They plant several fields, the ones closest to the parking areas get crowded. The fields in the back are better. Last year the weather was good and there were plenty of birds. This year there was a storm moving through and still a good amount of birds. They came out every time it stopped raining. I had a new hunter with me so we sat in one of the clearings before the sunflower fields. I've been a couple years with only a few birds though. It just depends on the sunflowers. It seems they have it timed better with opening day now.
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They plant several fields, the ones closest to the parking areas get crowded. The fields in the back are better. Last year the weather was good and there were plenty of birds. This year there was a storm moving through and still a good amount of birds. They came out every time it stopped raining. I had a new hunter with me so we sat in one of the clearings before the sunflower fields. I've been a couple years with only a few birds though. It just depends on the sunflowers. It seems they have it timed better with opening day now.
Despite whacking ground hogs here (so F-big many this year!) and deer hunting here. Wife won’t let me hunt rabbits. I don’t see them all the time, but plenty around.
But I could sit for 3 days and not see any I’d bet. Semi-rural and rural (and suburban) areas you just have to be patient and you’ll find rabbits.
Never seen a rabbit hunting them on public land. Though only deliberately tried a few times and I don’t have dogs.
Hey I'm new to the area but not a new hunter. I too am going to be trying to hunt Patuxtent River state park here in the near future. I've heard there isn't much rabbits, so will probably just try squirrel and then deer once season is here. I'll shoot you a PM, I wouldn't mind having someone join me.
Great fun
I've really enjoyed my hunting experiences so far and have hiked 40+ miles of unmarked PRSP trails. I love being out there at dawn and dusk with nature. Today I took my first shot and made my first ever kill, a squirrel. I know that isn't much but it's big for me. I was glad that I hit it, and I was surprised and happy that it died instantly and didn't suffer. I felt obliged to skin, gut and eat it - it was surprisingly okay but I am not used to doing any of that and I am not sure it's worth the effort of doing it too often. As you can see I should have been a little more gentle in preparing it! I learned some good lessons.
I also had a great encounter with a buck. If only it was firearms season. But I enjoyed seeing it all the same.
Some pics attached.
I've really enjoyed my hunting experiences so far and have hiked 40+ miles of unmarked PRSP trails. I love being out there at dawn and dusk with nature. Today I took my first shot and made my first ever kill, a squirrel. I know that isn't much but it's big for me. I was glad that I hit it, and I was surprised and happy that it died instantly and didn't suffer. I felt obliged to skin, gut and eat it - it was surprisingly okay but I am not used to doing any of that and I am not sure it's worth the effort of doing it too often. As you can see I should have been a little more gentle in preparing it! I learned some good lessons.
I also had a great encounter with a buck. If only it was firearms season. But I enjoyed seeing it all the same.
Some pics attached.
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Man, that’s great! I have killed plenty of squirrels, but always gave them away, I had heard they were gamey as far as taste. Yours looked tasty, after deer season, I might have to try some. How did you season and cook it?
I just made a quick rub of chipotle, garlic, salt and pepper, and cooked it on charcoal. Served with tequila! It was more gamey than chicken but less than some rabbit I've had. I don't like gamey tastes and I found this to be okay.
PS do not make the mistake of telling your significant other they've just eaten tree rat.
hamburglar79
Member
Totally understand your situation.
All in all keep asking questions to fellow hunters, read up on hunting articles and laws, be confident and proficient with your firearm, and get outdoors and practice as much as possible.
I know thats easier said then done.
Awhile back I spoke with the Maryland R3 Coordinator, Christopher Markin (christopher.markin@maryland.gov), and he can help you figure things out as a new hunter.
All in all keep asking questions to fellow hunters, read up on hunting articles and laws, be confident and proficient with your firearm, and get outdoors and practice as much as possible.
I know thats easier said then done.
Awhile back I spoke with the Maryland R3 Coordinator, Christopher Markin (christopher.markin@maryland.gov), and he can help you figure things out as a new hunter.
Less gamey than rabbit? Whoever is cooking for you needs a lesson or two. That’s the complete opposite of traditional wisdom, squirrel is a notch below rabbit on the taste scale. Squirrel to me tastes similar to rabbit, just a little rubbery or chewy (they’re a really muscular little critter). Rabbit is served as a delicacy in many restaurants around the world, squirrel is not. Both meats are not, in my opinion, worth a stand alone meat like a steak would be. Squirrel or rabbit is best in stew, or casseroles, to me anyway. I like squirrel tacos, and squirrel or bunny Swedish meatballs with gravy. As far as not liking “gamey tastes”, I’d suggest not being a hunter or eating wild game meat. None of it will ever taste like store bought meats, it will always taste “gamey” as you say. Keep in mind that what many folks call “gamey” could just be improperly handled or processed meat, like if you gut shot it or punctured the digestive organs or bladder during the field handling, or didn’t cool the carcass fast enough or long enough. That’s a very important skill to learn as well, perhaps the most important if you plan to feed the meat to people.
fabsroman
Ultimate Member
Either you have to be almost unemployed or the grocery store meat aisle needs to be empty before hunting makes sense as anything more than a hobby.
I try not to laugh when my fellow hunters tell me, "I have no idea why my wife has a problem with me hunting. I mean, I'm putting meat on the table!"
I don't even feel like arguing with them about it. Finding a part time job on the weekends would probably put even more meat on the table and the outlay would be a lot less.
Still, a great skill to have when the grocery stores have nothing on the shelves.
Congrats to you on your first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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