Getting My Firearm's License & My first Rabbit!

It's actually quite difficult getting your firearm's license. First I had to visit a police arms officer and obtain the firearms code and application form. Following that I had to pay my fee at the post office. Next I had to attend a firearms lecture and sit a small exam. The police require reference checks with people who know you well, and you have to be of a 'sound mind' without a criminal record or history of violence or mental illness. The police actually interview these referees, as well as your spouse or people with whom you live. They also interview you, and inspect your firearms cabinet - which must be of sound construction and bolted to both the floor and wall studs.

Well, I am amazed to say that I got it first time! Now a whole new avenue of hunting and trapping has opened before me! Air powered weapons are fantastic fun, and some of them are very powerful, up to 1200 fps, but the stopping power and impact is minimal. Firearms, even a .22, are ideal for varmint shooting.

May 2005:  I took an elderly friend from church up to a friend's farm near Piha - West Auckland. We spent the morning walking the farm looking for rabbits, but didn't even spot one! Great time though, getting to know Les better. We decided to 'call it a day' and about 50 meters before reaching the cars, this rabbit jumped up from in front of us and ran for about 40 meters. Les took a shot with his .22 open sight rifle, but missed. The bunny ran a short distance further, and I lined it up in my 4x scopes and squeezed the trigger. He fell instantly! I used my trusty old Toz .22 bolt action, 5 shot mag, with bipods, sling, silencer and laser - shooting high velocity 'silver jackets'. Great day - shot my first ever rabbit!  

Rabbits are a pest - even though many of us (me included) keep them as pets. Pets are okay, although not if you let them go when you are bored with them. My son Josiah caught our 'lopped eared bunny' in our street one night! He chased it for around 15 minutes until it was cornered! In the wild, ten rabbits can eat as much precious stock grass as an adult sheep!    That's one of the reasons our farmers want to get rid of them.