I'm trying to rid the neighborhood of the abundance of rabbits that suddenly are exploding everywhere. (surprise, surprise...they breed like bunnies!!) My neighbors fully support the work and I have permission to take them in their yards. But even with their permission and knowledge, I want to keep the sound to the absolute minimum. That leaves me using my Veteran .22 or my Mrod in .177. I've found the Vet, as quiet as it is, echoes between the houses. Not loud, but at 11pm, it's more noise than I want to make. The Mrod is much quieter. Both have DonnyFLs on them. Most shots are 25 yards or so and I usually use a standing monopod for sure stability and accuracy, all but promising a good, clean head shot.
So my question: is a solid head shot on a rabbit with a .177 considered humane? Is that enough energy to be considered a quick, clean kill. I KNOW the Vet .22 is, as it took the entire forehead off the animal last night. I know this is basic to most of you, but I've never been a hunter, so guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm doing the right thing.
And if I'm overthinking the noise coming from the Vet., but all means tell me so. I've always been sensitive to noise, so this all could just be in my head.
Thanks.
So my question: is a solid head shot on a rabbit with a .177 considered humane? Is that enough energy to be considered a quick, clean kill. I KNOW the Vet .22 is, as it took the entire forehead off the animal last night. I know this is basic to most of you, but I've never been a hunter, so guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm doing the right thing.
And if I'm overthinking the noise coming from the Vet., but all means tell me so. I've always been sensitive to noise, so this all could just be in my head.
Thanks.