Instead, they will employ tactics gleaned from successful teams in last year's hunt, including the ''extended line'', team manager and former Alexandra resident Catherine Dymock said.
That will see them spread out in a line and systematically cover every metre of rabbit-infested paddock on a Shingle Creek goat farm, with more team members following to pick up the carcasses.
Last year was the team's first attempt at the annual hunt. Ms Dymock had mentioned it to her army colleagues, all members of the 16th Field Regiment, who all thought it sounded like a good weekend away.
This year, they were joined by a team member's father, Ken Andrews, of Timaru, and another's son, Josh Haines (11).
Some team members were optimistic, while others were conservative when they tried to guess how many rabbits they might shoot, but all were hoping for more than the 167 of last year.
The Gunners, equipped with trucks, quad bikes, spotlights, shotguns and 3000 rounds of ammunition, hoped to stay up most of the night.
However, with a full moon last night, they were hoping for a bit of cloud cover to bring the rabbits out.
''Bunnies don't like the moonlight,'' Mr Johnston said.
The team will be back at Pioneer Park at noon today, along with the 35 other teams for the final head count.
Organiser Dave Ramsay said there were 432 shooters from all over the country taking to the hills for the event, with the most sought-after blocks being in the Queensberry, Lindis and Cardrona areas.
A ballot was drawn at 8.30am yesterday to determine which team would be hunting where.
Money raised from the event would go towards the Dunstan Hospital CT scanner appeal.
