Rocky Mountain Small Game Adventure
Colorado’s diverse terrain of high plains, foothills, rolling hills, rolling prairies, and the Rocky Mountains offers excellent opportunities for rabbit hunting and grouse hunting. The high country, with its elevated regions, is particularly significant for hunting due to the narrow window in which elk can thrive, highlighting the ecological importance of these areas. Whether you are chasing cottontails in grassy creek bottoms or spotting white-tailed jackrabbits in the open sagebrush flats, Colorado delivers varied terrain and exciting small game action across much of the state.
Rabbit Species in Colorado
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Eastern Cottontail: The most common species, found in brushy lowlands, farm fields, and river bottoms.
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Desert Cottontail: Prefers drier habitats in the western and southern parts of the state.
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White-tailed Jackrabbit: Larger and faster, typically found in open plains and high-altitude meadows. These habitats also support prairie dogs, which are crucial to the local biodiversity. Additionally, similar habitats are home to big game such as moose and mule deer.
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Squirrel: Found in various elevations and terrains, hunting squirrels in Colorado offers a great opportunity for beginner hunters to learn foundational skills while enjoying the culinary value and varied experiences. Another small game species available for hunting in Colorado is the snowshoe hare.
Season Dates and Licensing
Rabbit hunting season in Colorado usually opens in early October and runs through the end of February. A small game license is required for all hunters. Residents and non-residents must carry their license while hunting and follow all season dates, bag limits, and specific rules set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Hunters need to purchase licenses and may need to accumulate preference points to increase their chances of obtaining certain hunting tags, especially in specific game management units (GMUs). Knowing the dates and regulations for big game seasons is also crucial for a successful hunting experience.
Additionally, jackrabbit hunting seasons typically run year round, providing ample opportunities for hunters. The small game season is known for its accessibility and affordability, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
For turkey hunting, hunters must obtain a separate license, which is part of a drawing system with specific application deadlines.
Best Areas for Rabbit Hunting
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Eastern Plains: The agricultural fields and grassy draws east of Denver offer prime cottontail habitat and are considered excellent hunting spots on public lands.
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Front Range Foothills: Look for brushy creek bottoms and scrub oak thickets along the foothills.
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Western Colorado Sagebrush Flats: Good habitat for both cottontails and jackrabbits.
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State Wildlife Areas (SWAs): Numerous SWAs across the state provide public access to small game hunters.
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National Forest: National forests offer diverse terrains and are good areas for rabbit hunting, providing hunters with various challenges and opportunities.
Best Time of Day to Hunt Rabbits
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for rabbit activity. During cooler weather, rabbits are more likely to be active throughout the day, especially when the sun warms sheltered spots in open country. The fall season is particularly good for rabbit hunting due to cooler weather.
Spring is also a good season for hunting, offering opportunities for both large and small game.
Hunters should watch for movement and signs of rabbits during early morning and late afternoon hunts.
Tactics for Success
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Still-Hunting: Move slowly along brush lines, pausing often to spot rabbits before they flush from the ground habitat.
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Jump Shooting: Walk through likely cover, kicking brush piles or grass clumps to flush hiding rabbits.
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Posting Hunters: Station hunters near escape routes when moving through dense cover.
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Spotting Scope: Use a spotting scope for glassing and spotting rabbits from a distance, especially in open country, to identify game effectively. Learning to point a shotgun accurately is crucial for effective shooting when the game is spotted.
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Dark Timber: Explore diverse hunting environments, including dark timber, which can be challenging but rewarding for finding small game.
In open country, spot jackrabbits by glassing sunlit areas during the first and last hours of daylight.
Gear for Colorado Rabbit Hunting
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Firearms: A 20 or 12 gauge shotgun with an improved cylinder choke is perfect for jump shooting. .22 rifles are great for still-hunting and making precise shots. While hunters may spend a significant amount on quality gear, it enhances the hunting experience.
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Clothing: Durable pants, layered clothing for changing weather, and blaze orange for visibility.
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Footwear: Comfortable boots suitable for hiking variable terrain.
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Archery: Archery equipment can also be used for rabbit hunting, providing a quiet and challenging alternative to firearms.
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Licenses and Responsibilities: Obtaining the appropriate hunting license is crucial for any hunter in Colorado. Hunters must adhere to regulations, complete mandatory hunter education courses, and follow safety guidelines to ensure a responsible and legal hunting experience.
Meat Care and Handling
Rabbit meat is prized for its tenderness and flavor. Field dress rabbits promptly, especially during warmer days. Similar to big game like elk, which also require prompt and proper meat care to preserve quality, rabbits are smaller and easier to handle. Compared to deer, which also require prompt and proper meat care to preserve quality, rabbits are smaller and easier to handle. Always inspect the liver of the animal for spots or signs of disease and discard any animals that appear unhealthy. Cook rabbit meat thoroughly to eliminate the risk of parasites.
Conclusion
Rabbit hunting in Colorado is a classic and accessible outdoor pursuit. There are various opportunities to hunt in Colorado, and balancing hunting with recreation is essential to preserve wildlife habitats. With beautiful landscapes, varied habitats, and long seasons, it’s a rewarding adventure for new and seasoned hunters alike. Whether you’re slipping along a brushy draw or glassing a windswept hillside, the state’s small game opportunities deliver a fun and memorable experience. Colorado offers unique and memorable hunting experiences, with diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes that make every hunt special. Hunters from all over the world are drawn to Colorado’s rich hunting opportunities and world-class wilderness.
FAQs
What license do I need to hunt rabbits in Colorado?
A small game license is required for both residents and non-residents.
When does rabbit season open in Colorado?
Typically early October through the end of February.
What guns are best for rabbit hunting?
Shotguns in 20 or 12 gauge or .22 caliber rifles work well.
Where can I find public land for rabbit hunting?
State Wildlife Areas, BLM land, Bureau of Land Management lands, and national grasslands offer good access. While hunting is not allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park, the surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities. The continental divide, a significant geographical feature, also influences hunting opportunities by shaping diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats in the region.
Is blaze orange required?
Blaze orange is strongly recommended and often required when hunting on public land.
Are jackrabbits and cottontails hunted differently?
Yes, jackrabbits favor open spaces and require more spotting and stalking.
What time of day is best for hunting?
Early mornings and late afternoons when rabbits are more active.
Can I hunt rabbits with a dog?
Yes, dogs can be helpful in flushing rabbits from cover.
How should I care for rabbit meat?
Field dress promptly, cool quickly, and cook thoroughly.
Is rabbit hunting a good introduction to hunting?
Absolutely. It’s affordable, exciting, and a great way to build hunting skills.
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