There’s something timeless and almost nostalgic about small game hunting — the crunch of frost under your boots, the flick of a cottontail darting into the brush, or the sudden flush of a squirrel leaping from limb to limb. For many hunters, this is where it all began.
If you're just stepping into the world of hunting, rabbit and small game hunting is one of the best ways to learn the ropes. It's affordable, accessible, and packed with real-world experience that’ll sharpen your skills for seasons to come.
Let’s break down everything a beginner needs to know to get started — from scouting and gear to strategies and safety.
Why Start with Small Game?
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about the why.
Here’s why small game hunting is ideal for beginners:
-
Longer Seasons: Most states offer generous small game seasons, often from fall through early spring.
-
Accessible Areas: Public land, farmland edges, and even the outskirts of suburbs can be prime hunting spots.
-
Lower Costs: You don’t need high-end rifles or gear. A .22 or a simple shotgun will get the job done.
-
Action-Packed: Unlike deer hunting, where hours of sitting are common, small game hunting keeps you moving and engaged.
-
Skill Building: You’ll learn how to track, shoot accurately, and field-dress — foundational skills for all hunters.
Know Your Target: Common Small Game Species
Let’s meet your first quarry.
Rabbits (like Eastern Cottontails):
-
Found in fields, brushy fence lines, thickets, and overgrown edges.
-
Most active during dawn and dusk.
-
Tend to freeze when spotted, making them easier targets if you're quiet.
Squirrels (Gray and Fox Squirrels):
-
Found in hardwood forests, especially near nut-producing trees like oaks and hickories.
-
Mornings and late afternoons are best for spotting activity.
-
Will often give away their position with movement or rustling leaves.
Other species may include:
-
Snowshoe hares (in northern states)
-
Groundhogs
-
Upland game birds like quail or grouse, depending on your region
Must-Have Gear for Small Game Hunting
You don’t need a thousand-dollar setup to get started. Here’s a solid beginner kit:
-
Firearm: A .22 caliber rifle is perfect for squirrels and rabbits. For more versatility, especially in thicker cover, go with a 20 or 12 gauge shotgun loaded with #6 or #7.5 shot.
-
Hunting License & Tags: Always check your state’s small game regulations — seasons, bag limits, and legal methods vary.
-
Blaze Orange Vest or Hat: Required in most states for visibility and safety, especially on public land.
-
Boots: Waterproof, comfortable, and quiet — you’ll do a lot of walking.
-
Game Bag or Vest: For carrying your harvest.
-
Binoculars: Not essential, but helpful for spotting movement in the trees.
Optional but useful:
-
Hunting knife
-
Sling for your rifle
-
Rangefinder if using a scoped .22
Strategy & Tactics: How to Find and Hunt Small Game
Here’s where things get fun.
1. Still Hunting
Slow and steady wins this race. Move slowly, pause often, and watch for movement. Rabbits may be hiding under brush piles or tall grass, while squirrels often rustle leaves or chatter from above.
2. Stump Sitting
Pick a promising spot — like a patch of acorns or the edge of a thicket — and stay still. Great for squirrels who return to feeding areas regularly.
3. Beating the Brush
This is especially effective for rabbits. Walk through thick brush, kicking logs or rustling bushes to flush them out. Best done with a buddy or even a well-trained dog.
4. Use Your Ears
In the silence of the woods, the soft scratch of claws on bark or a quick dash through leaves is often the first sign a squirrel or rabbit is near.
Shot Placement and Ethics
Small game hunting is a great way to learn shot discipline.
For rabbits: Aim for the head or upper chest when using a rifle. With a shotgun, make sure they’re at a reasonable range (under 30 yards) to avoid excessive meat damage.
For squirrels: A well-placed headshot with a .22 is clean and humane. For shotguns, wait for them to pause on a tree trunk for a clear target.
And remember: If you’re not 100% sure of your shot, don’t take it.
Field Dressing and Game Care
Once you’ve harvested your game, it’s time to learn a new skill: field dressing.
-
For rabbits and squirrels, there are dozens of tutorials online (or better yet, ask an experienced hunter to show you).
-
Always wear gloves and clean your hands and tools thoroughly afterward.
-
Cool the meat quickly — especially in warmer southern states where spoilage happens fast.
Pro tip: rabbit and squirrel stew with wild mushrooms and onions? Absolute gold.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
-
Moving too fast: Most beginners blow through the woods like they’re on a hike. Slow down. Be stealthy.
-
Not scouting: Learn your hunting area before the season starts. Look for droppings, tracks, chew marks, or bedding.
-
Shooting too far: Know your effective range. A .22 starts to lose accuracy beyond 50 yards.
-
Giving up too early: Small game hunting teaches patience. It’s normal to get skunked your first few trips.
The Joy of the Chase
There’s something deeply satisfying about rabbit and small game hunting. It’s not about trophies. It’s about the chase, the woods, the stories, and the skills you build along the way.
Whether you're stalking squirrels through golden October hardwoods or kicking up rabbits in snowy January briars, small game hunting teaches you to be sharp, observant, and present.
Ready to Start?
Now that you’ve got the basics of Rabbit and Small Game Hunting: Tips for Beginners, why not take the next step? Check out hunting outfitters listed on Find A Hunt across the U.S. — from squirrel-rich southern forests to rabbit country in the Midwest.
You don’t need to wait for deer season to get into the field. Small game is calling — grab your gear, lace up your boots, and go answer it.
