Opportunities for Rabbit Hunters in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s northern woods offer some of the finest rabbit hunting in Northern Wisconsin. The healthy population of rabbits in this region ensures ample opportunities for hunters. Ground conditions play a crucial role in hunting success, particularly the elevation and features that attract game. With endless miles of public land, dense young timber, and brushy clear-cuts, hunters can enjoy traditional winter hunts for cottontails and snowshoe hares. The combination of heavy cover and long seasons makes the state a top choice for anyone looking to experience classic rabbit hunting in true Northwoods style.
Rabbit Behavior and Habitat
Cottontails thrive in young forests, brush piles, alder thickets, and along logging roads. Coyotes are common predators in these habitats and eat rabbits as part of their diet. Look for areas where saplings display girdled bark, indicating rabbit activity. The availability of food sources like specific plants and cover influences rabbit habitat. Snowshoe hares favor dense spruce, cedar swamps, and mixed conifer stands. These habitats also often support deer, which can be seen in similar environments. Both species rely on thick cover for protection and move most during early morning and late afternoon. Snowshoe hares often shift to higher elevations during heavy snowfalls but remain close to shelter in the wild.
Licensing and Seasons
Rabbit hunting in Wisconsin typically runs from early fall into late winter. A valid small game license is required for both residents and non-residents. Snowshoe hares have separate bag limits, so hunters should always confirm species and current regulations before heading afield.
Best Areas for Rabbit Hunting
Northern State Forests
Large public forests like Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and county forest lands in Vilas, Oneida, and Price counties offer prime habitat. The vast acres of public land available for hunting in the north of Wisconsin make it an ideal destination for rabbit hunters. These forests also feature lakes, which provide unique access points for hunters. Logging cuts, alder swamps, and areas with dense brush and trees are hotspots for both cottontails and hares.
Alder Swamps and Aspen Regrowth
Recently logged areas thick with alder and young aspen provide excellent cover and feeding grounds. Foot movement is crucial in these areas, as making noise with your feet can scare bunnies into moving, increasing your chances of spotting them. Look for rabbit trails, fresh tracks, and browsing sign. Putting oneself in strategic locations can significantly increase the chances of spotting rabbits. Hunters often experience exciting moments when rabbits are startled and jump out of their hiding spots, leading to thrilling chases.
Cedar and Spruce Bottoms
For snowshoe hares, focus on low-lying cedar swamps, black spruce bogs, and thick conifer stands. Snowshoe hares are a significant game species due to their year-round availability in some states. Weasels and fishers are also common predators in these habitats. Tracks are easier to spot in fresh snow, and hares often hold tight until closely approached, using the dense cover to hide from predators.
Tips for Successful Rabbit Hunts
Hunt After Snowfall
Fresh snow makes rabbit and hare tracks much easier to find and concentrate animals near heavy cover. When fresh snow falls, it can happen that hunters feel a surge of excitement and readiness for the hunt. Hunting during the middle of the day can be effective, especially after a fresh snowfall.
These favorable conditions can last for several days or even a week, providing ample opportunities for successful hunting trips.
Use a Light Shotgun
A .410, 20-gauge, or light 12-gauge shotgun with improved cylinder choke is ideal for fast, close-range shot. It's crucial to wait for the right moment to shoot, ensuring a successful and ethical hunt.
Work Slowly Through Cover
Walking quietly and methodically through dense areas, pausing often to wait and force nervous rabbits or hares to flush, is crucial. Walking along transitions and edges can significantly improve your chances of spotting game. The direction in which you move and how you track the rabbits can significantly impact your success.
Bring a Rabbit Dog
Beagles and other rabbit dogs excel at flushing cottontails and tracking hares through thick, snowy terrain as a pack. The excitement and anticipation involved in the pursuit of rabbits, especially after a fresh snowfall, make the hunt even more thrilling. The sounds made by the dogs during the hunt, from their barks to their howls, add to the excitement and effectiveness of the chase. The camaraderie among the guys during the hunt enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable adventure.
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s Northwoods offer rabbit hunters a timeless and rewarding experience. Hunters often share pictures of their successful hunts, fostering a sense of community. Whether chasing cottontails through alder edges or tracking snowshoe hares across a snowy swamp, the state’s public lands and varied terrain deliver classic small game hunting at its best. Hunting trips often involve family members, creating lasting memories.
FAQs
When is rabbit season in Wisconsin?
Rabbit season typically runs from early fall into late winter.
Do I need a license to hunt rabbits?
Yes. A valid small game license is required.
What shotgun should I use for rabbits?
A .410, 20-gauge, or light 12-gauge shotgun with an improved cylinder choke is ideal.
Where are the best places to hunt rabbits?
Northern state forests, alder swamps, young aspen regrowth, and cedar bottoms offer excellent habitat. While southern areas also offer good hunting, the northern Michigan region shares similar challenges and opportunities as northern Wisconsin.
Are snowshoe hares and cottontails hunted differently?
Yes. Snowshoe hares favor dense conifer cover and move differently than cottontails.
Is it better to hunt rabbits after a snowfall?
Yes. Fresh snow reveals tracks and concentrates rabbit activity in heavy cover.
Can I use a dog for rabbit hunting?
Yes. Beagles and other rabbit dogs are excellent for flushing and tracking rabbits and hares.
What time of day is best for rabbit hunting?
Early morning and late afternoon when rabbits are feeding and moving.
Are there bag limits for rabbits?
Yes. Wisconsin sets bag limits for both cottontails and snowshoe hares. Always check current regulations.
Can non-residents hunt rabbits in Wisconsin?
Yes. Non-residents can hunt rabbits with the proper small game license.
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