Ask The Instructor: The Rabbit Move

Question: What’s the Best Way to Shoot a Rabbit Target?

Rabbit targets are a different animal—literally and figuratively. They're unpredictable and built to punish indecisiveness. The surface bounce, the sudden changes in pace, and the target's proximity to the ground all demand a purpose-built method.

Because of its proximity to the ground, the rabbit gives the illusion of speed, providing the shooter with plenty of visual distraction. The proven solution for most rabbits is "the rabbit move," a technique built around timing, visual discipline, and a short, stabbing move to the target.

Unlike most other presentations in sporting clays, we first establish a visual pick-up point, the earliest point along the ground where you can clearly see the front foot of the rabbit. Focusing on the front foot will guide your hands to the target.

Next is the hold point. Depending on the speed of the rabbit, your hold point can either be inside the visual pick-up point (toward the trap) or closer to the breakpoint, but still close to your visual pick-up point.

The reason for this unconventional setup is that you will intentionally allow the target to beat your muzzle. As a result, you will be moving from behind the rabbit.

Shot execution is a quick but light stab to the front foot of the target. It's not a smooth swing, but a compact, stabbing move from the back to the front of the target. The moment the rabbit reaches the look spot, you drive the muzzle forward in a short, decisive "stab" to the front foot. You must finish the shot without hesitation.

Two cautions. First, don't move too early; if you leave the hold point before the target reaches the look spot, you now have to move back toward the trap. Second, commit to the finish. Rabbits punish hesitation and lack of commitment.

When executed correctly, the rabbit move keeps you behind the target until just before the stab and execution of the shot. This move will give you an accurate read of the speed and a clean visual focus on the front foot.