At this time of year, rabbits very quickly become almost totally nocturnal in their feeding habits and lamping (hunting them with an artificial light source and air rifle) can be very productive. I’m presuming you’ve got a favoured ‘lamp’, so here are items of peripheral kit that will help you use this technique more efficiently.
Footwear
For a hunting technique, such as this, you require outwear that offers good protection, insulation but is flexible, so that you can stealthily stalk your prey. I recommend a high leg, lightweight yet rugged footwear, such as the Viper Elite-5 Boots. The main body of the boot is a ‘mix’ of 1000D Cordura fabric with an outer framework of cowhide suede leather. There’s a generous rubber toe cap protector and heel guard, with all materials being seam-sealed and double-stitched for extra security. The padded collar and upper offer even more comfort and protection, a Hydroguard Membrane ensures they’re fully waterproof and breathable, plus the moulded EVA midsole offers even more support. The Vibram Multi-Sport Rubber Outsole’s aggressive cleat layout gives good traction and is easy to clean. These sturdy, yet forgiving boots, use rust-proofed metal hardware seen as four captive D-rings that stop at the lower part of the ankle, where your foot moves as you walk. Here, the first open metal hasp type fastener is set well back from those above, so the boot can be drawn securely and snugly to the foot. From here, four more pairs ensure the boot can be drawn to the calf for optimum wearer comfort.
Smock
As an upper body outer, the Argyll Smock by Jack Pyke of England is an excellent choice, due to its generous design, which doesn’t restrict movement and offers plenty of protection from the elements and stowage thanks to its clever pocket layout. It’s tough 3-layer build consists of a 100% polyester brushed tricot outer, with a laminated waterproof membrane plus mesh inner, the latter giving breathable properties, so you’re not feeling damp or clammy. The generous ¾+ length design features an extra-long, baffled, rain proof front neck zip with press stud down storm flap, high stand-up collar plus removable well-sized hood with toggle fastened draw string and adjustable peak. For stowage, there are 2x upper ‘crossover’ pockets and 2x lower angled pockets with waterproof zips. The generous cut of the garment makes it unrestrictive, easy to put on and remove and of course operate in. Neoprene inner cuff bands provide comfort and protection from the elements plus adjustable outer Velcro fasten cuff straps give extra protection from water ingress. To tailor the garment to your build, there’s a strong draw string with outer toggle adjustment just above waist height.
NV Monocular
I always advocate integrating a dedicated NV observation aid into your lamping kit, as it can be extremely useful when you don’t want to disturb an area with light. In that respect, the DigiForce 860VS Digital Monocular is a compact useful addition! With a magnification of 6.5x and a 50mm objective lens, it utilises a 640 x 480 CMOS sensor with a 640 x 480 LCD display, to give an extremely good sight picture. Image clarity is further aided by a built-in, adjustable 810nm IR illuminator, plus there’s a Weaver rail on the side to add accessories such as an additional IR illuminator. With a minimum focus range of 5m, the unit can also be powered by an external ‘longer life’ battery pack, it has a video out port, and interestingly, what are termed as three ‘range finding’ reticles. It has both a front adjustable objective focus ring and ocular adjustment, plus a brightness control with all modes being operated by two, top-mounted pressure pad switches. Being based on digital technology, it’s also resistant to bright light exposure and can be used in daylight. The full kit comprises monocular, carrying case, wrist strap, video cable and lens cloth.
Shooting sticks
here’s no disputing that shooting sticks aid accuracy and at night can also double up to test the ground around you and ahead when negotiating tricky terrain. They’ve also got to be of a design that allows you to quickly and quietly deploy and adjust the height. If this can be done one-handed, then all the better! There are several reasons why I recommend the Primos Trigger Sticks Gen 2, which can be purchased in monopod, bipod or tripod configuration. The telescopic legs are manufactured from strong and light 7075 aluminium making them easy to carry, but it’s the clever handle design that has elevated them to being an award-winning product. The ergonomic ABS and rubberised handle directly below the detachable yoke features a trigger, which when pulled allows the legs to slide out then lock at the desired height and position. To prevent accidental ‘shift’, there’s also a lock integrated into the build. The rubberised ‘ridged inner, V-shaped yoke is also able to rotate a full 360° and can be removed and its camera tripod thread can be used for other accessories. The bipod and tripod have what are termed ‘extreme angle legs’, which allows them to be splayed out wide enough for you to take shots while sitting on the floor. Height adjustment range for the trio of sticks is rated at 33 – 65”, 24 – 61” and 24 – 62” respectively.
