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CONSERVATION CORNER
(For the week of February 11, 2008)
Swamp Rabbits
by James L. Cummins

Most Mississippi hunters are familiar with the cottontail rabbit, but most are less familiar with the swamp rabbit, or cane cutter as I call them. The swamp rabbit, also a member of the cottontail family, is a challenging quarry and possesses a number of unique characteristics.

Perhaps its most distinguishing feature is its large size relative to the cottontail. The swamp rabbit ranges in length from 18 to 22 inches and reaches a weight of over 6 pounds. In addition to its large size, the swamp rabbit can be identified in the field by the black to rusty brown color of the fur.

Although swamp rabbits are found generally along streams and rivers, within these areas they are found in greater numbers where brushpiles, fallen trees and dense vegetation provide optimum food and cover. Swamp rabbits are always found in close proximity to water, but they may temporarily utilize other areas in response to seasonal food availability.

The habitat value of wetlands to swamp rabbits is directly related to the size of the area. Typically, areas of at least 250 acres are more likely to maintain stable populations than narrow strips along streams or patches of wooded wetlands.

If you have the use of a pack of beagles, they can be a great help. However, beagles trained on cottontails often have much difficulty with swamp rabbits, due to some special behavioral differences between the cottontail and the swamp rabbit. It is very important to hunt slowly, since swamp rabbits often will hide and remain still, allowing danger to pass.

Weather has a profound effect on swamp rabbit movement. When it is cold (below 40 degrees), they tend to sit longer and are difficult to jump. As long as the temperature doesn't get into the single digits, cold weather is a benefit in that you are able to get close to the rabbits before they jump.

When the temperature is extremely cold, swamp rabbits tend to stay in hollow logs and trees for protection, and you may as well stay home. On warmer days above 60 degrees, they tend to run before you get very close, often jumping out of gun range.

It seems like over the years, fewer and fewer folks are willing to keep up a pack of good rabbit dogs. Now, I mostly hunt without dogs, walking slowly through the habitat and trying to jump a rabbit for a quick shot. It is best to hunt slowly, stopping periodically. On many occasions after stopping and then starting to walk again, a swamp rabbit will jump, providing me with a shot. I am convinced that if I had continued to walk steadily, the rabbit would have remained hidden and let me pass.

If you want a challenging hunt for a very special quarry, give the swamp rabbit a try.