Rabbit and Hare Hunting in Ontario
The crunch of snow underfoot, the crisp winter air biting at your cheeks, and the knowledge that deer season is long over can leave an avid hunter feeling a bit restless. Many of us find ourselves wondering if there’s anything left to pursue with genuine excitement. Thankfully, Ontario offers a fantastic opportunity for classic small game hunting, keeping us active and engaged in the outdoors: chasing after rabbits and hares. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully hunt these elusive, fast-footed creatures across the province.
Understanding Ontario's Rabbits and Hares
Before you even think about heading into the bush, it's crucial to understand the distinct species you'll encounter in Ontario and what makes them tick. Knowing their habits, preferred habitats, and even their appearance differences can be the key to a successful hunt.
The Elusive Snowshoe Hare
Snowshoe hares are iconic residents of Ontario's northern and central forests. They get their name from their large, well-furred hind feet that act like natural snowshoes, allowing them to navigate deep snow with remarkable ease. This adaptation is a huge advantage when the snow starts piling up, making them incredibly tough to track for anything without a similar advantage.
These hares are masters of camouflage, famously changing their coat from brown in summer to pure white in winter. This seasonal transformation is absolutely vital for their survival against a host of predators, including coyotes, foxes, and various birds of prey. When you're out hunting, remember that a white hare against a snowy backdrop can literally disappear before your eyes, even when you know it's there. Their diet consists mainly of twigs, buds, and bark in winter, and a wider variety of greens, clover, and grasses in the warmer months. They tend to stick to dense cover, particularly young conifer stands, alder thickets, and areas with plenty of downed timber where they can quickly dive for safety. Look for their distinct tracks – often a tell-tale sign of their presence, especially after a fresh snowfall.
The Common Eastern Cottontail
Eastern cottontails are the more familiar sight for many hunters in Southern Ontario, and they offer a different kind of challenge. Unlike their snowshoe cousins, cottontails don't change their coat colour and are significantly smaller, typically weighing in at 2-3 pounds. Their range is primarily agricultural and mixed habitat areas, stretching from the southernmost tip of Ontario up into parts of the central region.
Cottontails are true brush rabbits, thriving in areas with a mosaic of dense cover, open fields, and edge habitats. Think old farmsteads, fencerows, hedgerows, abandoned orchards, and dense brush piles at the edge of woodlots. They love to tunnel through thick brambles and often have a network of runways they use for escape. Their diet is diverse, including grasses, clover, dandelions, and the bark of young trees and shrubs, particularly during winter. Hunting these little dynamos often involves pushing dense cover, as they prefer to hunker down and rely on their camouflage until they absolutely have to burst out. You can find excellent opportunities for Hunting Cottontails Along a Fencerow.
Finding the Right Habitat and Hotspots
Successfully hunting rabbits and hares often boils down to understanding their preferred haunts and knowing how to interpret the landscape. Both species require thick cover for protection from predators and the elements, but the specific types of cover differ significantly.
Where Snowshoes Thrive
Snowshoe hares are creatures of the forest, particularly areas with thick, regenerating conifers. Think young spruce, fir, and pine stands where the branches are dense and close to the ground, providing overhead cover and a labyrinth of escape routes. These areas are often found in northern and central Ontario, in places that have been logged a decade or two ago, or naturally regenerating burns. Swamps and alder thickets bordering larger timber are also prime locations.
When you're scouting, look for their distinctive tracks in the snow, especially around cedar swamps or along the edges of a Hunting a Cedar Swamp Edge. You’ll often find clipped twigs with distinct diagonal cuts, indicating their feeding activity. A good mapping tool, like the ones available on GoHunt, can help you identify areas with dense coniferous cover and access points, making your scouting more efficient. Concentrate your efforts in younger growth forest, particularly after a fresh snowfall, which makes their white forms stand out (ironically) against darker undergrowth before they’ve had a chance to bed down. Don't overlook the edges of old logging roads or bush trails, as hares will often feed in these slightly more open areas before retreating to the thick stuff.
