Anyone got any late season rabbit hunting tips?

[SmallGameStalker]

I've been going rabbit hunting at state rec. areas for about a month of weekends now. Except for the first time at Bald Mountain, where I jumped two rabbits, I haven't seen anything except tracks in the snow, droppings, and burrows. I don't own a dog, so I'm left with tracking and stalking the rabbits, and kicking any brush pile or patch of cover that I find. However, I'm not even finding rabbits to miss shooting at.

Usually I go hunting starting in the late afternoon and continue on until the close of hunting hours listed in the DNR Hunting and Trapping Guide. What time of day and/or weather conditions are best to get the bunnies moving about outside of their burrows or hiding spots?

Thanks,

[rabbit whacker]

We have been doing well lately with big brush piles. I am hunting private land though and built up numerous large brush piles. Seems like they are getting pretty "smart" lately. We hunt the same 20 acres pretty much exclusively. Have taken close to 30 rabbits off it alone.

[Bill-Yee]

I agree with rabbit wacker, the bunnies are a lot smarter at the end of the season, especially on state land where you could have had other hunters there just hours ahead of you. I hunt private land and I swear the rabbits know where my dogs can and can't get through the fences, and piles by the end of the year.

I have always had better luck in the morning than in the evening in my area anyway (southern lower), I don't know if this is an option for you or not.

[Robert W. McCoy Jr]

Most state land spots are pounded pretty hard by hunters and predators this time of year.

[wild bill]

i usually have good luck in the mornings when the sun is up and starting to warm. most of the time i will find them sitting in the sun right tight to cover.

[Huntsman27]

Most state land spots are pounded pretty hard by hunters and predators this time of year.
I have had my lab out to Lapeer and hunted a lot of different spots. I have had shots at only 2, missed one and killed one. Sure doesnt seem like theres many around. However, it beats sitting home.

[SmallGameStalker]

Thanks for all the advice everybody, I really appreciate it.

I went hunting this morning on state land in Monroe County. I saw deer and squirrel tracks everywhere in the snow, some raccoon tracks by the creeks as well. I checked every patch of cover and brush pile that I saw, but only found some rabbit burrows and some droppings. Next time I'll check those places at first light and maybe I'll get a chance at some rabbits. :)

I saw some crows, and took a few shots at them, but they were out of range (I suspect they knew that before I did :lol:)

I also saw a bluebird out there; it's been years since I've seen one, and I was very glad for the opportunity.

[CrazyJ]

I've been going rabbit hunting at state rec. areas for about a month of weekends now. Except for the first time at Bald Mountain, where I jumped two rabbits, I haven't seen anything except tracks in the snow, droppings, and burrows. I don't own a dog, so I'm left with tracking and stalking the rabbits, and kicking any brush pile or patch of cover that I find. However, I'm not even finding rabbits to miss shooting at.

Ive been doing the same thing every weekend since october. Got 1 squirrel and no bunnys. I pretty much just go out now to enjoy nature, get some exercise and get out of the house. I missed a rabbit last weekend, but I was so suprised to see one that i didnt even get a shot off before it was out of sight. Oh well.

[Ken]

I've found that my pet cougar does a much better job at rabbits that my black lab. He really finds it quite enjoyable. I try various areas of the state depending on snow depth, etc. Kind of funny how the "sightings" reports appear in the same areas I hunted the day before. :yikes:

[SmallGameStalker]

Ive been doing the same thing every weekend since october. Got 1 squirrel and no bunnys. I pretty much just go out now to enjoy nature, get some exercise and get out of the house. I missed a rabbit last weekend, but I was so suprised to see one that i didnt even get a shot off before it was out of sight. Oh well.

CrazyJ, I'm right there with you, I bagged one squirrel on state land up North early in the season (it was my second time hunting, ever) but since then I've only seen a couple of rabbits. Well there's still more time in this small game season, I'm hoping for some luck yet. :coolgleam