Small Game

Small game hunting can be a fun, low-stress activity and an easy introduction to hunting for beginners. Younger hunters and those new to hunting may want to start by hunting for rabbits, which are typically abundant across a wide range of habitats.

The best time to hunt rabbits is typically during the winter months from November through February, which coincides with the legal season in most states. But within those months, there are prime times throughout the day to improve your odds of coming home with some rabbits!

Trapping in Michigan is alive and well! Depending on what you plan to trap and where within the state, you can enjoy a season that begins in mid-October and runs through late April.

For many, rabbit hunting is more than just a way to put protein on the table. It's a fantastic opportunity to pass time with friends; some of my earliest hunting memories involve shooting rabbits with a .22 on a friend's farm.

With over 200 different species, squirrels are one of the most familiar rodents located all over the world. They're also among the most popular small game species to hunt, but when is the best time to hunt these animals? Most hunters agree that the fall months at dawn or dusk are the best times for squirrel hunts.

Furtaking season in Pennsylvania offers plenty of time to trap a variety of animals. Depending on what you plan to trap, the seasons may overlap, running from October through March for many types of furbearers.

When most people think of hunting, especially hunting on public land, the first thing that comes to mind is whitetail deer. However, hunters can also take advantage of small game public land options such as squirrels, pheasants, grouse, doves, raccoons, and rabbits—a particularly fun activity to share with family and friends.

As the weather turns colder, hunters can find a wide range of chances to pursue animals for trophies or meat. If you've already tagged out early this season on a big mature whitetail (or you prefer to hunt small game), late fall and into the winter months can produce some fantastic hunting opportunities.

If you've seen a bobcat, it's likely it's already seen you first. And if you've ever raised chickens, you've likely experienced just how much damage bobcats can do. 

European starlings are responsible for ecological, economic, and severe agricultural damage. They compete with native species for hollows, contaminate environments with disease, and wreak absolute havoc on agriculture. By consuming crops and livestock feed, starlings can cost farmers thousands of dollars in losses every year. 

Squirrels, rabbits, and other small game offer unique opportunities to build hunting skills while managing animal populations and harvesting meat. With the proper equipment and guidance, you can improve your shots and minimize damage.

If you are interested in getting into hunting but don't know where to start, what to do, or what you need, this guide is for you. Or, if you've tagged out for deer season (but you're not ready to hang up the hunting gear yet), hunting small game is a great way to get back out in the field.