Hunting Small Game in the Snow [A Guide]

Hunting small game in the snow can help you improve your tracking skills and hunting techniques, and it opens the door to new possibilities between hunting seasons. Whether you're pursuing squirrels or exploring winter rabbit hunting, we'll show you how to make the most of your cold-weather small game hunts.

What Small Game Can You Hunt in the Snow?

The snowy season is an excellent time to hunt quail, pheasants, grouse, cottontail rabbits, hares, and squirrels—or even iguanas, if you live in an area where they are present. They are all fun to chase, and doing so can extend your hunting season.

Here in the Midwest, many hunters will be going after rabbits and pheasants. With plenty of agricultural fields, small wood lots, timber edges, and tall brushy grasses, there are lots of places for these animals to call home.

Though pheasants seem to be making a comeback, their numbers are usually low in Iowa, and many hunters struggle to hunt them. However, I am hopeful: as I talk to Iowa hunters, it seems people are finding more pheasant hunting success in this state. Nebraska and South Dakota are the Midwest meccas for pheasants, and many people have good luck hunting them there.

How Do You Find Rabbits in the Snow?

As winter months creep in, snow can make finding small game much easier for hunters. While the general population tends to dislike the challenges of winter weather, fresh snow can be like a piece of paper for animals to write their story and for hunters to read.

To improve your luck with winter rabbit hunting, look for new tracks right after a fresh snow, and you will more than likely find yourself up close and personal with your game of choice. The footprints or scat left behind will indicate that these animals were there recently, and you will be able to find their hiding spots more quickly.

Do Squirrels Come Out in the Snow?

If you are squirrel hunting in snow, know that these creatures are out there—but you may have to look a little harder than you did back in the fall. Squirrels typically stay close to their dens during the colder months and at certain times of day. 

For the best time to hunt squirrels, wait to chase them until you either get a warm front moving in or until the warmer parts of the day.

What is the Best Time for Hunting Small Game in the Snow?

When hunting small game in the winter, focus on peak feeding times in the early morning and late afternoon, and seek out animals after new snowfall when tracks and movement are more visible. Animals often stay hidden on cold, windy days; prioritize mild, calm days, when they tend to be more active. 

HuntWise and the HuntCast feature can also help you determine the best times to hunt small game during colder months.

How Do You Track Small Game?

As you're tracking small game, know how to identify the footprints of different animals, and be ready to interpret what those prints reveal about animal movement. For example, rabbit tracks may circle back, and squirrel tracks often zig-zag between trees. Tracks with sharp edges indicate recent movement.

Stay cautious and move slowly, as small game animals tend to wait until the last second to bolt from their hiding places, which can often lead to them getting away without a shot opportunity (or a very poor one at best). Take your time, keeping your gun or bow ready as you start to find the end of the tracks and trail as they lead into thicker cover.

Tips for Hunting Small Game

Staying undetected is key when hunting small game in the snow. Wear quiet, snow-friendly camouflage, move slowly, and watch the wind direction. Hunt near food sources and be patient to avoid startling animals.

For hunting rabbits, I have found success with archery tackle and my Gamo air rifle with a red-tip hunting round. Don't get me wrong: I have also used a .22LR plenty of times, but I enjoy the challenge of having a single-shot opportunity to hunt these lightning-fast animals. 

When hunting with dogs, many people like to use a .410 or 20-gauge shotgun to pursue fast-moving bunnies through brush.

Hunting Small Game Without a Dog

If you're hunting small game without a dog, remember your tracking skills and the importance of still-hunting techniques. You'll need to push through thick brush manually, and consider hunting with a partner so you can drive game toward each other.

Use natural funnels such as hedgerows, fence lines, and creek bottoms to zero in on small game, and move in a zig-zag pattern to cover more ground. Slow movement and frequent pauses are key here, as rabbits, squirrels, and other small game may wait to move until they think danger has passed.

Use HuntWise for Successful Small Game Hunts in the Snow

Hunting small game is a great way to take advantage of unique opportunities across the country, on public and private land, in rural areas, and in big timber and agricultural fields. It also gives young or new hunters a nice introduction to the sport.

With the small game hunting tips we've shared, you're well on your way to fun winter hunts! For added guidance, download HuntWise to help you track game and plan your strategy safely. Then find out your season dates, choose your legal method of harvest, lace up those boots, and get out there—good luck!

Don't have HuntWise yet? Download it and enjoy a small game hunt free for your first week in the app!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to common questions about hunting small game in the snow!

Q: What small game can you hunt in the snow?

A: When going after small game in the snow, common game species include rabbits, snowshoe hares, squirrels, grouse, and sometimes pheasants, depending on your region and season.

Q: How do you find rabbits in the snow?

A: To find rabbits in the snow, look for fresh tracks near brush piles, hedgerows, and dense cover. Trails often lead to feeding areas or small shelters under shrubs.

Q: Do squirrels come out in the snow?

A: Yes, squirrels come out in the snow, especially during lighter snowfall. They’re most active in the morning and tend to stick close to trees and food caches.

Q: What is the best time to hunt small game?

A: The best time to hunt small game is early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active.

Q: How do you track small game?

A: To track small game, follow fresh tracks, droppings, and disturbed snow. Move slowly, watch for movement, and pay attention to areas with food or cover.