I just found this site while surfing the hunting links and seems like a good bunch of knowledgable folks here so I thought I'd drop by and give a shout to see if I can get some advice. I was wondering if some of you Va. area beaglers / rabbit hunters might be able to steer me in the right direction with some advice on getting started beagling / rabbit hunting in the S.E. area of Va.
I've been an avid deer hunter since moving to Va. about 15 yrs. ago, mainly because all the private land around here is leased up by the deer clubs and it's hard to find places to small game hunt. Anyway, thanks to a recent herniated disc in my back, I think my deer dragging days are over for a while. I used to rabbit hunt alot in New England before relocating here and that is truely my first love when it comes to hunting. Never had dogs, just used to do the brush pile thing and kick em up, but it's always been a passion of mine. Anyway, I figured this would be a good time for me to get started, as I could get a couple of pups or started dogs and have the time to work with them to be ready for next season.
I've got permission to hunt a fairly good size farm locally that is not leased to a deer club, the landowner says the rabbit population isn't that great due to a heavy fox population, but the feed and cover is good so I'm sure it holds a few bunnies anyway. Can someone recommend a good breeder in my area (Norfolk, but I don't mind traveling) where I could get a couple of pups or started dogs from good hunting stock?
Are there any local hunters that would be willing to let me run with their dogs to help train, either on the land I've got access to or your land? I don't mind traveling a couple of hours in any direction, including N.C.
I really hate comming on a board and asking this but all my hunting partners are hardcore deer hunters, and look at me like I've lost my mind when I bring up the subject of rabbit hunting. Thanks for any advice you might have. Safe Hunting, Yankee Bill
