Heartland Hunts for the Classic Game Animal
Nebraska’s diverse landscape of crop fields, pastures, brushy draws, and wooded river bottoms makes it an excellent state for rabbit hunting, deer hunting, and observing various game birds, including pheasants. With healthy populations of both eastern cottontails and white-tailed jackrabbits, Nebraska offers hunters a chance to enjoy traditional small game hunts with simple gear, public access, and long seasons.
Rabbit Species in Nebraska
-
Eastern Cottontail: The most common rabbit in the state, found statewide in brushy areas, field edges, fence lines, and overgrown pastures.
-
White-tailed Jackrabbit: Found primarily in the western half of Nebraska, preferring open prairies and grassy plains. The white-tailed jackrabbit, also known as Lepus californicus, is a notable species in this region.
Season Dates and Licensing
Rabbit hunting season in Nebraska usually runs from early September through the end of February. Understanding hunting seasons is crucial for planning successful hunting trips. Hunters must possess a valid Nebraska hunting license. Residents and non-residents are eligible to hunt with the appropriate licenses, and hunters are encouraged to check current season dates and bag limits with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Additionally, hunters should be aware of any specific permits required for certain hunting activities. Taking a hunter education course is essential to comply with state regulations and ensure safe hunting practices.
Best Areas for Rabbit Hunting
-
Public Access Lands: Nebraska’s Open Fields and Waters program opens up large areas of private land to public hunting, many of which hold strong rabbit populations and provide suitable habitat.
-
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): These public lands are managed for habitat and game species and often contain ideal rabbit environments. Scouting these areas can help identify the best hunting areas for a successful trip by studying local maps for natural features that attract wildlife, such as feeding areas and water sources.
-
Field Edges and Shelterbelts: Brushy fencerows, creek bottoms, and abandoned farmsteads consistently hold cottontails. The presence of undergrowth in these areas provides cover for rabbits, making them challenging to hunt.
-
Prairie and Grasslands: Western Nebraska’s grasslands are prime habitat for white-tailed jackrabbits.
Best Time of Day to Hunt Rabbits
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to hunt rabbits. They are most active during these cooler hours, moving to feed and browse. Midday hunts can also be productive in colder months when rabbits sun themselves near cover. The transition from late summer to fall is an exciting time for rabbit hunting, as the cooler weather increases rabbit activity. Additionally, snow can increase rabbit activity and make midday hunts more productive.
Understanding Rabbit Behavior
Understanding rabbit behavior is crucial for successful rabbit hunting. These small game animals are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. This makes early mornings and late afternoons the prime times to hunt rabbits. Seasoned hunters know that rabbits often follow established paths and trails, typically in a straight line. This predictable movement can be leveraged to set up effective ambushes. Additionally, rabbits create shallow, cup-shaped nests called forms, which are lined with fur for protection.
Rabbits have a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to detect food sources from a distance. To avoid detection, it’s essential to use scent-free gear and clothing. The eastern cottontail, one of the two species of cottontails found in Nebraska, is a common target for small game hunting. These rabbits can be found in a variety of habitats, including river bottoms and wetlands. Ground factors, such as how fencing solutions must anchor below the ground level to prevent rabbits from burrowing, are crucial in tracking and managing rabbit populations.
Rabbits are social animals and often live in small groups. When hunting in areas with high rabbit activity, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and other hunters. The black-tailed jackrabbit, another species found in Nebraska, is known for its impressive speed, making it a challenging target even for experienced hunters. Rabbit tracks can be identified by their indistinct toes, which are often covered with fur, making them unique compared to other animals.
Rabbits have a unique way of moving, using their powerful hind feet to propel themselves forward. They can cover great distances in a short amount of time. Understanding their feeding patterns and shelter preferences can help hunters identify potential hunting areas. By studying rabbit behavior and habitat, hunters can develop effective strategies, including the use of decoys and calls, to attract and harvest their prey.
In summary, understanding rabbit behavior, such as their movement patterns, feeding habits, and social structures, can significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt. By paying attention to these details, you can identify suitable habitats and develop effective hunting strategies.
Tactics for Success
-
Still-Hunting: Move slowly and quietly through brushy areas, pausing often to look and listen for movement. This method requires a great deal of patience and attentiveness to spot rabbits before they spot you. Hunting in heavy cover can be particularly challenging due to dense vegetation and wet terrain, which can obscure visibility and make it difficult to flush out rabbits.
