Hunting for Snowshoe Hares: Winter Techniques

Why Winter Is Prime Time for Snowshoe Hare Hunting

Snow creates the perfect canvas for tracking and exposes the movements of an otherwise elusive animal. Winter hunting also benefits from:

• Fresh tracks that reveal direction and speed

• Reduced foliage, allowing visibility in tight cover

• Predictable daytime behavior

• Camouflage challenges that reward sharp eyes

As temperatures drop and snow deepens, hares concentrate in areas with thick thermal cover.

Understanding Snowshoe Hare Behavior in Winter

Daily Movement

Hares move most during low-light periods. Expect:

• Morning: Fresh tracks, active feeding, more movement

• Midday: Tight holding in dense cover

• Afternoon: A second feeding window

• Storm Days: Increased daylight movement in light snow

Cold snaps push hares deeper into coniferous shelter; warm spells increase roaming.

Habitat Preferences

Prime winter hare habitat includes:

• Young spruce or fir thickets

• Alder tangles

• Lowland cedar swamps

• Regenerating clearcuts

• Aspen or birch regrowth mixed with conifers

Hares rely on dense cover to avoid predators, so expect quick flushes at close range.

Tracking Techniques for Snowshoe Hares

Identifying Tracks

Snowshoe hare prints show:

• Large hind feet (up to 6–7 inches)

• Two smaller front prints set ahead or slightly offset

• Grouped track patterns forming a “T” or “Y” shape when bounding

Fresh vs. Old Tracks

• Fresh Tracks: Crisp edges, powder still floating or settling, no sun crust

• Older Tracks: Rounded edges, drifted-over marks, crusted surface

Follow fresh tracks slowly; hares may be sitting within 50 yards.

Reading Behavior

• Wandering loops: Feeding or casual movement

• Direct, bounding lines: Spooked hare moving fast

• Tight circles in cover: A hare likely nearby

• Tracks leading into thick brush: Move cautiously—expect a flush

Hunting Strategies for Snowshoe Hares in Winter

1. Still-Hunting Through Thick Cover

This classic method rewards slow, deliberate movement:

• Step quietly on compacted snow

• Pause frequently to scan ahead

• Look for dark eyes, ears, or the faint shape of the hare’s body against snow

• Kick brush piles or lean into low conifer boughs to coax a flush

Still-hunting excels in cedar swamps and spruce thickets.

2. Tracking and Sneaking

When snow conditions allow, tracking is incredibly effective:

• Follow fresh tracks at a slow pace

• Watch corners of the track line—hares often sit just off the trail

• Be ready for a quick shot when the track leads into dense cover

In crusty snow, expect longer loops; in powder, hares hold tighter.

3. Hunting After Fresh Snowfall

New snow resets the woods, making fresh sign easy to read. Advantages include:

• Clear tracks from early morning movement

• Quiet footing

• Increased feeding activity

• Better clues on recent hare travel routes

Late-night snow ending just before sunrise creates perfect conditions.

4. Using Dogs (Where Legal)

Beagles and hare hounds are traditional and highly effective. Dogs help:

• Jump hares from thick cover

• Keep hares moving in predictable circles

• Provide opportunities for stationary or passing shots

Stand on edges of dense cover where hares loop back.

5. Partner Strategies

Two hunters are more effective than one:

• One tracks while the other watches escape routes

• Leapfrog positions along fresh sign

• Surround tight cover or blowdowns

Communication is essential to maintain safe shooting angles.

Winter Gear for Hare Hunters

Firearms

• Shotgun: 20-gauge with #6 shot is ideal

• .22 LR: Great for stationary hares; requires precision

• .17 HMR: Effective for open-country shots

Clothing

• Insulated boots with good traction

• Layered, breathable cold-weather gear

• Quiet outerwear to avoid unnecessary noise

• Gloves with good trigger feel

Accessories

• Snowshoes for deep powder

• Backpack or game belt

• Extra shells

• Thermos for cold hunts

• Hand warmers

Optics

• Compact binoculars to spot hiding hares

• A small scope on a .22 if using a rifle

Safety & Ethics

• Always maintain safe shooting lanes—snow-covered woods hide partners easily

• Identify your target clearly; hares blend with snow and brush

• Take ethical shots—broadside or stationary

• Respect private land and posted access

• Dress warmly and avoid overexertion in deep snow

Why Consider a Guided Snowshoe Hare Hunt

Guided hunts offer hunters:

• Access to prime hare habitats

• Professional dogs experienced in winter conditions

• Efficient tracking and pacing strategies

• Safe navigation in remote winter terrain

• High-density areas for consistent action

Browse snowshoe hare outfitters and compare options on Find A Hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of day to hunt snowshoe hares in winter?

Early morning after a fresh snow is ideal—tracks are clear and hares are active.

Do snowshoe hares hold tight or run?

Both. In thick conifers they hold until you nearly step on them; in open country they often run.

Are dogs necessary?

No, but dogs increase success in dense winter cover.

What’s the best gun for winter hare hunting?

A 20-gauge shotgun with #6 shot is the most versatile choice.

How do I find rabbits after a storm?

Look for fresh feeding tracks around alder patches, conifer edges, and young forest regrowth.

Ready to plan a winter hare hunt? Compare outfitters and book your next cold-season adventure through Find A Hunt.