Hare Rabbit

Outdoors Magazine

Vermont --(Ammoland.com)- Hares have an interesting place in the English language.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Mad as a March hare” and wondered where it came from?

March is the breeding season for hares, thus their odd behavior of boxing and jumping during this time of year.

This is not a new phenomenon, and the earliest written testament to it was circa 1500, in Blowbol’s Test reprinted by W. C. Hazlitt in Remains Early Popular Poetry of England, 1864.

It states, “Thanne [th]ey begyn to swere and to stare, And be as braynles as a Marshe hare.”

In hunting circles, the phrase derived from a male hare’s (bucks) tendency to travel several miles to breed with a female (doe) during the month of March. When a hunter’s dog would disturb the buck, he would return to his home area miles away with the dog often in pursuit.

This meant the hunters would either lose their dog or have to travel miles to find it.

The phrase “hare-brained” refers to the same behavior. This is also old and is referenced in Edward Hall’s Chronicle, 1548: “My desire is that none of you be so unadvised or harebrained [sic] as to be the occasion that …”

Other interesting facts about hares include that the rabbit in Bambi named Thumper derived its name from a female hares’ tendencies with her young. Hares do not live in the ground like cottontails, so they have their young above ground and the babies (leverets) spread out to hide so that if one is discovered by a predator it will not find the entire clutch. When it is time for the young to nurse, the mother hare will “thump” her back foot rapidly to call them in to feed.

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Arizona Offers Extensive Hunting For Deer, Javelina, Quail, Duck & Rabbit

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Now that we’re into the new year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to remind sportsmen and women that January offers a wide variety of hunting opportunities.

Getting back into the field can help you burn off some of those holiday treats as well.

The recent winter cold fronts provide the perfect conditions for hunting deer, javelina, ducks, geese, quail and rabbits.

Deer: Archery-only deer season runs through Jan. 31 with open areas throughout the state allowing the harvest of any antlered mule or white-tailed deer. Nonpermit-tags are required and can be purchased over-the-counter from Game and Fish or any license dealer.

Javelina: Archery-only javelina season runs through Jan. 20 and hunters have two options for a tag. Nonpermit-tags for metro and outlying units are available for purchase over-the-counter from Game and Fish and any license dealer. Additionally, leftover permit-tags for a number of surrounding units around the state are available from Game and Fish offices on a first-come, first-served basis.

Quail: Open through Feb. 6, Gambel’s quail populations are healthy in many of their traditional areas. Now is the time of the year when smaller family groups gather into larger coveys. Finding these coveys might take some extra walking, but the reward should be worth it.

Ducks: The mountain zone closes Jan. 16, but desert zone hunters have through Jan. 30. With the recent cold snaps, this is the time to get after ducks. Mapping out your quail hunting trips around tanks, water holes, streams, and river corridors can be very productive. To get the full duck hunting experience, put on some waders, throw out a dozen decoys and watch the skies for ducks on cupped wings.

Rabbits: The year-long season is good for cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits. Hunting for these wary creatures is fun, challenging, and never-ending excitement – not to mention they are both good in the cook pot.

Start the New Year off getting some exercise and taking part in an American tradition – go hunting.

For big game hunting information on deer and javelina, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw

For quail, rabbit and duck hunting information, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting.

Rabbit Hunting Image: Gameandfishmag.com

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(AmmoLand.com)- The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the rabbit hunting season has been extended by approximately two weeks to Saturday, Feb. 27.

This extension comes as the result of a new regulation that will end Delaware’s rabbit season each year on the last day of February or the last Saturday of the February if the month ends on a Sunday.

“Division staff conducted a careful review of the biological data,” said Wildlife Section Administrator Greg Moore. “It was concluded that the season extension would not adversely affect the state’s rabbit population.”

With deer hunting seasons expanding in recent years, rabbit hunters have lost opportunities to pursue their sport. Some public lands are closed to rabbit hunters during deer seasons and some private lands have also become unavailable due to conflicts with deer hunting. This season extension will bring back some of the rabbit hunting opportunities lost in recent years.

For more information, please contact Ken Reynolds, Wildlife Section, at 302-735-3600.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(AmmoLand.com)- The small game hunting seasons in West Virginia began Oct. 10 with the opening of squirrel season.

“Squirrel season is very popular with many West Virginia sportsmen,” said Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

“It is a time when hunters can participate in one of their favorite sports and also enjoy the fall beauty of the mountain state.”

