gates
01-08-2002, 09:59 AM
Five years ago I started making brush piles according to the KDFR plans. Lay large logs, then medium in a cris-cross pattern, then cover with lots of small twigs and leaves. I made about 8 of these piles and have seen some rabbits using them. Then a fried told me about some piles he made and had good success. What you do is take a couple large 4'x4' pallets with lots of boards on top and place them end to end with small rocks under the corners to reduce decay. This makes a 4'x8' platform. Then place old tin on top of the pallets so water will run to the down hill side of the pile. Cover the pallets and tin with lots of brush. Make sure you have about 3' of brush past each side of the pallet. When you do this you cannot see the pallet and tin at all. I made 5 of these 2 years ago and last week kicked rabbits out from 4. One pile had so much brush on it I could not even get to the pallet. All you do is reach into the brush and lift and lower the pallet. The rabbits run out and your'e partner can shoot. We each go one, one went the wrong way for no shot and I missed one. I don't have dogs and only hunt rabbits a couple times per year. I placed the piles on brushy, high places where water will not run under and kill young rabbits. Dogs and coyotes seem not to be able to dig under them as easily as brush alone. I usually cut limbs from around my pasture and bottoms every few years. I will be making lots more of these piles this year. This also makes a fun project to do with kids.
James
James