Jack rabbits

[rhinokrk]

Any gracious hunters out there willing to give up a good spot? Me and a buddy haven't gone in 20 years, are looking to go early May (not the best time I know, but with life lately it's the only time available). If you don't want all of UCC knowing about it please PM me, the location will not be forwarded with out your permission. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless, Kent

[Wolfman]

Just about any place you can go that has sage brush. BUT... the closer you are to ANY town (even a miniscule one), the fewer you will find. If you're willing to drive farther, you'll find them.

A few spots I've done are west on I-80 out toward Delle, out around Cedar Fort, and around the Pony Express Trail. As long as you aren't near a town, or where other people hang out a lot.

Despite the idea of rabbits breeding faster than anything can control, but I have watched one area myself go from "lotsa bunnies" to "good luck finding a bunny" from being over-hunted, even when the state was supposedly in the peak of the rabbit cycle.

[rhinokrk]

Thanks Wolf, we went out towards Delle late last year and didn't see one. Might have been a bit close to the freeway though we were only a few miles off I-80 though.

[FrankenHollow]

Jack Rabbits are on a massive decline in Northern Utah and the West Desert.

They're over-hunted, over-predated, harassed to all [auto-filtered] by ATV riders, and poisoned by ranchers.

There really isn't a "good" spot left anywhere north of Filmore (that's accessible).


When I was a kid, we used to go out hunting from mid-day to midnight. We would routinely bag 200-300 rabbits per person, per day, no matter where we went. Now... I saw 4 rabbits last year (the whole year - a year that had me covering nearly the entire state in my hunting/fishing/camping/shooting travels). The worst part, though, is that that's 2 more than I saw in 2010. And, out of all my trips this year, I've seen one rabbit....

[one4freedom]

Super plentiful by Cedar City. We spotlight down there on a farm (with Sheriff's permission) and usually get about 70 - 80 in about 4 hours.

[Paul]

I went out towards Park Valley this winter and we only saw a handful. Didn't bother last year cause i couldn't find anyone that had seen any. Wish I knew a spot....

[My Trigger Guard]

Rabbit hunting is one of my favorite activities but I havent been for quite some time, no time. I remember when utah lake area used to be a good time, now I wouldnt even bother going out there for that.

I have yet to find a new good spot to go thats not a monster drive away from SLC, but I have not spent much time looking either really.

So I am all ears on hearing good success locations for I might try to work one in this year. Its just too bad that 90% of the rabbits dealt with are pretty much off limits to eating becuase of Hanta Virus just not worth the risk. I am told though that if its been below freezing for 3 months and if its a cotton tail or snow hair your okay. Idunno seems like a waste but just not worth the risk, wish it wasnt though rabbit properly prepared is good eating.

I actualy just got back last week from a pig hunt, came back with about 230 lbs of meat. Was a sweet time, if anyone wants to see some pics pm me for a download link or perhaps if enough requests I guess I can make a thread on it.

[rhinokrk]

Thanks everybody for the comments.

I'm not very familiar with Cedar City area, and that's a bit of a clip considering.

Trigger Guard, definitely start a post about you pig hunt. My buddy has been thinking about that as well.

[one4freedom]

Thanks everybody for the comments.

I'm not very familiar with Cedar City area, and that's a bit of a clip considering.

Trigger Guard, definitely start a post about you pig hunt. My buddy has been thinking about that as well.

Understandable. My buddy moved down there, so it's an excuse to visit him. Our best night was 124 rabbits from about 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM. It's hard to go back to stomping around sage brush in the day now where I am lucky to get 1-2 in a few hours.

[UnderratedF00l]

I've always had good luck just west of Delta. Not 100+ in a day, but usually between 20 and 50ish if we spend a full day.

[RoccoRacer]

Jack rabbits hunting is the only hunting I have ever done. It was down in Wayne County on some family property, and we shot probably 20 in an hour, with a Sig 2340.

[B Cart]

[Our best night was 124 rabbits from about 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM. It's hard to go back to stomping around sage brush in the day now where I am lucky to get 1-2 in a few hours.

That sounds like a blast!!! I've always stomped around in sage brush, but it sounds like I need to give spotlighting them a try!

[knayrb]

Not to give away my specific spot but around Yost can be good in some areas and not so good in others. It's amazing that 1 mile makes the difference from shooting 20 or non at all. Unfortunately others are starting to find my favorite spot.

Also if you find rabbits you will be in around coyotes. Don't hunt coyotes across the fence in Idaho. You need a permit there. Shotguns (20 gauge or larger) are most successful in tall sage brush. Jacks run when you get within 25+ yards. Cottontails freeze until you just about step on them. Cottontails have a hunting season and I've been checked by rangers twice this year. Know the difference and only jack rabbits are not protected. Obey the law and have fun.

[rhinokrk]

Thank you gentlemen.
I'm honestly surprised at the leads you have given. Thank you again.

God Bless,
Kent