The Numbers

Australia has an estimated 200 million feral rabbits. They cost the agricultural sector approximately $200 million annually in pasture damage and erosion. They are the primary prey of feral cats and foxes, whose populations are sustained at high density by rabbit availability — remove the rabbits and you starve out the cats and foxes that are killing native wildlife. Rabbit control is simultaneously a farming and conservation objective.

The Evening

We parked at the edge of a harvested paddock on a Central Western NSW grazing property as the light was dropping. The warrens were visible as complexes of bare earth and burrow entrances in the native grass — large warrens that had been present since the property was settled. The station manager had given permission and asked only that we focus on the paddock edge where feeding damage was worst.

Rimfire rifles in .22 LR — accurate, quiet by centrefire standards, appropriate for the ranges involved (under 60m in the fading light). Bolt action rifles with quality 3-9x scopes zeroed at 50 metres. Bipods for stability in the sitting position.

Rabbits emerge from warrens at dusk and feed for the first 30-40 minutes in the immediate vicinity of the warren before dispersing into the paddock. This concentrated feeding period produces the most efficient shooting. Shot placement at ranges under 60m on a rabbit-sized target is straightforward with a properly zeroed rimfire and a stable position. Effective navigation in low light becomes crucial as darkness approaches and you need to track wounded animals or navigate between warren systems.

The Result

Thirty-one rabbits in approximately two hours across two shooters. Left in the field for the foxes and raptors — a management decision the station manager preferred. The impact on the warren will require repetition over multiple seasons to be meaningful. That is the reality of rabbit control at property scale. Browse our hunting accessories range.

Successful rabbit hunting often leads to opportunities for other pest species, with feral goat hunting being another valuable conservation activity on many properties.

For those interested in making the most of their harvest, cooking wild rabbit transforms pest control into sustainable protein for the table.

sible as dark mounds against the stubble, and we had perhaps forty minutes before full dark. The landowner, Jim, had given us permission to hunt the property after losing nearly 30% of his winter feed to rabbit damage over the previous season.

The Right Equipment for Rabbit Control

Rifles and Calibres

For warren shooting, a .22 LR remains the gold standard. The subsonic nature keeps noise levels manageable, crucial when you're working multiple rabbits in close succession. A CZ 455 .22 LR with synthetic stock ($450-550) offers excellent accuracy and durability for this type of hunting. The synthetic stock handles the inevitable bumps and scrapes of working around warren systems.

For longer shots across open paddocks, stepping up to a .22 WMR or .17 HMR provides the extra velocity needed. The .17 HMR's flat trajectory makes it particularly effective for shots out to 150 metres, though ammunition costs roughly double that of .22 LR.

Optics That Deliver

A quality scope transforms rabbit hunting effectiveness. The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 ($280-350) provides excellent low-light performance crucial for dusk shooting. The 40mm objective lens gathers maximum available light during those critical twilight minutes when rabbits are most active.

For those operating on tighter budgets, the Bushnell Banner series offers solid performance at half the price point. Whatever scope you choose, ensure it's rated for .22 calibre recoil and features clear glass with reliable tracking.

Essential Accessories

A sturdy shooting stick or bipod becomes invaluable when working warrens. The uneven ground around rabbit burrows rarely provides stable shooting positions. A lightweight carbon fibre shooting stick allows for quick target acquisition while maintaining the mobility essential for warren hunting.

Quality ammunition makes a significant difference. CCI Standard Velocity .22 LR consistently groups well in most rifles and provides excellent terminal performance on rabbits. The lower velocity reduces noise levels compared to high-velocity loads, important when working multiple targets.

Understanding Rabbit Behaviour

Feeding Patterns

Rabbits emerge from warrens in predictable patterns. The first animals typically appear 20-30 minutes before complete darkness, with peak activity occurring during the following hour. These early emergers are often the most cautious, scanning for threats before venturing far from burrow entrances.

Young rabbits lack the wariness of adults and often provide the easiest initial shots. Success with these early targets is crucial—missed shots or poorly placed hits will send the entire warren underground for the remainder of the evening.

Seasonal Variations

Winter hunting proves most productive as rabbits must venture further from warrens to find adequate food. The reduced vegetation also provides clearer shooting lanes. Spring brings breeding activity that increases rabbit numbers but also makes them more erratic in behaviour.

During drought conditions, rabbits concentrate around remaining green feed and water sources. These areas often hold extraordinary numbers but require careful approach techniques to avoid spooking entire groups before shooting begins.

Shooting Techniques and Field Craft

The Systematic Approach

Successful warren hunting demands systematic methodology. Begin by identifying all visible burrow entrances from your shooting position. Mark these mentally or with a small rangefinder to establish distances. Most warren shooting occurs between 30-80 metres, well within .22 LR capability.

Position yourself with the setting sun behind you when possible. This places rabbits in better light while keeping you in relative shadow. However, be prepared to adapt based on wind direction and terrain features.

Shot Placement and Recovery

Head shots remain the preferred target for instant kills, but body shots behind the front shoulder prove more forgiving for moving targets. The .22 LR's limited power demands