Desert and High Country Small Game
Arizona’s wide-open deserts, grasslands, and mountain foothills provide outstanding habitat for both jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits, which can be hunted year-round. With varied terrain, a long season, and liberal bag limits, rabbit hunting in Arizona is an accessible and exciting way to experience the state’s diverse landscapes and sharpen hunting skills. Additionally, the opportunity to hunt small game such as quail and doves during the off-seasons of big game hunting adds to the excitement and variety of hunting experiences available in Arizona.
Jackrabbit and Cottontail Habitat
Black-tailed and antelope jackrabbits thrive in Arizona’s low desert flats, mesquite scrub, and grassy basins. These low desert areas are characterized by their dry and arid conditions, ideal for these species. In Arizona, hunters can pursue three species of cottontails and two species of jack rabbits. These fast-moving hares prefer open spaces where they can use speed to escape predators. Cottontails favor thicker cover such as washes lined with brush, foothill slopes, and the edges of agricultural fields. They are often found around desert vegetation like prickly pear patches, creosote flats, and palo verde stands, making these areas ideal to hunt cottontail. The daily bag limit for cottontails is 10 rabbits, while jackrabbits have no bag limit or possession limit.
Flushing and Spotting Tactics
Jackrabbits often flush at longer distances, requiring spotting with binoculars and planning a careful approach or taking quick longer shots. Hunters often hear advice about various hunting tactics, which can sometimes be vague or lack detail. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch them feeding or moving. When shooting jackrabbits, use shooting sticks for stability and aim for a clean, ethical shot. Cottontails tend to hold tighter in brush, often flushing at close range when hunters walk slowly through wash bottoms or the edges of thick cover. Stopping often and scanning carefully increases your chances of seeing them before they break cover.
Best Areas to Hunt
The Sonoran Desert around Tucson is a good spot for jackrabbits, as are the grasslands southeast of Sonoita and the low deserts west of Phoenix. Fall weather patterns often create ideal hunting conditions in these areas. Higher elevation areas like the Mogollon Rim, Prescott National Forest, and Chino Valley offer great cottontail hunting. The north regions, such as Prescott National Forest, also provide excellent opportunities due to favorable weather patterns and environmental conditions for young cottontails. Many state trust lands, Bureau of Land Management properties, and national forests provide public access for rabbit hunters. The best areas to hunt cottontails are often found in the middle of groves or near canals, where these rabbits are commonly spotted. The sighting of young quail on the ground during spring is a promising indicator of good hunting conditions.
Gear and Strategy
A 20- or 12-gauge shotgun loaded with small game shot is versatile for both cottontails and jackrabbits. For longer shots on jackrabbits, a .22 rifle or even small-caliber centerfire rifles are effective. Durable, breathable clothing, sun protection, good boots, and plenty of water are essential when you carry gear for hunting Arizona’s arid terrain. Hunters should wear gloves when handling rabbits to protect themselves from potential parasites and diseases. Hunters should move slowly, use binoculars to scan open areas, and plan stalks carefully when jackrabbits are spotted at a distance, possibly with the assistance of a dog.
Conclusion
Rabbit hunting in Arizona offers an exciting blend of fast action, beautiful landscapes, and rewarding game hunting opportunities. Whether chasing cottontails along a dry arroyo or stalking jackrabbits across a grassy mesa, Arizona provides hunters with an adventurous and accessible way to enjoy the desert and high country. Additionally, the state offers a variety of small game hunting opportunities, including quail, squirrels, and other species, making it a diverse destination for hunters.
FAQs
What species of rabbits can I hunt in Arizona?
Arizona offers hunting for cottontail rabbits and two species of jackrabbits: black-tailed jackrabbits and antelope jackrabbits. Jack rabbits are often found in desert areas, groves, and washes. To find more jacks, focus on low desert regions, washes, and agricultural fields, contrasting with cottontails that prefer grassy or vegetable-rich areas.
When is rabbit hunting season in Arizona?
Rabbit season generally runs year-round from July through June of the following year. Always check current regulations.
What firearm is best for Arizona rabbit hunting?
A 20- or 12-gauge shotgun or a .22 rifle, depending on the terrain and type of rabbit being pursued.
Where are the best areas to hunt rabbits?
Sonoran Desert areas around Tucson and low desert areas for jackrabbits; Mogollon Rim and Prescott areas for cottontails. Gambel's quail are also abundant in these hunting areas, providing additional opportunities for hunters.
Arizona offers a variety of hunting opportunities, including big game like mule deer and black bear, alongside small game such as jackrabbits and cottontails.
Can I hunt rabbits on public land?
Yes, Arizona offers extensive public land access through BLM, state trust lands, and national forests, managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide ample opportunities for rabbit hunting. As the hunting season opens, hunters eagerly anticipate the availability of game.
For cottontails, there is a daily bag limit of 10 rabbits, while jackrabbits are classified as non-game animals and have no bag limit or possession limit, highlighting the differences in regulations for these species.
What’s the best time of day to hunt rabbits?
Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive.
What gear should I bring?
Breathable clothing, sturdy boots, sun protection, water, and a shotgun or rifle.
Are rabbits good to eat?
Yes, both jackrabbits and cottontails can be excellent table fare, although jackrabbit meat requires special preparation to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Winter conditions can affect the quality of rabbit meat, as harsh weather impacts their diet and overall health.
How do I spot jackrabbits in open country?
Use binoculars to scan for movement and plan careful stalks when spotted.
Why is rabbit hunting popular in Arizona?
The abundance of public land, long seasons, and challenging terrain make it a favorite small game pursuit.
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