Hunting Rabbits: Techniques for Success

Hunting Rabbits: Techniques for Success

Rabbit hunting is one of the most accessible and action-packed small-game opportunities in North America. Whether you’re pursuing cottontails in brushy farms and woodlots or snowshoe hares in northern conifer forests, rabbits offer fast shooting, great food, and a perfect introduction to woodsmanship and field skills.

This guide breaks down the best techniques, gear setups, habitat considerations, and safety practices to help you consistently find and harvest rabbits. If you're looking to explore more small-game or big-game opportunities, you can compare guided hunts and outfitters through Find A Hunt.

Understanding Rabbit Habitat

Cottontails

Cottontails thrive in:

• Brush piles and thick briars

• Fence lines and hedgerows

• Abandoned farmsteads

• Overgrown fields and CRP

• Edges of woodlots and creek bottoms

Cottontails stay close to dense escape cover. Find thick stuff, and you’ll find rabbits.

Snowshoe Hares

Snowshoes prefer:

• Conifer thickets and young spruce stands

• Alder tangles and willow flats

• Logged areas with dense regeneration

• Boreal and northern hardwood forests

Snowshoes rely more on camouflage than cover density, making them harder to spot.

Seasonal Movement & Behavior

Early Season

• Rabbits are abundant around food sources.

• Vegetation is thick—shots are close.

• Morning and evening are most productive.

Mid to Late Season

• Frost and snow concentrate rabbits in heavy cover.

• Midday hunts can be productive as rabbits sun themselves.

• Tracks in snow make locating hares easier.

After Fresh Snow

• Ideal for identifying fresh trails and feeding areas.

Understanding seasonal behavior makes a huge difference in productivity.

Essential Gear for Rabbit Hunting

Firearms

Shotgun:

• 20-gauge is ideal; 12- and 28-gauge also work.

• Choke: Improved Cylinder.

• Shot: #6 or #7½ early season; #5 in thick winter cover.

Rimfire Rifle:

• .22 LR for deliberate shots on sitting rabbits.

• Useful for spot-and-stalk or still-hunting.

Clothing & Accessories

• Waterproof boots

• Brush pants or chaps

• Blaze orange (required in many states)

• Small-game vest

• Light gloves

• Binoculars (optional for hare country)

Helpful Extras

• A walking stick for kicking brush

• Mapping app to track productive cover

• Hand warmers for winter hunts

Scouting for Rabbits

Look For:

• Fresh tracks in dirt or snow

• Rounded droppings

• Chewed vegetation

• Fur snagged on briars

• Distinct runways through grass or brush

Key Areas

• Brush piles

• Old farm edges

• Willow and alder thickets

• Winter thermal cover in conifers

On cold days, rabbits often tuck into sunny slopes or thick evergreen stands.

Proven Rabbit Hunting Techniques

1. Still-Hunting (Slow Walking)

One of the most consistent methods:

• Move slowly—take a few steps, pause, scan

• Watch for movement or a rabbit sitting tight

• Focus on edges and thick patches

This is ideal for solo hunters without dogs.

2. Kick-and-Shoot Method

Perfect for cottontails:

• Kick brush piles, root balls, and blowdowns

• Have a shooter positioned 10–15 yards ahead

• Expect fast flushes—keep your gun at the ready

This technique produces quick, instinctive shots.

3. Using Beagles (Highly Effective)

Beagles are legendary for rabbit hunting.

Why They Work:

• Excellent noses to track rabbits through dense cover

• Give steady, manageable chases

• Push rabbits in predictable circular patterns

How to Hunt with Dogs:

• Stand along edges and clearings

• Listen to the chase rhythm

• Expect the rabbit to circle back to the start point

This is the most exciting and productive method for many hunters.

4. Spot-and-Stalk (Best for Snowshoe Hares)

• Glass thickets and cutovers for stationary hares

• Move quietly and circle downwind

• Take careful shots when hares hold tight

Snowshoes blend in, so scanning slowly is key.

5. Tracking After Snowfall

Great in northern hare country:

• Follow fresh tracks early in the morning

• Move patiently until the hare jumps

• Expect long shots—snowshoes run fast but stop often

This is one of the most traditional and effective winter strategies.

Shot Placement, Ethics & Safety

Safety

• Always identify your target clearly—rabbits often flush low and fast.

• Know where partners and dogs are positioned.

• Maintain safe shooting angles in dense brush.

Ethics

• Take close, clean shots to avoid wounding.

• Follow up immediately if a rabbit runs after the shot.

Field Care & Cooking Tips

Rabbit meat is mild, lean, and excellent for many dishes.

Field Care

• Clean rabbits soon after harvest.

• Keep them cool.

• Rinse and remove hair carefully.

Cooking Recommendations

• Braised rabbit with herbs

• Fried rabbit with gravy

• Rabbit stew or dumplings

• Grilled backstraps with marinades

Older rabbits benefit from slow-cooking methods.

FAQs: Rabbit Hunting

What time of day is best for rabbit hunting?

Early morning and late afternoon, though late-season midday hunts can be excellent.

Do you need dogs to hunt rabbits?

No—but beagles make hunting dramatically more effective and exciting.

Do rabbits run in circles?

Cottontails often circle back toward their starting point when pursued by dogs.

Is rabbit meat good?

Yes—mild, lean, and versatile.

Where should I look in winter?

Dense conifers, brush piles, and sheltered edges.

Plan Your Next Small-Game Hunt

Rabbit hunting offers nonstop action, great eating, and a chance to sharpen your woodsmanship. With smart scouting, the right gear, and proven techniques, you can enjoy successful hunts from early fall through deep winter.

To explore more small-game and big-game opportunities, compare outfitters and hunting trips through our hunt marketplace.