Selecting the right rabbit traps (and, more importantly, knowing where to put them) will not only help you increase your rabbit harvest, but it will also limit incidents of distress and capturing non-target species.
Let's dive into everything you need to know about how to trap rabbits, including locating them, trap types, seasons, and legality.
What Is The Easiest Way to Trap a Rabbit?
The most straightforward setup is a small live-catch box trap sized for rabbits, placed along a well-used rabbit run or feeding area. Place the trap in an area with some vegetation and cover to limit exposure and take advantage of natural camouflage. When handling the trap, always use neutral gloves to reduce the impact of human scent.
Lay a short bait trail into the trap, and place your main rabbit bait at the back to limit obstructions and ensure the rabbit fully enters the trap. If it's legal in your area, you can free-feed bait for a couple of days before setting up traps. This way, rabbits will begin to associate your bait site with food, which can help boost your capture rates.
When selecting a trap, opt for humane, ready-made models; don't improvise and make dangerous devices. Always test each trap to ensure it functions properly before you set it up.
Can You Legally Trap Rabbits?
The legality of rabbit trapping depends on where you hunt. Some states allow trapping rabbits as a pest or nuisance animal, or under a small-game classification. Other states may restrict trapping, require licenses, or ban possession or transport without a permit.
Always check your state and local regulations, focusing primarily on hunting versus nuisance trapping and rules for private and public land. For example, in California, rabbits are classified as small game mammals for hunting.
To avoid confusion, contact your relevant state wildlife agency to confirm specific licensing requirements and regulations on nuisance trapping.
Is Trapping Rabbits Legal in Every State?
Legality and permissible methods vary by state. Some states allow trapping for nuisance control with few restrictions, and others require permits or licenses. Some states also prohibit the relocation and possession of live wild animals.
States also differentiate between hunting small game, which is subject to seasons and bag limits, and nuisance trapping, which is subject to different rules with typically fewer restrictions. Always verify with your state wildlife agency for the most accurate, up-to-date regulations.
When Is Rabbit Trapping Season?
Rabbit trapping seasons vary by state, though they typically open in late summer or fall and run through winter. The seasons are long, and some states may have year-round nuisance rules to help control rabbit populations.
Consult the websites of your local Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Game Commission for seasonal windows, and be sure to check the correct year and dates.
What Traps Are Best for Rabbits?
Standard single- and double-door live-catch cage traps are an ideal choice for rabbit trapping. The traps should be appropriately sized for rabbits and include a trip-plate trigger mechanism. Wooden tube or long box-style traps designed for rabbits or groundhogs work well when placed strategically along narrow runways.
Avoid foothold or body-grip traps, unless you are a permitted fur trapper and those traps are legal in your area.
What Bait Works for Rabbit Traps?
Rabbits are herbivores, so consider apple slices, lettuce, and brassica (e.g., Brussels sprouts) for rabbit bait. A little diced carrot at the entrance and back of the trap will also get the job done.
When setting rabbit bait, I like to think about what's nearby and most closely related to the food rabbits want. If you're rabbit trapping near a sprout field, then sprouts are a great choice.
Commercial pellets can work well, as can a touch of apple cider or apple essence. No matter your rabbit bait, use a small trail of it leading into the trap, and place the largest pieces at the far end so the animal enters fully. You should provide enough bait to sustain the rabbit until your next trap check.