Cottontail Country and Cover
Eastern cottontails are more associated with disturbed habitats and agricultural fringes in Southern Ontario. They adore transition zones – the edges where fields meet brush, old pastures reverting to forest, overgrown fence lines, and abandoned orchards. Unlike snowshoes, they prefer deciduous cover and dense thorny bushes like multi-flora rose or hawthorn, which offer protection even when leaves have dropped.
Key areas to focus on for cottontails include dense hedgerows, brush piles, overgrown ditches, and the edges of standing corn or soybean fields. An abandoned farmstead, with its tangled mix of outbuildings, old equipment, and overgrown vegetation, can be a goldmine. During winter, look for areas with thick, low-lying cover that collects snow, providing insulation. Often, a good strategy involves systematically working your way along a Hunting a Fencerow Between Two Fields, pushing the thickest spots. Even small pockets of cover can hold a surprising number of rabbits. Scouting involves looking for droppings, clipped vegetation, and well-used trails through dense thickets.
Essential Gear for Rabbit and Hare Hunters
You don't need a truckload of specialized equipment to hunt rabbits and hares, which is part of their appeal. However, having the right tools for the job can significantly increase your comfort and success, making for a much more enjoyable day afield.
Firearms and Ammunition Choices
For shotguns, 12-gauge and 20-gauge are by far the most popular choices, but a 16-gauge or even a .410 can be effective at close range. The key is to use open chokes like improved cylinder or modified, as most shots will be fairly close and quick. As for shot size, anything from #4 to #6 lead shot is typically adequate for rabbits and hares. Some hunters even prefer #7 ½ or #8 for cottontails due to their smaller size. The goal is enough pellets to ensure a clean kill without over-damaging the meat.
| Shotgun Gauge | Recommended Choke | Shot Size (Lead) | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Gauge | Imp. Cyl. / Mod. | #4, #5, #6 | 15-30 yards | Most versatile, widely available ammo |
| 20 Gauge | Imp. Cyl. / Mod. | #5, #6, #7.5 | 10-25 yards | Lighter, less recoil, good for thick brush |
| .410 Bore | Full / Mod. | #6, #7.5, #8 | 5-15 yards | Challenging; best for experienced hunters or very close shots |
| .22 Rifle/Pistol | N/A | Solid/Hollow Point | 25-75 yards | Excellent for still-hunting; requires precision |
For a more challenging hunt, or in areas where rabbits are less pressured and might sit tighter, a .22 rimfire rifle or even a pistol can be a fantastic option. This is especially true for still-hunting where you might get a stationary target. You'll need to be accurate, but a well-placed .22 short or long rifle round is highly effective and does minimal meat damage. Just be sure of your backdrop and target, as rimfire rounds can travel surprisingly far.
Dogs, Clothing, and Navigation
Nothing beats a good beagle for rabbit and hare hunting. These vocal hounds are bred for their tracking ability and relentless pursuit, turning a quiet stroll into an exciting chase. When you hear the baying of a beagle hot on a rabbit's trail, you know the action is about to begin. If you're Running Beagles on Ontario Snowshoe Hare, or cottontails, expect them to circle back, offering you opportunities for a shot as the rabbit tries to lose the dog. If you don't have a beagle, other flushing dogs like Spaniels or even some retrievers can be effective for pushing rabbits out of thick cover. Dogs add an entirely new dimension to the hunt and greatly increase success rates.
Regardless of whether you use dogs, appropriate clothing is vital, especially given Ontario's often cold and snowy conditions during small game seasons. Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures and your activity level. Durable, brush-resistant pants are a must for pushing through thorny thickets. Waterproof and insulated boots are crucial, as you'll often be walking through snow, wet brush, and damp ground. Blaze orange is not only a safety consideration (and often legally required depending on the season and area) but also helps you stay visible to hunting partners. A good backpack for water, snacks, extra layers, and a game bag for your harvest is also highly recommended. Don't forget a compass or a GPS device/app – even small woodlots can become disorienting when you're focused on the chase. Mapping tools, such as the ones available through GoHunt, can be invaluable here, allowing you to mark cover, tracks, and plan your routes.
Hunting Techniques That Work
Successfully putting rabbits and hares in the bag requires a blend of strategy, patience, and knowing which tactics work best for the situation and species you're pursuing. From quiet stalks to boisterous dog hunts, there's a technique for every hunter.
