The American Beagler Forum

I was wondering if rabbits were rutting this time of year? I know they have like 3-4 litters a year (or I think), but I didn't know when they usually rut.

My father in law, a friend of ours, and myself have been running the hounds quite a bit. We've noticed in the last week or so that when we jump a rabbit they're usually at least two together. Maybe it's just luck but I was wondering if they may be mating this time of year? We have been having some nice races as well. They aren't wanting to hole.

I hope everyone is having a good season. We have killed 25-30 rabbits so far. Nothing to brag about but decent for two older dogs and two pups. I like how my female pup is coming along. She has really started to figure things out. The hounds are pretty run down as well. Might need to give them a couple days off. I probably won't run much during late muzzle load season. Should give them plenty of time to rest up.

There's an old saying..."As mad as a March hare".

Prime breeding season.

not sure where u are ,but they are not in tenn/ dont have to worry about that till late feb. usually march for sure.

They are here. Last year mid/late Feb killed does with little ones in them. Unseasonably warm temps, low 70s.
Come Run

sometimes female rabbits will hang out together. if u jump one and he goes to the next farm and takes the dogs it could be a buck in rutt that came in from another neighborhood. buck rabbits will travel when rutting.

John matacia wrote:sometimes female rabbits will hang out together. if u jump one and he goes to the next farm and takes the dogs it could be a buck in rutt that came in from another neighborhood. buck rabbits will travel when rutting.

Killed 3 rabbits yesterday and they were all bucks.

Last week before the cold nasty weather came. My dogs would jump two different rabbits setting close together happened about a dozen times in three days don't no If they was breeding or what.. All I no most of them want be breeding any more..

hope there not thinking its spring here-
nice out this am but forcast for tomoro--

Mostly cloudy, with a low around -7. Wind chill values as low as -22. Northwest wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
Thursday Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 5. West wind 9 to 13 mph.
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The weather was perfect for running this morning. We got an inch or two of snow over the night. Unfortunately, I'm at work... Lol!