Why a Shotgun Is Ideal for Rabbit Hunting
Rabbits rarely sit still once jumped, and their rapid, zig-zagging flight demands a fast-handling firearm. Shotguns offer:
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Wide, forgiving patterns for moving targets
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Quick follow-up capability
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Effective brush penetration with the right shot size
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Close-range versatility in dense cover
A properly patterned shotgun can anchor rabbits cleanly without excessive meat damage.
Choosing the Best Shotgun and Load
Gauge Selection
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20 gauge – A favorite for rabbit hunters: light recoil, fast handling, and plenty of pattern density.
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12 gauge – Excellent for heavy brush or longer shots but adds weight.
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28 gauge or .410 – Fun and challenging options for experienced shooters or areas with close, consistent flushes.
Choke Options
Use open chokes for most rabbit habitat:
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Cylinder or improved cylinder for tight, brushy country
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Modified if hunting field edges or snowshoe hares with more open shot opportunities
Shot Size
Typical choices include:
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#6 shot – Versatile, solid penetration
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#7½ shot – Ideal for cottontails in close cover
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#5 shot – Best for snowshoes or slightly longer shots
Pattern your shotgun before the season to ensure an even spread at 15–30 yards.
Where to Find Rabbits: Habitat Breakdown
Cottontails
Cottontails thrive in:
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Brush piles and downed timber
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Fence rows and hedgerows
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Overgrown pastures
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Abandoned farm sites
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Briar patches and thickets
Look for fresh droppings, tracks, or narrow trails tunneling under vegetation.
Snowshoe Hares
Snowshoes are common in:
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Boreal forests and spruce thickets
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Young timber cuts
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Alder and willow tangles
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Areas with consistent snow cover
Their tracks and droppings are excellent indicators of active zones.
Field Techniques for Successful Rabbit Hunting
1. Work Slowly Through Cover
Rabbits prefer to sit tight. Most flushes happen when you pause or change direction. Move with deliberate steps and don’t rush.
2. Kick Brush Piles and Thick Cover
Gently kicking or tapping brush piles, logs, or debris often jumps hidden rabbits. Stay ready—they typically bolt from the opposite side.
3. Use a Zig-Zag or Stop-and-Go Pattern
Rabbits often flush when a hunter pauses. This tactic mimics natural predator movement and creates more predictable running shots.
4. Mind the Wind and Sun
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Approach with the sun at your back to improve visibility.
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Rabbit scent isn’t a major factor, but quiet approach is critical.
5. Keep Your Gun at the Ready
Rabbits burst into view without warning. Carry the shotgun in a position that allows quick mounting without sweeping partners.
Hunting Rabbits With Dogs
Rabbit dogs—especially beagles—add tremendous excitement and effectiveness to the hunt. Benefits include:
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Tracking ability to locate hidden rabbits
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Consistent circling behavior—rabbits often loop back past hunters
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More shooting opportunities as rabbits break into the open
If you’re hunting without dogs, move slower and rely on habitat reading.
Shot Techniques and Safety Tips
Proper Lead and Follow-Through
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Mount smoothly and swing through the rabbit’s line of travel.
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Don’t stop your swing; follow through like shooting clays.
Avoid Low, Unsafe Shots
Rabbits run low. Always ensure:
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You can see the rabbit clearly above the ground plane
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There’s no risk of shooting toward partners, dogs, or unseen terrain
Know What’s Beyond Your Target
Brush can obscure rocks, metal, livestock fencing, or terrain drops.
Dressing and Caring for Rabbit Meat
Rabbits are easy to clean in the field. Basic steps include:
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Field dress immediately in warm weather
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Cool quickly to prevent spoilage
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Skin at home or at the truck for cleaner results
Rabbit meat is lean and excellent grilled, fried, or slow-cooked.
Planning Your Next Small-Game Hunt Through Find A Hunt
Whether you’re after cottontails in the Midwest, snowshoe hares up North, or guided mixed-bag small-game trips, booking through Find A Hunt helps you:
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Connect with vetted outfitters
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Compare terrain, species, and opportunities
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Find hunts that welcome dogs or provide dogs
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Plan your trip with clearer expectations
Explore small-game hunting options and schedule your next adventure with confidence.
Rabbit Hunting FAQs
What’s the best time of day to hunt rabbits?
Early morning and late afternoon see increased movement, but rabbits can be jumped all day in thick cover.
Do rabbits hold tight or run early?
Cottontails often hold tight until nearly stepped on. Snowshoes may flush earlier, especially in open timber.
How far do rabbits usually run when jumped?
Cottontails often dart 10–40 yards before stopping or circling. Snowshoes may run longer distances.
Are shotguns better than .22 rifles for rabbit hunting?
For moving targets and dense cover, shotguns are generally more effective. Rifles work best for still, open-country shots.
How can I find more rabbits in pressured areas?
Focus on the thickest, nastiest cover—briar tangles, brush piles, young cuts, and neglected edges hold the most pressure-resistant rabbits.
If you’re ready to apply these techniques in the field, browse small-game outfitters and DIY options at Find A Hunt and start planning your next rabbit adventure.