-
Kicking Brush: Walking through thickets and kicking brush piles often flushes hidden rabbits.
-
Hunting with Dogs: Beagles are especially popular for rabbit hunting, helping track and flush rabbits into shooting range. Working with dogs also requires skill in handling and training to ensure a successful hunt. It's crucial to be ready to shoot when rabbits are flushed, as they can be fast-moving targets in challenging terrains.
-
Posting at Escape Routes: Rabbits often run predictable paths. Posting a hunter at likely exits can lead to quick shooting opportunities.
Gear for Nebraska Rabbit Hunting
-
Firearms: Selecting the right firearm, such as shotguns in 20 or 12 gauge with open chokes, is ideal for rabbit hunting. Shotguns are also effective when using taste repellents like Shotgun™ to make plants less palatable for rabbits. .22 rifles work well for patient hunters looking for headshots.
-
Clothing: Durable brush pants, lightweight jackets, and good boots are essential. These clothing items can protect hunters from brush and thorns. Blaze orange is recommended for visibility.
-
Accessories: A game vest with roomy pouches, water, and perhaps a simple call to mimic distress sounds can all be helpful.
-
Binoculars: Useful for spotting rabbits from a distance and planning your approach.
-
Game Bags: Essential for storing harvested rabbits and keeping them clean during transport.
Meat Care and Handling
Rabbit meat is excellent table fare when handled properly. Clean rabbits promptly after harvest, keep them cool, and always inspect for any signs of disease, particularly in warmer months. Cook thoroughly to eliminate any risk of parasites.
Preparing and enjoying rabbit meat with family and friends can be a fun and memorable experience, adding to the overall enjoyment of the hunt.
Conclusion
Rabbit hunting in Nebraska offers a timeless and rewarding outdoor experience. With generous seasons, abundant public access, and simple gear requirements, it’s an ideal pursuit for hunters of all ages. Whether you’re working a brush line with a beagle or slipping quietly through the woods on a frosty morning, Nebraska’s small game country provides endless chances for adventure and good eating. Additionally, rabbit hunting allows hunters to connect with nature, enhancing personal growth and enjoyment.
FAQs
What license do I need to hunt rabbits in Nebraska?
A valid Nebraska hunting license is required for both residents and non-residents. Additionally, specific permits may be needed for certain hunting activities.
When is rabbit season in Nebraska?
It typically runs from early September through the end of February, offering diverse hunting opportunities for enthusiasts, including the chance to hunt webless migratory birds and small mammals like doves and cottontails.
What firearms are best for rabbit hunting?
Shotguns in 20 or 12 gauge or small-caliber rifles like the .22 are ideal. Choosing the right shot is crucial for rabbit hunting, as it ensures you are prepared for the moment you need to take a shot during a chase.
Are there public lands for rabbit hunting?
Yes, WMAs and Open Fields and Waters lands offer public hunting access. Additionally, joining a hunting community can be invaluable for sharing information about these public lands, as experienced hunters often provide guidance and support to novices.
Is blaze orange required?
Not mandatory for small game, but highly recommended for safety. Enrolling in a hunter education course is crucial for gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure safe hunting practices.
What time of day is best for hunting rabbits?
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most activity. Rabbits occasionally change their activity patterns based on weather conditions.
Can I hunt rabbits with a dog?
Yes, beagles and other scent hounds are commonly used. Learning from a seasoned hunter can significantly enhance your skills when hunting with dogs, as they can provide valuable insights and techniques.
Are jackrabbits and cottontails hunted the same way?
Tactics are similar, but jackrabbits prefer more open terrain. Following tips from experienced hunters can greatly enhance your success, as they often provide valuable insights on utilizing hunting dogs effectively and recognizing important factors like weather conditions and feeding patterns.
How should I care for rabbit meat?
Field dress promptly, keep cool, and cook thoroughly to safe temperatures. Properly handling meat is crucial to protect against contamination.
Is rabbit hunting good for beginners?
Yes, it’s one of the best entry-level hunting experiences available. When starting out, it's important to understand the differences between hunting cottontails and other bunnies like swamp rabbits. Swamp rabbits, often referred to as 'super-bunnies,' require specific techniques and gear due to their challenging habitats in wetlands and dense thickets.