Kōrero: Rabbits

When other work was not available rabbiting provided an income for rural workers in the South Island. These men are at a summer camp in 1909, although rabbiting often took place in winter when the skins were at their best. The conditions were hard – but the men obviously made time for some trout fishing to supplement their diet.

Listen to New Zealand hunter and author Barry Crump being interviewed about his days as a rabbiter.

Transcript

Barry Crump: The way it worked out there was that many dogs around whatever way the rabbit runs is right into one of the dogs.

Interviewer: In other words, it's mostly by guns then?

Barry Crump: Dog and young work, yeah. That's the most congenial way of catching them anyhow, easiest yeah.

Interviewer: And how many guns would you have yourself?

Barry Crump: What, rabbit guns you mean?

Interviewer: Yes, how many guns would you use?

Barry Crump: Well, I've got a shot gun a double barrel shot gun and a .22, just a little, ordinary .22.

Interviewer: What's the most effective?

Barry Crump: Oh, the shot gun every time.

Interviewer: How many rounds would you get through in a day then?

Barry Crump: Well, some areas you get through hundred rounds in a day if you're shooting where they're pretty thick. Another area you mightn't fire a shot.

Interviewer: What's your percentage of hits, Barry?

Barry Crump: Oh well, that's a bit, bit sticky. You can have one day and you couldn't hit a barn [?] if you're inside with the door shut. Another day you get out you couldn't miss.