgement of the shooter. If properly carried out, it is one of the most humane methods of destroying rabbits. On the other hand, if inexpertly carried out, shooting can result in wounding which may cause considerable pain and suffering.
- Shooting must be conducted in a manner which aims to cause immediate insensibility and painless death. The appropriate firearms and ammunition must always be used.
- Shooters should not shoot at an animal unless it is clearly visible and they are confident of killing it with a single shot.
- Head (brain) or chest (heart-lung) shots must be used. Shooting at other parts of the body is unacceptable.
- The shooter must be certain that each animal is dead before another is targeted.
- Wounded rabbits must be located and dispatched as quickly and humanely as possible with a second shot preferably directed to the head. If left, wounded animals can suffer from the disabling effects of the injury, from sickness due to infection of the wound, and from pain created by the wound.
- If lactating rabbits are shot, reasonable efforts should be made to find dependent kittens and kill them quickly and humanely.
Health and safety considerations
- All people should stand well behind the shooter when an animal is being shot. The line of fire must be chosen to prevent accidents or injury from stray bullets or ricochets.
- Shooting from a vehicle is potentially dangerous. An agreed safety procedure between the shooter and others in the vehicle must be in place to ensure that people do not enter the field of fire or disturb the taking of a shot.
- Firearm users must strictly observe all relevant safety guidelines relating to firearm ownership, possession and use.
- Firearms must be securely stored in a compartment that meets State legal requirements. Ammunition must be stored in a locked container separate from firearms.
- Adequate hearing protection should be worn by the shooter and others in the immediate vicinity of the shooter. Repeated exposure to firearm noise can cause irreversible hearing damage.
- Safety glasses are recommended to protect eyes from gases, metal fragments and other particles.
- Warm, comfortable clothing and stout footwear is recommended, especially when shooting at night
Procedures
Shooting at night
- Most shooting of rabbits is done at night with the aid of a spotlight to locate them while they are feeding or are away from cover. This method relies on the ability of the shooter to approach the animal until it is in shooting range.
- It is recommended that during daylight hours shooters familiarise themselves with the terrain they are to cover. Take note of potential hazards and any landmarks that may help with navigation.
- Rabbits must NOT be shot from a moving vehicle or other moving platform as this can significantly detract from the shooters’ accuracy. Ensure you are in a firm, safe and stable position before taking a shot.
- Shooting over the top of hills or ridges produces unacceptable risk. Be aware that the spotlight only illuminates a small portion of the danger zone and only a fraction of the projectile’s range.
- When illuminated by the spotlight, rabbits have a pink/red eye shine.
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