Dave's second mistake (his first one being approaching at all) was not addressing the strange person who thinks they're being subtle here. He probably should have anticipated that they were looking to attack approaching legs.

Luckily his reflexes are still on point, because he rears back fast the moment the leaves start to rustle in front of him. He grapples for his knife, slipping it out of the fabric holding it there so he can hold it out defensively.

"Cool your boots, Elmer Fudd. It's not rabbit season yet." He pauses. "Also I'm not a rabbit. Fight me I-R-L if you're gonna keep poking me with sticks."