Headlamp
When shooting at night, a headlight is a ‘must have’ piece of kit and the compact yet powerful Fenix HP25R rechargeable headlamp is an ideal choice. Supplied with an 18650-battery housed in the rear and a micro USB charging cable, it also can also use 2 x CR123 non-rechargeable batteries. It’s designed to be highly flexible, having both a neutral white floodlight and far-reaching spotlight beam. The spotlight features a Cree XM-L2 U2 LED, its four brightness settings delivering an impressive 1000Lumens output on full when it can reach out more than 185m. The broad 90° floodlight beam features a Cree XP-G2 R5 LED and offers four brightness settings up to 350Lumens, perfect for ‘close-up’ tasks. Individual switches control each beam (beams cannot be combined) and an integral red LED offers added versatility when you need to protect your night vision. Waterproof to IPX-6, the HP25R has an aluminum alloy body plus the built-in mode memory circuit remembers your last used lighting level for each lamp unit. There’s also a battery level indicator.
Pellet pouch
pare ammo always needs protection in the field, especially at night, as you can easily knock into or lean on something, which could affect a ‘standard’ pellet pouch. However, the Wilkins Pellet Pouches are way different and the ultimate in pellet safety. These handmade, hard leather pouches come in three sizes suitable for all calibres and have a secure, heavy-duty press-stud fastened ‘lid.’ Due to the construction and quality and materials used, it means that there is no possibility when opening or closing the pouch that any pressure will be exerted onto the pellets contained, thereby eliminating the possibility of damage. The press-stud opening is easily operated single handed and there’s a quick release belt clip and a sensible size length of strong neck cord. There are five colour options available, those being black, light brown, dark brown, red and green.
Knife
A folding lock knife is always a useful part of your field kit and essential when targeting rabbits. The obvious use being for paunching in the field, so that there is less weight to carry off your permission after your hunting. The Buck Trigger measures 4 ½” in the closed position, weighs 4.4oz and has a 3 ¼” 420HC stainless steel, fine edged blade. Dual thumb studs allow for ease of one-handed deployment, while the sturdy blade is secured when open by a strong lock liner mechanism. It has an anodised aluminium handle with practical textured black synthetic insert panels on both sides. It feels secure in the hold due the jimped section at the rear of the spine, plus there’s a finger stop too. For carriage, it has both a pocket clip and lanyard hole.
Ammo
For the challenging shots you’ll face, you need ammo that’s proven its worth bashing bunnies and a wise choice is the Webley Powapell. Often referred to as a pointed pellet, this isn’t strictly true, as the head is almost ‘pear shaped’, due to its precisely rounded off tip, making the Powapell far more accurate than some might first presume. It’s a smooth headed design that transmits a lot of energy to the target, has a predictable trajectory, offers good penetration and has high accuracy potential over sensible hunting ranges shot from either a springer or PCP. The .177 calibre slug weighs 7.9-grains, while the .22 weighs 14.3-grains, making this mid-weight pellet a sensible option. Both calibres are sold in screw top metal tins of 500.
Gunbag
Your combo not only needs protecting from knocks and the elements, but also to carry the ancillary kit it will likely hold for night shooting, so a more specialised type of gun luggage is required. The Buffalo River Dominator PCP Gunbag is primarily designed for ‘buddy bottle’ PCP air rifles with a large objective lens scope plus bipod attached. It also accepts most air rifles with a Nightvision scope on-board, or with a conventional day scope and lamp. Available in two-lengths (42 and 50”) both measure 15” at the deepest point and are approximately 6” wide when closed. Manufactured from durable ballistic nylon, the generous internal foam lining and inner waterproof PVC skin can be removed for cleaning and fully opens out for use as a shooting mat or ‘sit-down’ rest area. External stowage consists of a full zip open pocket that extends right down one side of the bag and the pouch extends towards the front. It also has two, centrallypositioned, zip closed pockets on both sides.
Scope eye-piece shades
Some shooters benefit from using rubber eye-piece extensions that fit onto the eye-bell of the scope, which ‘force’ the eye to dilate to obtain the maximum amount of light coming back through the optic. This helps your eye adjust, to make maximum use of the image viewed. The Bisley Scope Maximiser is a prime example of such an accessory. When fitted, it works by fully ‘cupping’ the eye and is designed so a generous ‘side-section’ extends back further to rest against your face. Others (particularly spectacle wearers) prefer what are known as ‘scope extensions,’ as these allow you to press your eye into a flat surfaced ‘cupped’ eye-piece. Available in lengths of 60mm & 90mm, all are held in place by ‘friction fit’ and are sized to suit many popular brands of scope.
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