A Northern Small Game Adventure
North Dakota offers fantastic rabbit hunting opportunities, with thriving populations of both cottontail and snowshoe hares across the state. Insights from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department highlight the thriving rabbit populations and abundant hunting opportunities. The open prairies, wooded creek bottoms, and shelterbelts provide classic rabbit habitat, while snowshoe hares add an extra challenge for those willing to hunt the thicker northern forests. With generous seasons and accessible public land, North Dakota is an underrated destination for rabbit hunters.
Cottontail Rabbit Habitat and Hunting Tips
Cottontails are abundant across North Dakota, favoring brushy draws, abandoned farmsteads, shelterbelts, and river bottoms. Look for heavy cover close to food sources such as grassy fields, crop edges, and shrub thickets. Urban areas provide a pretty favorable habitat for rabbits due to ample food sources and protection from hunting. Homeowners use wire cages to protect young plants from rabbit damage. Rabbits also feed on tree bark during winter months, which can damage young trees. Hunters walking slowly along brush lines or posting near feeding areas during the early morning or late afternoon often find success. Kicking brush piles or walking old fence rows can flush cottontails into easy shotgun range. Rabbits often nip smaller twigs during winter, which can lead to damage on shrubs and other plants.
Snowshoe Hare Habitat and Challenges
Snowshoe hares are primarily found in the dense forests of northern North Dakota, especially in areas with heavy conifer cover and young aspen stands. They rely on thick vegetation for cover and have incredible camouflage in the winter snow. It is important to use humane trapping practices to prevent animal die scenarios, ensuring that trapped animals do not suffer. Hunts often involve still-hunting slowly through thick woods or posting along natural funnels where hares travel. Snowshoes are less likely to sit tight like cottontails, so quick reflexes and accurate shooting are key.
Best Areas to Hunt
For cottontails, focus on river corridors such as the Missouri River and its tributaries, or areas with extensive shelterbelts and abandoned farmsteads scattered across the prairie. Urban areas like Grand Forks also have thriving rabbit populations due to favorable conditions. The Grand Forks outreach biologist, Jim Job, addresses the rabbit population and provides management recommendations. East Grand Forks also experiences similar rabbit population dynamics and challenges. Snowshoe hares are best pursued in the Turtle Mountains, Pembina Gorge, and the forested portions of the northeastern part of the state. Public lands, including Wildlife Management Areas and National Wildlife Refuges where small game hunting is allowed, provide excellent access.
Gear and Strategy
A 20- or 12-gauge shotgun loaded with small game shot is ideal for both cottontails and snowshoe hares. For those who prefer a rifle, a .22 is effective, especially when targeting stationary hares. Brush pants, durable boots, and warm clothing are recommended for navigating thick cover and winter conditions. Placing wire cages around young plants in gardens is a common strategy to protect them from rabbit damage. Trapping rabbits is another effective method for managing rabbit populations in urban areas. Rabbit proof fencing can also serve as a barrier to protect plants from rabbit depredation. Hunters should move slowly, keep their eyes focused low to the ground, and listen carefully for movement. Enticing rabbits into traps can be challenging due to their feeding habits.
Conclusion
Rabbit hunting in North Dakota is a rewarding way to enjoy the state’s varied landscapes and extend your hunting season well into the winter months. Whether you’re chasing quick-flushing cottontails along the prairie or stalking snowshoe hares through northern forests, the experience blends action, skill, and the simple pleasure of small game hunting.
FAQs
What species of rabbits can I hunt in North Dakota?
Cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares are both huntable species.
When is the rabbit hunting season in North Dakota?
Rabbit season typically runs from September through February. Always check the current regulations.
What’s the best firearm for rabbit hunting?
A 20- or 12-gauge shotgun with light loads or a .22 rifle works well.
Where are the best areas to hunt cottontails?
Brushy draws, shelterbelts, and river bottoms across the central and southern parts of the state. Rabbits often seek out vegetable gardens in residential areas, causing frustration for gardeners. Flower and vegetable gardens are common targets for rabbits, leading homeowners to take protective measures. Eastern cottontail rabbits are the primary species found in these areas.
Where can I find snowshoe hares?
Northern forested regions like the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Gorge.
Can I hunt rabbits on public land?
Yes, many Wildlife Management Areas and select National Wildlife Refuges allow small game hunting.
What time of day is best for rabbit hunting?
Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the most productive.
What gear should I bring?
Shotgun or rifle, brush-resistant clothing, durable boots, and warm layers for winter hunts.
Are rabbits good to eat?
Yes, both cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares provide excellent table fare.
What’s a good tactic for hunting snowshoe hares?
Still-hunting slowly through thick cover and focusing on natural travel corridors increases your odds.
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