A Guide to Hunting Rabbits With Beagles

Hunting rabbits with beagles can be a thrilling small-game pursuit. It combines high-energy excitement with the joy of partnering with a skilled and dedicated canine companion. A beagle's remarkable scent-trailing abilities and enthusiasm make it outstanding at flushing rabbits from the dense cover that humans will often miss. 

Let's explore tips on getting started hunting rabbits with beagles, including licenses, training, gear, and critical safety practices. 

Do You Need a License to Hunt Rabbits with Beagles?

First things first: make sure you have the proper licensing for a rabbit hunt with beagles.

Many states classify rabbits or hares as small game, which requires only a small game license. This makes hunting rabbits reasonably straightforward and accessible for residents, non-residents, and youth hunters.

But, never assume you can hunt rabbits without a license. Always check your state's regulations on bag limits, possession, public and private land access requirements, and the duration of the hunting season, including shooting hours. Some states also restrict the weapons that can be used to hunt rabbits, including shot size if you're using a shotgun.

These regulations are in place to sustainably manage rabbit populations and ensure ongoing hunting opportunities for future generations.

Why Beagles Are Ideal for Rabbit Hunting

Beagles were originally an English breed developed in the 16th century to hunt small game in packs. Today's American beagle weighs between 20 and 30 pounds and maintains its hunting instincts as a strong and energetic scent hound with outstanding tracking abilities. Its small stature allows it to move more easily through dense thickets and brush piles, where rabbits love to hide. 

However, beagles also tend to have individual strengths and weaknesses in tracking. Some excel at picking up fresh scents, while others can find and follow older trails and flush rabbits from harder-to-find hiding spots. 

Ideally, you can hunt with more than one beagle or have a beagle-owning hunting partner. This enables you to create a hunting pack that allows each dog's unique tracking abilities to contribute to the overall success of the hunt. 

How to Prepare Your Beagle for Hunting Rabbits

As with every hunting dog, a solid foundation in basic obedience creates the foundation for a successful hunting partner. Hunting for rabbits with dogs requires your beagle to be solid with commands like "here," "sit," "stay," "place," "release," and "heel" before taking the dog to the field.

Additionally, a bullet-proof recall command ("here" or "come") is mandatory. A beagle that won't return to you during a hunt creates a severe safety risk for the dog. 

Proof your basic obedience slowly, introducing minor distractions in a controlled setting. Make sure your beagle can still execute your desired commands in your yard, on walks, and in public settings. 

Once your dog is reliable with basic obedience commands, introduce rabbit-scented training aids to help with scent identification and tracking. Most beagles are born with the correct instincts for tracking and flushing rabbits. As handlers, our job is to communicate the behaviors we want the dog to exhibit and know when to get out of the dog's way. 

Maintain a consistent wellness routine with your veterinarian and ensure your dog stays hydrated during training and hunting. Don't forget to inspect your beagle for ticks when tick season arrives. 

What Gear Do You Need for Rabbit Hunting with Beagles?

Fortunately, you don't need to take a lot of equipment when you take your dog to the field to hunt rabbits. Here are a few items to gather before your hunt.

For the Hunter

Wear sturdy, comfortable boots and clothing that match the terrain and weather conditions. If your state mandates that you wear safety colors during the season, or if you're hunting rabbits during deer season, wear an orange vest or cap. 

Many rabbit hunters prefer a 20-gauge shotgun with an Improved Cylinder (IC) choke loaded with 3-inch shells of #5 or #6 shot. This gives you a lightweight, easily maneuverable shotgun with plenty of knockdown power for rabbits. 

Carry a game bag or wear an upland game vest to carry rabbits. Keep a small fixed blade or folding knife on you for field dressing, and consider using nitrile gloves when processing the rabbit to protect your hands from contaminants. Multi-tools are becoming more popular because the blade works well on small game, and the pliers help remove thorns and burrs from your dog. 

And, of course, always carry a small first-aid kit to handle any minor medical issues in the field.

For Your Hunting Dog

Invest in a GPS-tracking collar that lets your dog work off-leash but still allows you to track its movements. Keep a 6-foot leash handy if you need to actively restrain your dog and keep him in control.

Carry water and a canine first-aid kit for your dog to ensure you and your four-legged partner can stay in the field as long as you'd like. 

I also recommend creating a list of veterinarians and emergency animal clinics near your hunting spots. Keep this handy on your phone (notes or contacts) and on paper in your vehicle's glove box. 

Strategies for Hunting Rabbits with Beagles

What's the best approach to a successful rabbit hunt with your dog? Here are a few strategies to help your hunt.

Working with Your Beagle

Start by locating the edges of thick cover where rabbits like to feed and rest. Then, let your beagle take the lead to find the rabbit's scent and start tracking. Over time, you'll learn to read your dog's behavior to know when it's on a cold trail versus "rabbity." 

Once your beagle is working a piece of cover, strategically position yourself near the rabbit's likely escape routes so you have a clear shot without endangering your dog. 

Understanding Rabbit Behavior

Part of the fun of rabbit hunting is that you can often get more than one shot at a rabbit.

Rabbits tend to flush, run in a large circle, and return to their original hiding spot. Be patient and let your beagle do the work of chasing the rabbit back to you. 

Hunting in Teams

Beagles are pack hunters and perform better when working with other dogs. Using more than one beagle allows you to cover more ground, effectively pressure rabbits to flush, and improve your chances of success. 

Safety and Ethics in Rabbit Hunting

The most critical part of any hunt with dogs is to be constantly aware of every dog's location. If you don't know where your dog is when you can take a shot at a rabbit, don't shoot. A rabbit for the pot is never worth a dog's life.

Even if state law doesn't require you to wear blaze orange during rabbit season, consider wearing it anyway if you're hunting with a partner. You each want to easily spot each other and know where everyone is in relation to the dogs and your possible shooting lanes. You may even want to consider blaze orange for your dog to help it be more visible and stand out from the rabbits they flush out of the brush.

Follow your state's daily bag and possession limits for rabbits, and also look for any regulations on the use of dogs during hunting season.  

Respect property boundaries and obtain a landowner's permission before accessing private property. 

Stay Safe and Have Fun When Hunting Rabbits with a Beagle

Beagles are hardwired hunting hounds. Their tracking instincts, unwavering determination, and high energy make them outstanding rabbit-hunting partners. 

Before you take your beagle to the field, make sure you are prepared with the right equipment, training, and safety gear to enjoy successful hunts.

Your training should start with a hunter safety course. The online courses we offer here at ilearntohunt are tailored to your state's requirements and provide the essential skills necessary to ethically and safely take to the field and enjoy many hunting seasons. Plus, it's a fun way to learn!

Learn the safety essentials you need before your next hunt. Choose the course for your state and start learning!