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Guys! lets not get ugly here ! agree to disagree. I'm go'n for a beer. Be well

http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3375.htm POPULATION UPS AND DOWNS Cottontail numbers, like most animal populations, run in cycles of highs and lows. The population builds up to a very high level, then disease, strife and poor reproduction down to a low level. This low may continue for two or three years before a slow increase begins to bring numbers back to another high. Peak populations usually occur at intervals of about 10 years. Within this 10 year cycle, there may be local areas having highs and lows opposite to the overall state cycle. Also, some areas may hold a continued high or low for several years and not seem to go through the cycle change. Optimum food and cover and balance between the number produced and the number harvested by hunter, predator or disease may hold the population stable. Drastic changes in numbers grow to a high in August. The with peak of reproduction past, the rabbits begin to disappear. By the first of November, their numbers may be cut one-third or more, with another third lost by the beginning of the next breeding season. Thus, while some rabbits may live four or five years, the average life expectancy for young rabbits that survive to leave the nest is only about 11 months. I have read 7 and read 10. It is generally stated the cycle is between peaks in population. so 5 on the way up and five on the way down...or 3.5 &3.5 depending on the article...lol. I think there may be cycles but cover, food and mortality would be causing it. I hunted an overgorwn apple orchard as a kid and you couldn't bring enough shells with you. it was great until the hardwood saplings came and grew. then the canopy started to close. I was back home a couple years ago and went there. no underbrush at all and no rabbits. The habitat totally changed.

It looks like "HuntingNY SWAT team" is onto something, Squirrels , watch out this weekend !!! :-)

Let's keep our finger crossed that they hold out and continue for....let's say...2 months..lol

Gut shot Zombie deer from the gun season!!!!

I'm "crack"-ing up right now! lol

Forest, It's nice to hear more about the story. Remember when you post include all the details. A post can easily be taken a different way by another reader. Keep at it and this is the place to ask questions especially when you don't have anyone close to you that hunts. I wish you luck next year, remember practice often, the thrill of the hunt comes down to closing the deal. Nothing like standing over your trophy knowing you did something many can't. We were all in your place t some time in our hunting careers, your kill will come have patience nd practice. Burt

People, I thought the idea was to encourage young hunters into the field. This is not the way. We've all been there, a bad shot is always a possible outcome. How many young readers are you influencing here. We want to encourage young peoples posts. This can be a great learning experience.

Morning Pryz. Welcome to the site.