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Tips For Snow Country

by William Scott :: Featured: February, 2003

Lately here in upstate New York, it has been very cold in the teens and we have had a good snowfall. It has made for some hard rabbit hunting. I don't let this stop me, but it does slow me down a bit. I know most of you are saying to yourself "he must be some kind of wimp" No that is not the reason. Actually there are a few factors. If you hunt in an area that has snowfall and lower temperatures, you would already know these. But if you are new to this, hunting in snow and cold wheather. Here are some tips for you.

My Beagle is approximately 71/2" high to her chest, when the snow out in the field is this deep or deeper she has a very hard time plowing through it, and tires her out fast. It also can make a dog get colder and uncomfortable. Needless to say if the dog can't keep on the trail you are not going to have good day hunting. What I usually do is wait a few days until there is a good crust on the snow, one that is strong enough to support the dog's weight. Yes they still have spots that they go through the crust, so when hunting I keep a good eye on the dogs paws, to make sure they don't get cut up. This crust can cut their paw pads. I fine that working small area is best, if you don't get any in one area move on to another. This give you a chance to check there paw and get warmed up for the next spot.

I have also found that when the temperatures are very cold the rabbits tend to sit tight to their holes. In other words your dog might start on a track, but it might not go to far before the rabbit hops into its hole.

I think about an old friend of mine, he always said, "Take good care of that Beagle and that Beagle will give you many years of enjoyment."

Remember rabbit hunting is suppose to be enjoyable and fun, so if your having a bad day. Don't worry about it, tomorrow will be better.

Take care of yourself, take care of that Beagle, and have a good rabbit season.