Still-Hunting and Pushing Cover
Still-hunting is a classic method that involves moving slowly and deliberately through promising habitat, pausing frequently to observe your surroundings. This technique is particularly effective for snowshoe hares in dense conifer stands or for cottontails tucked into brush piles. The key is extreme patience; rabbits and hares rely heavily on camouflage to avoid detection, often letting you walk right past them. By moving slowly, you increase your chances of spotting a twitch of an ear or the outline of a body before it bolts. Scan ahead, behind, and to your sides, looking for any anomaly in the brush. In snowy conditions, focus on any dark spots that might betray a hare's presence, or any slight movement. If you're lucky, you might even spot one sitting still, allowing for a precise shot with a .22.
Pushing cover, on the other hand, is a much more active approach, often done with multiple hunters or, ideally, with dogs. For cottontails, this involves systematically working through thickets, fencerows, and brush piles to flush out rabbits. One or two hunters act as "pushers," walking through the densest cover, while others position themselves on the "stands" at likely escape routes. Rabbits, when flushed, often follow established runways or try to circle back to familiar cover. For snowshoes, pushing can involve working through dense clear-cuts or alder bottoms, trying to jump them from their daytime beds. This method requires good communication and safety awareness, especially when multiple hunters are involved. Remember that Deer Drives With Three or Four Hunters is a different scale, but the principles of safe spacing and communication are similar.
Hunting with Beagles and Calls
Hunting with beagles is arguably the most exciting and effective way to hunt both snowshoes and cottontails. Beagles possess an incredible sense of smell and a relentless drive to track. Once they pick up a rabbit's scent, they'll often "jump" the rabbit, sending it scrambling. The beauty of beagle hunting is that rabbits and hares typically don't run in a straight line for long. Instead, they run in circles or wide arcs, often returning to the general area where they were jumped.
Hunters position themselves strategically along these expected travel paths, listening to the dogs’ baying to predict the rabbit's movement. When the sound of the chase gets closer, you prepare for a shot. This method is incredibly social and dynamic, and the sound of a full pack of beagles singing on a hot trail is music to a small game hunter's ears. If you're interested in Using a Flushing Dog in Thick Bush, beagles are definitely your top choice.
While not as common for rabbits and hares as for other game, some hunters do experiment with small game calls, particularly distress calls, to try and draw in predators, which can sometimes bring a rabbit out of hiding. However, the effectiveness for directly luring rabbits and hares is limited compared to their natural inclination to flee or freeze. Mostly, calls are used for predators of rabbits, but it's an interesting aspect to explore if you're looking for a different challenge or combine your small game hunt with some predator calling for coyotes.
Season Dates, Limits, and Regulations
Navigating the regulations for small game in Ontario is crucial for a lawful and enjoyable hunt. Season dates, bag limits, and specific rules can vary by species and Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), so always consult the most current Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary before heading afield.
General Season Information
The good news for rabbit and hare enthusiasts is that their seasons are generally quite long, often extending into late winter, providing excellent opportunities after big game seasons have closed. This allows hunters to get out when snow conditions are ideal for tracking or for dog work.
- Snowshoe Hare: The season for snowshoe hares typically runs from September to March or April, depending on the WMU. This lengthy season covers fall, winter, and even early spring, giving you a wide window of opportunity. The bag limit is usually generous, often around 10 animals per day.
- Eastern Cottontail: Cottontail seasons are also extensive, generally starting in September and running until the end of February or early March. Again, bag limits tend to be quite liberal, often 10 per day.
You can find the most up-to-date and specific dates by WMU in the official regulations summary. It's a bit of a maze sometimes, so use the summary to precisely check the dates for your chosen hunting area. For detailed provincial dates and limits, check out Rabbit and Hare Season Dates and Limits.
Licensing and Safety Requirements
To hunt rabbits and hares in Ontario, you'll need a valid Outdoors Card and a Resident Small Game Hunting Licence. If you’re a non-resident, the requirements are different; always check the specific rules for Ontario Non-Resident Licence Options. These can be purchased through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service online portal, or from authorized licence issuers. It’s always a good idea to secure your licence well in advance of your planned hunt. For a breakdown of costs, refer to Small Game Licence Cost and Coverage.
