How to Hunt Rabbits in Arkansas
- 1). Purchase a small game hunting license from a sporting goods store in Arkansas. The small game license qualifies you for rabbit, squirrel and quail.
- 2). Obtain a legal rabbit-hunting weapon for the state of Arkansas. Hunters must use rifles at a .22 or smaller caliber, muzzleloaders at a .40 or smaller caliber and shotguns without slugs. Shotguns with birdshot are common and effective for rabbit hunting.
- 3). Locate large rabbit populations by focusing on food-rich areas with cover for hiding. Areas with a mixture or brush, forests and croplands are ideal for food and cover. Obtain permission to hunt the edge of private crops from the landowner or concentrate on the closest tract of public lands.
- 4). Walk a crooked line and kick brush as you walk. Walk slowly and maintain focus on the ground for rabbits. Also look for tracks and scat to find a rabbit hole. Make a disturbance as you walk to scare rabbits out of hiding and present a shot opportunity.
- 5). Use a pack of beagles to locate and chase rabbits. Allow the beagles to engage in a chase but remain close to the point where the rabbit was first located. The rabbit will eventually circle back to the starting point and be exposed for a shot.
- 6). Work the bottom land crop areas hard during the fall harvest and move your efforts toward the heavy cover throughout the winter. The typical Arkansas rabbit season begins in September and ends in February.
- 7). Stop hunting once you reach the bag limit for the current year. The bag limit is always subject to change but eight daily and 16 in possession is normal.