Family-Outdoors

(Photo credit: Wikipedia) A person doesn’t need to travel far into the Iowa countryside to know there are a lot of cottontail rabbits out there, which is good news for rabbit hunters. “Cottontail populations on average are 50 percent higher than we’ve seen over the last 10 years,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Our cottontail populations remain strong statewide with the highest densities in southeast Iowa.” Iowa’s cottontail rabbit population estimate is part of the August roadside survey that will be available online in early September at  www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey . Iowa’s squirrel population generally follows the acorn production and 2014 was a pretty good year for bur oak and red oak acorn production meaning 2015 should be a pretty good year for squirrel numbers. “Squirrel hunting was once an important part of our heritage but hunter interest has shifted to other species, primarily deer,” said J...

What started out as an experiment has turned into a tradition. The youth rabbit hunt at the Belding Sportsmen’s Club, near the Flat River State Game Area – now in its third year – attracted 45 youngsters last Saturday for a morning of stomping brush piles, following beagles and tromping through the snow. “We’re getting great participation from everyone,” said club president John Burns, “club members, parents and youngsters.” The idea for the youth hunt sprung from John Niewoonder, the Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist at Flat River, who had been on a campaign to improve the small game habitat by building brush piles for “rabbitat” at the area. “When John brought it to us, we said yes,” Burns said. “This is a good thing, getting the kids out in the elements instead of staying on the computer all day. It’s all about getting the kids – our future – into the outdoors.” Hosting the event “is not a problem,” Burns said. The club donated breakfast, and member...

Rabbit and squirrel hunting seasons begin  August 31 , and outlook for hunting both species is positive based on population surveys and availability of food sources. Cottontail Rabbits Based on the DNR’s recently completed August roadside survey of upland game, southern Iowa has the best rabbit densities heading into fall, but hunters statewide should see better cottontail numbers compared to last year.  The survey showed numbers increased significantly with the south central, southeast, and east central regions reporting the best densities. The most effective techniques for pursuing rabbits are stomping brush piles, walking slowly through abandoned farmsteads or along brushy fencerows, or wooded draws with one or more beagles. Beagles and other trailing dogs can increase hunter success and improve the quality of the hunt. The cottontail season remains open until  February 28 , the daily bag limit is 10, and the possession limit is 20.  Shooting ho...