Anyone have experience hunting Showshoe Hares without the aid of dogs - and with success? If anyone has, I'd love to hear about it. I plan on heading out this week with my posse (me, myself and I) to see if I can scare up (or sneak up on) one or two of them. I'll be using a .410/.22LR shotgun/rifle combo. So, should I spy one of the little, black-eyed buggers, if running or sitting, I should be able to dispatch 'em well enough. It's just finding them is the problem. (Yes, I know. That's why it's called hunting.) But, once again, if anyone has any tips to share regards successfully hunting hares w/o hounds, I'd be most eager in hearing them. Anyone?
msj
__________________ "I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam!" (Popeye the Sailor)
I don't know anyone that hunts hares with hounds here , we still hunt thickets , as the snow piles up we kick them out of blow downs ,or willows that the snow has bent down. The really easy hunts come in the fall when the leaves are down and the ground is still brown, the white hares are at a real disadvantage. Not only is this the easiest hunt but the hares are in great shape, meat quality is at it best and the numbers are at their highest level of the year. Later in the year we have pushed hares to waiting standers [great for the first few hunts for youngsters] , one needs to be very careful of safety , but we've done this for years with no problems.
Alex
It seems what you advise is pretty much what I hear from other sources as well. Thanks for your post. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. However, another question if I may. Other than whenever one can, is there a optimal or "best" time to hunt hares? You know, like early morning, late afternoon or, again, whenever?
msj
__________________ "I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam!" (Popeye the Sailor)
I am spoiled to hunting cotton tails in south Texas. Down there, we just walk the brush lines and fence lines early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Fun stuff.
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Dedicated to SwedeSteve, Arkansashunter and Ezearln. Rest in peace my friends.
Very early in the morning is the best. Snowshoes will seek a little high ground to "sun" themselves, while using the elevation to watch their surroundings. High wind is a killer. Hunt with the sun at your back, and move slowly. I have taken Snowshoes as far out at 75 yds with a 22 and as close as 5 ft with the 410 barrel on the run. I hunt Snowshoes ON snowshoes, and on CC skis. It's awesome !! Good luck. Post some pics when you score !!
__________________ I keep tellin ya Doc, I'm in pretty good shape considerin the shape I'm in !!
ive never shot an actual hare but i shoot alot of jackrabbits and cotton tails i never use dogs i use a 22 you just have to be quick and when you see them move shoot i dont know if hares are any different but thats how ive always hunted
__________________ spur hard, shoot straight, party hardy!
If I may hijack for a minute. I am planning to start hunting rabbits this spring and was wandering what guns you are using? Brand, gauge/caliber, configuration?
Yes Steve is right early morning or the last 45 min at the end of the day have the most action,but with a little work hunting all day can provide action.
I use a S&W 22 cal pistol most of the time, if I'm really out to put meat in the freezer the ruger 10 22 comes out. I only use shotguns if we're taking hares for trapping bait, I just don't like picking BBs,a head shot with the 22 makes a clean quick kill and an easy cleaning job.
Alex
