A .22lr would be perfect for your small game needs. You have a .243 right, that would work well for the yotes. Also, if you have prairie dogs anywhere around your area, they make some great targets. Not necessarily something you'd eat, but lots of landowners want the dogs shot off, same thing for coyotes.
-Jake

I went bunny huntin' before work :)

Just got one cottontail (not bad for about 20 min worth of effort). It was a clean easy head shot at about 20 yards. I'm quite pleased with myself, honestly.

I have taken the hunter's safety course, the annual conservation stamp, and have bought a small game license, so this was all legal. No worries there. One less bun to eat my cucumbers this summer or to make even more bunnies. I'm braising this little critter for dinner tonight, no wasting meat. I got some experience and learned something new (never skinned or cleaned a rabbit before). I can't think of any ethical hunting bases I might have missed. Hunted legally, harvested humanely, wildlife management in mind, and no waste...If I got some target practice and had some fun, I'm not at all ashamed of it, lol.

Here's my very first bunny :) And I thought I butchered him rather well considering it was my first time, lol.

Good going,
Once you set your sights on that animal you are not practicing you are hunting

Yep, you cut that rabbit up real well. Rabbit is one of my favorite small game meals.
-Jake

You did better than Elmer Fudd! What did you use for the firearm?

Thanks guys :) He was delicious! I want lots of bunnies! I'll probably go out this weekend for a few more if I'm lucky. I braised my first one with a white wine and mushroom sauce and had it with buttered and seasoned veggies and some homemade dinner rolls. I'd like to get a couple and make a rabbit stew.

I used our old .22. To be entirely honest with you, I can't tell you any further details other than it's a .22, lol.

Hmm... I can't help but think "wow, that's the fanciest meal I've ever heard of that used RABBIT as the protein!"

Rabbits and white wine... The sophisticated option for "up-town rednecks" everywhere!

Couldn't have said it better myself... Surprising how many guys on this board have forgotten that fact...

PrairieNights: Congrats on the nice bunny. From the sounds of things, your right on the mark and "have all your ducks in a row" so to speak. You have a great attitude, dont ever lose it. I hear Wyomiing has a pretty good pheasant population. You might want to give those birds a try. They are great eating. Best of luck to you in your hunting endeavors.

X-mountie, I have gone bird hunting!! We have a ridiculous amount of pheasants; I have to dodge the pheasant flocks driving to work every morning. I shot two huns (hungarian partridges) which were delicious.

Here's the end result of my first rabbit. Braised in a white wine, shallots, and herb sauce with homemade gravy. Who said a cottontail can't be fancy :)