• · Squirrel – The above-average hickory and walnut crop in 2008 resulted in good over-winter squirrel survival and good reproduction in 2009. A recent mast survey conducted by DNR indicates that statewide, oak, hickory, and walnut production this summer was significantly lower than last year. Squirrels will be concentrated in areas that have mast available. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six.
• · Ruffed Grouse – The ruffed grouse season opened Oct. 17 and closes Feb. 28, 2010. Brood counts for ruffed grouse were higher in the mountains and southern regions of the state when compared to 2008 brood numbers. Unfortunately, they were lower in the Eastern Panhandle, central and northern regions. Grouse hunters should look for areas that provide ample cover and soft mast species such as grape, hawthorn, dogwood and greenbrier. Mast survey results indicate that these species did not produce as well this summer as in 2008. The daily bag limit for grouse is four.
• · Raccoon – Hunting season for raccoons opened Oct. 17and will continue through Feb. 28, 2010. Favorable mast conditions in recent years have allowed raccoon populations to increase. Food sources are not as plentiful this year as in recent seasons. However, hunters and their hounds should still have a very successful season. Raccoon hunters are reminded that the daily bag limit is four.
• · Cottontail rabbit and other small game species – Opening day of cottontail rabbit season is Nov. 7. Rabbit populations are expected to be higher than last year. Old fields and brushy pastures are the best habitat types in which to pursue cottontails. Snowshoe hare, bobwhite quail, bobcat, red fox and gray fox hunting seasons also open Nov. 7. Hunters should be aware of daily bag limits and season possession limits for each species.
• · Trapping seasons – Nov. 7 also marks the opening of trapping season for fur bearing animals in West Virginia. Populations of beaver, bobcat, fox, mink and raccoon are good, and trappers should be very successful. Trappers are reminded that season closing dates vary for the different species.

For more complete information on season dates and bag limits, consult the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations brochure available at all hunting and fishing license agents, DNR District Offices and the DNR Web site, www.wvdnr.gov.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

“The state’s ring-necked pheasant population has been stable for the last several years, and this year should show some good opportunities for sportsmen,” said Nathan Stricker, project leader with the division’s Olentangy Wildlife Research Station.

Although 2009 started with a cool, wet spring, mild summer temperatures and moderate precipitation provided for good conditions during the nesting season, noted Stricker.

Conditions have been good in areas of the state where habitat is plentiful. Private lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program have been very important to supporting upland game populations. Williams and Defiance counties in northwest Ohio have strong pheasant populations because of the habitat contributions by local landowners. Upland game populations are responding positively to habitat programs in other areas around the state, especially in counties with significant enrollment in Scioto CREP and CP33 Quail Buffer practices.

Cottontail rabbit hunting continues through February 28, 2010. Ring-necked pheasant hunting is open through January 10, 2010. Both seasons are closed during the statewide 2009 deer-gun hunting season, November 30 through December 6, as well as the extra weekend of deer-gun hunting December 19-20.

Rabbits, pheasants and quail may be hunted from sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit for all three species remains unchanged from last year at four rabbits, two pheasants (roosters/males only) and four quail.

Hunters are reminded that snowshoe hares are not legal game in Ohio and may not be taken. Recently reintroduced to northeastern Ohio after nearly a century of absence, snowshoe hares are brown early in the season, resembling cottontail rabbits. To avoid confusion between cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares, portions of Geauga and Ashtabula counties will be closed to all rabbit hunting from November 6 through December 6. The coats of most hares will have turned white by early December, allowing for proper distinction.

There are two restricted zones that cover portions of Geauga and Ashtabula counties. The first restricted area encompasses parts of Geauga and Ashtabula counties and is bordered by U.S. Route 6 to the north, U.S. Route 322 to the south, Kile Road to the west, and State Route 534 to the east. The second restricted area is in Ashtabula County bounded on the north by Cork-Cold Springs Road, on the west by Windsor-Mechanicsville Road, on the south by New Hudson Road and on the east by U.S. Route 45. A map of these two areas can be viewed in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and on the Internet at wildohio.com.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife releases pheasants on selected public hunting areas throughout the state prior to opening day of the pheasant season, the second Saturday of the season and Thanksgiving Day. Hunters may call 1-800-WILDLIFE for locations of specific release sites.

Bobwhite quail hunting is limited to 16 counties in southern Ohio: Adams, Athens, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Highland, Jackson, Meigs, Montgomery, Pike, Preble, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Warren. The season continues through November 29.