Safety is paramount, especially when hunting with partners or dogs. Always wear blaze orange, even if it's not strictly mandated for small game in your specific area, as it significantly increases your visibility to other hunters. Maintain safe shooting lanes, be aware of your backdrop, and always treat every firearm as if it's loaded. When hunting with dogs, ensure they are trained to respond to your commands and have appropriate identification. You can learn more about general safety by reviewing Ontario Hunter Safety and Firearms Courses. Remember, common sense and courtesy go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone afield.
Where You Can Hunt
Rabbits and hares can be hunted on both Crown Land and private land with permission. For Crown Land, make sure you understand the rules regarding access, camping, and vehicle use. Websites and apps like GoHunt can be immensely helpful for identifying Crown Land boundaries and overlays with satellite imagery, allowing you to Scouting With Satellite Imagery in Ontario and plan your trip.
If you plan to hunt on private land, you must obtain permission from the landowner before stepping foot on their property. This isn't just a courtesy; it's the law. Many landowners are receptive to responsible hunters, especially if rabbits or hares are causing agricultural damage, but always ask first. For more information on accessing public and private land, explore topics like Hunting Ontario's Crown Land and Getting Private Land Permission in Ontario. Be mindful of municipal bylaws, especially near urban areas, as discharge of firearms may be prohibited in certain zones.
Processing Your Harvest and Enjoying the Reward
The hunt isn't truly over until your delicious wild game is on the table. Properly processing your rabbit or hare not only respects the animal but also ensures the meat is at its best. These small game animals offer some fantastic culinary opportunities.
Field Dressing and Skinning
As soon as you harvest a rabbit or hare, it’s best to field dress it immediately, especially if temperatures are mild. This helps cool the carcass and prevents bacteria from spoiling the meat. For rabbits and hares, field dressing is straightforward: make a small incision in the abdomen, being careful not to puncture the intestines, and remove all internal organs. Some hunters will also remove the head and feet at this stage to make transport easier. Place the dressed carcass in a breathable game bag, ideally something that protects it from dirt and flies while allowing air circulation.
Back at home or camp, skinning is relatively easy. Many hunters find that for rabbits, you can start by making an incision across the back, then grab the skin on either side and pull it off in opposite directions, almost like peeling a banana. For hares, the skin can be a bit tougher, but the principle is the same. Once skinned, remove any remaining fur, trim away any damaged meat, and cut the carcass into manageable pieces. Typically, this involves separating the front legs, hind legs, and saddle (backstraps). Rinse the pieces thoroughly in cold water and pat them dry. For more general advice on game care, consider Meat Care in Ontario's Warm Early Seasons, though rabbits are usually hunted in cooler weather.
Culinary Delights from the Bush
Rabbit and hare meat is lean, flavourful, and incredibly versatile. It’s often compared to chicken, but with a richer, more distinct taste. Because it’s so lean, it can dry out if overcooked, so slow-cooking methods or methods that keep the meat moist are often preferred.
Here are a few popular ways to enjoy your harvest:
- Braised Rabbit: This is a classic for a reason. Brown the rabbit pieces, then braise them slowly in a liquid like chicken broth, white wine, or even a hard cider, with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. The meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Fried Rabbit: For a quick and delicious meal, you can flour and pan-fry the pieces until golden brown. A buttermilk soak beforehand can help tenderize the meat and add flavour.
- Rabbit Stew or Chili: Rabbit meat is excellent in hearty stews or chili, absorbing the flavours of the broth and spices beautifully. It's a perfect meal for a cold winter night after a day in the bush.
- Rabbit Pot Pie: Shredded cooked rabbit meat can be a fantastic filling for a comforting pot pie, mixed with vegetables and a creamy sauce under a flaky crust.
Remember, the quality of your meal starts in the field with proper care of your harvest. With a little effort, rabbit and hare can become a seasonal favourite on your table, a delicious and rewarding conclusion to a day of hunting in Ontario's beautiful outdoors.
Disclaimer
Hunting is a challenging and rewarding activity that requires adherence to all provincial and federal regulations. This guide provides general information and should not be considered a substitute for the official Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary, which you must consult annually. Always prioritize safety, respect wildlife, and obtain proper licensing and permissions before hunting.
