How to Hunt Rabbits in Snowy Conditions

Why Snow Improves Rabbit Hunting

Snow highlights nearly every indicator of rabbit activity, making it easier to locate fresh sign and plan your hunt. Benefits include:

• Visible tracks showing direction of travel

• Easier food-source identification

• Better contrast for spotting rabbits against cover

• Slower rabbit movement during cold snaps

• Predictable daytime behavior as rabbits conserve energy

Snowy conditions level the playing field for hunters who understand how rabbits adapt to winter.

Where Rabbits Hold in Snowy Weather

1. Dense Brush and Thickets

Cold weather pushes rabbits deeper into:

• Multifloral rose patches

• Briar tangles

• Young forest growth

• Blackberry thickets

Thick cover traps heat and shields them from predators.

2. Blowdowns and Fallen Trees

Snow piles around downed logs or root wads, creating warm pockets rabbits use to hide and feed.

3. Evergreen Cover

Rabbits gravitate toward:

• Spruce or pine stands

• Hemlock groves

• Low-lying cedar patches

These spots reduce snow depth and block wind.

4. Edge Habitat

Look for transitions between:

• Brush and hardwoods

• Tall grass and timber

• Crop fields and hedgerows

Edges act as highways for cottontails and snowshoe hares.

Reading Tracks in the Snow

Cottontail Tracks

• Hind feet land ahead of front feet

• “Y” or “T” pattern in fresh snow

• Tight, repeated prints indicate feeding or hiding nearby

Snowshoe Hare Tracks

• Larger, wider hind feet

• Longer stride in deeper snow

• Often travel in elongated loops around feeding zones

Track Freshness Matters

Fresh tracks:

• Crisp edges

• No snow drift interference

• Moist centers

Follow fresh sign, and you’re usually within 100 yards of the rabbit.

Effective Winter Rabbit-Hunting Techniques

1. Still-Hunting Through Cover

Move slowly through thick habitat:

• Take a few steps at a time

• Pause for 10–20 seconds

• Watch for flicking ears or slight movement

Rabbits often let hunters pass before slipping out behind them—stay aware.

2. Kicking Brush Piles

One of the most productive winter methods.

• Tap or kick the base of brush piles

• Watch for rabbits bursting out the sides

• Move methodically from pile to pile

Always be sure of your backdrop before shooting.

3. Tracking and Stalking

Use fresh tracks to follow a rabbit’s path.

• Keep quiet—snow can crunch

• Stay downwind

• Watch ahead for a rabbit sitting tight under cover

Stalking works especially well for snowshoe hares in conifer forests.

4. Hunting With Dogs

Beagles are famous for winter rabbit hunting.

• They jump rabbits from tight cover

• Maintain a steady chase

• Circle rabbits back toward the hunter

Snow helps dogs follow scent more easily on calm, cool days.

5. Sitting Near Feeding Areas

Rabbits feed on:

• Bark and buds

• Blackberry vines

• Fallen branches

• Dried grasses

Set up near fresh feeding sign and wait quietly for rabbits to emerge.

Best Firearms, Ammo & Shooting Tips

Rifle or Shotgun?

• .22 rifle: Precision, minimal meat damage, best for still-hunting and stalking

• 20 or 12-gauge shotgun: Excellent when kicking brush or hunting with dogs

Recommended Loads

• #6 or #7.5 shot for shotguns

• Standard or subsonic .22 LR solids for clean headshots

Winter Shooting Tips

• Expect rabbits to hold tight—shots are often close

• Always identify your backdrop in snowy woods

• Practice quick, steady shots through brush gaps

Weather Conditions and Rabbit Movement

Cold, Clear Mornings

Rabbits stay put—hunt thick cover.

Light Snowfall

Great tracking conditions, fresh sign everywhere.

Warm Midday Sun

Rabbits often move out to feed briefly.

Windy Days

Slow movement—focus on sheltered evergreen patches.

Essential Gear for Snowy Rabbit Hunts

• Waterproof boots or gaiters

• Warm base layers

• Quiet outer shell

• Gloves with solid trigger feel

• Small daypack

• Lightweight binoculars

• Orange vest or hat for visibility

• Pruners for navigating thickets

Comfort and mobility matter more than high-end gear.

Safety Tips for Snow Conditions

• Know your backstop—snow reflects light and hides ground contours.

• Avoid icy creek beds or deep drifts.

• Keep firearms dry—snow melt can freeze actions.

• Carry a map or GPS; terrain looks similar in winter.

• Watch for hidden holes or logs under snow.

Winter woods are beautiful but require caution.

Planning Your Winter Rabbit Hunt Through Find A Hunt

Snowy conditions offer some of the most exciting rabbit hunting of the year. When you book through Find A Hunt, you get:

• Access to vetted small-game outfitters

• Mixed-bag opportunities with rabbits, predators, or upland birds

• Clear expectations for terrain, gear, and daily action

• A simplified way to compare winter hunt options

Browse upcoming opportunities and start planning your next winter small-game hunt with confidence.

Rabbit Hunting in Snow FAQs

Do rabbits move much in winter?
Yes—though movement concentrates during warmer parts of the day and around food sources.

What’s the best time to hunt in the snow?
Early morning for fresh tracks; late afternoon for feeding activity.

Will rabbits hold tighter in snow?
Usually. Cold weather and deep snow encourage rabbits to stay close to cover.

Are snowshoe hares harder to hunt?
Their white coats make them harder to spot, but large tracks reveal their travel loops.

Is a shotgun or rifle better for snowy hunts?
Use a .22 for still-hunting; use a shotgun when jumping brush or hunting with dogs.

Ready to chase winter rabbits? Explore outfitters and DIY opportunities now at Find A Hunt and make your next snowy hunt a success.