Additional hunting information is contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting Regulations brochure, which is available where hunting licenses are sold, on the Internet at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on waterproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ —-(AmmoLand.com)- Cooler temperatures signals that fall is finally here, and Friday, Oct. 2 marks the opening day for quail (Gambel’s and scaled) and tree squirrel hunting.

To add to the fun, rabbit season for cottontails and jackrabbits is open all year round.

All of these species offer affordable, healthy outdoor recreation, exciting hunting pursuits, and dandy table-fare.

Equipment needed to hunt this quarry is minimal, requiring a general hunting license, a shotgun (.410- to 12-gauge), plenty of No. 7 ½ or 6’s upland shot shells, and a good pair of boots. Young hunters 13 and under (when accompanied by a licensed adult) do not need a hunting license.

Each species is a challenging quarry and hunting them will take you to just about anywhere you would like to go in Arizona – a great excuse for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Quail and rabbit can be hunted in the open spaces of the lower desert up to the rolling hills of scrub oaks and manzanita bush of the mid-level desert. Squirrel hunting is your passport to the towering ponderosa pine forests of the mountain region, during a time when leaves are changing and the air is crisp.

For hunting tips, seasonal outlooks, hunting dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting and choose “small game outlook.”

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ —-(AmmoLand.com)- The overall outlook for small game this year is ‘good’ — not great and not bad – but good. And, that’s good, because in Arizona we are blessed with an incredible array of wildlife species to hunt in the fall. Even if one species isn’t flourishing, there are others that offer challenging pursuit.

Squirrel and rabbit hunting offer the brightest lights in the forecast, with Gambel’s quail coming up a little short this year. With that said, dedicated and resourceful quail hunters will still find some areas where populations are doing well by keying in on seasonal rainfall information and be able to have productive hunts. Scaled quail should be fair to average, which is enough to make the trip south worthwhile.

Mearns’ quail this year won’t measure up to the back-to-back “very good” seasons we had. However, the rolling grasslands and drainages in southern Arizona should still offer some decent hunting for one of the most unique quail species. One thing for certain, a trip down south offers a mixed bag of opportunities for dove, rabbit, and possibly another species of quail – maybe all three.

Another potentially bright light is waterfowl season, which starts Oct. 9 (mountain zone). Duck numbers are up in the Pacific Flyway, and Utah has reported a strong local population. If an early cold winter hits the northern states, Arizona could see plenty of migrating ducks in our waters.

As the season progresses, late season dove opens on Nov. 20 and it should not disappoint. As the desert begins to green up from the fall moisture, desert water tanks should become productive hunting spots.

For hunting tips, seasonal outlooks, hunting dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting and choose “small game outlook.”

Happy hunting, and be safe.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX - -(OutdoorWire.com)- Bird lovers: Forget the turkey. The day after Thanksgiving is the Mearns’ quail hunting season opener.

“This will probably be one of the best Mearns’ seasons in my lifetime,” Randy Babb, an ardent quail hunter and the Information and Education Program Manager for the Game and Fish Department’s Mesa regional office.

Nov. 28 kicks off a season that looks to be one that will go down in the record books report Game and Fish biologists. Last year’s season (2007-08) was one of the best in years; combine that with all the well-timed seasonal rains this summer and the result should provide superb back-to-back seasons.

“The amount of coveys we encountered last year on any given day of hunting was easily in the double digits, depending on how long we hunted,” said Babb.

Babb says the rainfall that came in spring and summer of 2008 should provide all the ingredients for excellent reproduction from the healthy holdover populations of last season.

“Hunters should keep their eyes open for cottontails while they hunt the rolling scrub-oak covered grasslands in southern Arizona,” adds Babb. “Their numbers are up due to the excellent conditions and they make a tasty addition to any quail dinner.”

The season runs from Nov. 28, 2008 until Feb. 8, 2009. The daily bag limit for this challenging polka-dotted game bird is eight. A general hunting license is required for hunters 14 and older. Hunters are reminded that a 2009 license is required to hunt beginning Jan. 1, 2009. Licenses are available at all department offices and over 300 license dealers statewide. The 2008-09 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations can be found at www.azgfd.gov/rules.

The southern Arizona country where Mearns’ inhabit will be very active this time of the year with other outdoor enthusiasts including rifle deer season. Hunters are encouraged to wear “hunter orange” when taking to the field to make their presence visible to all other users in the field.

For more information about small game hunting, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting under the small game outlook.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

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