Hunting in Arizona: cottontail rabbit
By Mark Zornes, small game biologist, Arizona Game and Fish Department
“Cook! Where’s my hasenpfeffer?” It’s one of my favorite lines from a classic cartoon. This year, I assure you that your hasenpfeffer won’t taste of carrots. Hasenpfeffer is rabbit stew, of course—in our case, the cottontail. You’ll find plenty of these fine small game animals here this year. Above-normal precipitation in much of the state over the past year has expanded cottontail populations dramatically. Some rocky areas in central Arizona with the proper dense-brushy cover are crowded with cottontails.

Three species of cottontail occur in Arizona: the Nuttall’s or mountain cottontail, the eastern cottontail and the desert cottontail. Because of their abundance and year-round season, cottontails are a great species to go after when introducing a young (or old) person to hunting.

Most people still-hunt (sneak) along desert washes, rocky foothills or canyons, harvesting the animal with a small-caliber rifle or pistol, or with a shotgun. Go slow, search all available cover (you often see an eye before you see the rest of the rabbit), and be prepared for a quick shot: Once Mr. Cottontail realizes he’s been spotted, he’ll quickly seek cover elsewhere. I love hunting cottontails with archery tackle, which can produce many shots and quite a challenge.

Hunting cottontails with dogs (usually beagles) is a popular pastime in the Eastern states. It is not popular in Arizona due to our inhospitable vegetation and terrain, plus the tendency of western cottontails to seek a subterranean refuge in the blink of an eye instead of coursing before a yapping dog. It is also hazardous to the yapping dog: making high-pitched squealing noises in the desert can attract something bigger and nastier than yourself.

Cottontails are tasty, with delicate, light-colored meat. To reduce potential exposure to disease, never harvest and handle a cottontail that appears ill or excessively tame. After getting a healthy rabbit, cool the carcass as quickly as possible by field dressing it immediately. Take normal precautions during field dressing and cleaning by wearing rubber gloves. Allowing the carcass to cool prior to carrying it in your game bag will allow any ectoparasites (like fleas) to seek a new host besides you. Sealing the rabbit in a Ziploc or bread bag is another good way to keep the “ectos” away from you. Ice the carcass as soon as possible to prevent spoilage. Any cottontail properly cared for in the field will yield a delicious meal.

So now you know the answer to the question, “Where’s my hasenpfeffer?” It’s in the field, waiting for you. Get out there and have yourself a great holiday bunny hunt (don’t forget your family)!