Craig Dobbelyu wrote:Rabbits do like to have the underbrush for shelter so thinning it out would help with the rabbit issue. BUT it would also disturb other critters that use that space. Plus, it'll just grow back unless you plant other things in that area. Moreover, my assumption is that you'll want some shrubby food producers in that area as you build you food forest, so watch carefully for while and ID those plants that are worth keeping. Then you can replace the "less useful" thicket with more food/medicinal/fiber stuff. The shrub layer can be a huge producer in the forest. clearing it wouldn't be very good in my opinion.
One other thing you could try is to plant things rabbits like in the areas of your property that you don't visit often. That will draw them away from your spaces and keep the ticks further from you.
Birds are the ticket for the ticks.
My solution to too many rabbits is to use a dog. A dog will also help keep out your bears, and reduce other predator types.
Check out Pauls recent
podcast of Livestock Guardian dogs.
Also, you need to put something into the vacuum left behind by the rabbits. Have something that eats what they eat. Maybe a goat or some sheep...
You need to fill the space that the rabbits are overpopulating.