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From: isgtec!robert@uunet.UU.NET (Robert A. Osborne)
Newsgroups: rec.hunting
Subject: Some Hunting Tips
Message-ID: <559@erb1.engr.wisc.edu>
Date: 18 Apr 91 11:34:37 GMT
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When first approaching cottontails, partridge, or ground hogs, they
will either freeze or run (well partridge fly, I've rarely seen them
run).  If they freeze and if you walk parallel to them they won't fly
and (see great ascii graphics below...) you'll get a good shot.
(If any 'sportsmen' flame me about not being 'sporting' ...)

If you make a good show of looking about with out EVER focusing on or
facing in the direction of the game this usually works pretty well.
Don't try creeping up, this rarely (never for me) works,  they KNOW you
are there, you're trying to convince them that their camo works so no
need to run.

    direction of walk------->  
                                ^
                                |  optimum range (well as close as I'll
                                |  ever get :-)
                                v
                                X  partridge or what have you
    

This works extremely well for ground hogs (although I get the impression
they aren't fooled so much as curious).

The first time partridge are flushed they almost always fly straight
away from you for 30-60 yards and then land in a tree, most likely a
big evergreen.   If flushed a second time they will sometimes repeat
but usually fly a couple of hundred yards.

A cottontail will run away,  circle around and come up behind you
(unless there is really good cover nearby)  if you  flush one (and miss :-)
turn around and walk quietly back the way you came,  you'll usually
run right into each other.
Does anybody know if other rabbits/hares behave similarly?

Rob.