How to Hunt Rabbit in Arizona

Jackrabbits, cottontails, and good times with or without a dog: if you're interested in rabbit hunting, Arizona is a great place for enjoyable hunts. The state's long seasons, large rabbit populations, and extensive public land make it ideal for pursuing this wily creature.

To hunt rabbits in Arizona, you'll need a general hunting license, the right firearm (like a shotgun or small-caliber rifle), and the right gear, including blaze orange clothing. Hunt during early mornings or late afternoons in areas with good cover, such as brushy hillsides, arroyos, and washes, and keep an eye out for rabbit sign, like tracks and droppings.

Whether you're new to hunting or an expert, Arizona small game hunting offers prime opportunities for rabbit harvests. Here's why rabbit hunting is so popular in Arizona, when and where to go, and what you need to get started legally and safely.

Why Hunt Rabbits in Arizona

Arizona is home to thriving populations of desert cottontails and black-tailed jackrabbits. You'll find them across brushy foothills, dry creek beds, and scrub-covered valleys. Best of all, the state offers long, generous hunting seasons with minimal gear requirements.

Rabbits are a great entry point for new hunters. They help develop essential field skills, such as stalking, shooting in real-world conditions, and basic game processing. For experienced hunters, they offer steady action and an excuse to get out during the off-season.

Rabbit meat is also lean, mild, and highly versatile. Whether you're stewing it with root vegetables or dining on Southern-style fried rabbit  (my favorite), it's a healthy wild-game protein. Thanks to general license access and the lack of expensive gear, rabbit hunting, Arizona hunters, is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hunts in the Southwest.

When to Hunt Rabbit in Arizona

Arizona's rabbit season is typically open year-round, but hunters should check with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) for official dates each year. For the best success and safest conditions, aim for cooler months between October and March.

Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for rabbits. They are most active when temperatures are low and shadows are long. Avoid midday outings during Arizona's hotter months, when rabbits bed down amid dangerous heat.

Rabbits often emerge to feed shortly after a rain, when moisture brings out green shoots and softens the ground. Overcast or mild days also increase visibility and movement. Try to plan your rabbit hunt after a new moon, since rabbits tend to feed more then.

Do You Need a License to Hunt Rabbits in Arizona?

For both cottontail rabbit hunting and jackrabbit hunting, Arizona requires a valid license. While you won't need any species-specific tags while you're rabbit hunting, AZ license requirements say you have to carry your license on your person or on your phone at all times in the field.

Arizona Small Game Hunting Resources

Both residents and nonresidents can purchase small game licenses online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Youth hunters may qualify for discounted fees.

When rabbit hunting, Arizona hunters should be aware of statewide land-use rules. Hunting on public lands, such as state trust or federal lands, often comes with specific access restrictions.

Where to Hunt Rabbits in Arizona

Though much of the state offers excellent rabbit habitats, Arizona small game hunting is particularly strong in the central and southern regions.

These areas feature three prime habitats for both cottontails and jackrabbits:

• BLM lands (expansive open desert and scrub)
• National forests (Tonto, Coconino, and Prescott are top choices)
• State trust lands (open to hunting with a valid license).

You can hunt rabbits with or without a dog in cover like mesquite, cactus clusters, grassy patches, and water sources. Rabbits gravitate to edges where two habitats meet, so target the brushy arroyos, rocky hillsides, or agricultural field borders of Arizona's three prime rabbit habitats.

Always double-check access rules and posted signage, even on public land. Conditions and restrictions may vary based on recent fire activity, road closures, or seasonal use zones.

Arizona Rabbit Hunting Tips

Though you don't need to spend much money when rabbit hunting, Arizona hunts yield better results when you follow certain guidelines.

• Time your hunt: Go out early in the morning or at dusk when rabbits are active.
• Use the right gear: A shotgun with No. 7.5 shot is good. Rimfire rifles, such as .22 LR, are better than BB guns for small game.
• Move slowly and scan constantly: Rabbits freeze perfectly still until you're right on top of them.
• Watch for signs: Tracks, droppings, and chewed stems indicate feeding areas.
• Hunt after rain: Rabbits become more active and leave fresh signs.
• Prioritize field care: Clean and cool meat ASAP. Arizona heat can spoil meat fast.
• Think safe: Wear blaze orange, especially during overlapping big-game seasons.
• Follow all regulations: Learn AZGFD season dates, bag limits, and firearm safety, and pay attention to land access.

Keep these tips in mind when rabbit hunting, Arizona hunters! They'll help you be more productive and successful in the field.

Get Hunter Safety Certified Before Rabbit Hunting, Arizona Hunters!

Easy, inexpensive, and accessible, rabbit hunting, Arizona hunters, is a fun way to explore the state's many public lands. It's a great way to improve your hunting skills and put some meat in the freezer.

Whether you're chasing cottontails with your dog or glassing for jackrabbits along a ridge, remember that rabbit hunting AZ starts with safety and preparation. With Hunter-Ed, you can complete the required certified hunter education course entirely online, giving you the knowledge and confidence to excel in Arizona rabbit hunting.

Before hunting rabbits in Arizona, make sure you meet the hunter education requirements!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to some of the top questions about how to hunt rabbit in Arizona!

Q: Do you need a license to hunt rabbits in Arizona?

A: Yes, anyone 10 years old or older must have a valid Arizona hunting license (or combination hunt & fish license) to legally hunt rabbits. Hunters under 10 may hunt only if accompanied by a licensed adult (no more than two unlicensed children per adult).

Q: Where can you hunt rabbits in Arizona?

A: You can hunt rabbits year-round on public lands across Arizona (including BLM land, state trust land, and national forests) as long as those areas allow hunting. Hunting is generally not allowed in municipal parks, preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted non-hunting areas.