Top-Rated Maine Rabbit Hunt with Expert Guide

Maine Hunt: 3-6 Days of Rabbit Chasing Bliss

Ready for some old-school rabbit hunting action in the heart of Maine's winter wonderland? Backroads Guide Service has you covered with their 3 to 6-day rabbit hunts led by local expert Matt York. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game, these trips offer the perfect mix of challenge, tradition, and pure outdoor fun. Grab your gear and get ready to track some speedy cottontails and snowshoe hares through the quiet, snow-covered woods of Maine.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're crunching through fresh snow, following the excited baying of well-trained hounds as they pick up a hot rabbit trail. The crisp air fills your lungs as you move quietly through stands of pine and birch, eyes peeled for that telltale flash of fur. This isn't just any hunt - it's a full-on immersion into the time-honored tradition of rabbit hunting with hounds in the Northeast.

Your guide, Matt York, knows these woods like the back of his hand. He'll work his dogs to flush out cottontails and snowshoe hares, giving you plenty of chances to test your shooting skills. But it's not just about bagging bunnies - it's about soaking in the whole experience. The camaraderie around the evening fire, swapping stories of the day's chase. The satisfaction of a hearty meal after hours in the cold. The deep sleep that only comes after a full day outdoors.

With trips ranging from 3 to 6 days, you can choose the perfect length to fit your schedule and hunting appetite. And don't worry about roughing it too much - comfortable lodging is part of the package, giving you a cozy place to recharge each night.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

Rabbit hunting with hounds is a whole different ballgame from still hunting or jump shooting. Here's what you need to know:

The stars of the show are the dogs. Matt's pack of beagles are pros at sniffing out rabbit trails and driving the furry speedsters out of thick cover. Your job is to be ready when that rabbit breaks from the brush, often moving at lightning speed.

Maine's winter landscape provides the perfect backdrop for this hunt. Snow-covered fields bordered by tangled thickets are prime rabbit real estate. We'll be covering a mix of terrain - from open hardwood ridges to dense cedar swamps. Expect to do a fair bit of walking, but nothing too extreme. The real workout comes from trying to keep up with those zigzagging bunnies!

Gear-wise, dress warm and in layers. A good pair of insulated, waterproof boots is a must. For firearms, a 20 or 12-gauge shotgun loaded with #6 shot is perfect for these quick, close-range shots. And don't forget your blaze orange - safety first out here.

Hunter Highlights

While we don't have specific customer reviews for this trip, rabbit hunters who've experienced similar outings often rave about the non-stop action and the thrill of working with well-trained hounds. Many highlight the satisfaction of a successful hunt followed by a warm meal and good company at day's end. First-timers frequently comment on how addictive the fast-paced nature of rabbit hunting can be, often booking return trips before they even head home.

Target Game Breakdown

On this hunt, we're after two main species: Eastern cottontails and snowshoe hares. Each offers its own unique challenge and reward.

Eastern Cottontails: These little speed demons are what most folks picture when they think "rabbit." Weighing in at 2-4 pounds, cottontails are masters of camouflage and quick escapes. They prefer brushy areas and field edges, often darting from cover to cover in a blink. The thrill of cottontail hunting comes from their unpredictable movements - they'll zigzag, backtrack, and generally do everything they can to throw off pursuers.

Snowshoe Hares: Slightly larger than cottontails, snowshoe hares are the winter specialists of the rabbit world. Their oversized hind feet give them an advantage in deep snow, and their coats turn white in winter for near-perfect camouflage. Snowshoes tend to favor denser cover than cottontails, often leading hunters on merry chases through thick stands of evergreens. Their ability to "vanish" in plain sight thanks to their winter coats adds an extra layer of challenge to the hunt.

Both species are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, which lines up perfectly with our daily hunting schedule. The best part? Rabbit populations in Maine are healthy and abundant, meaning plenty of action throughout your trip.

Book Your Next Tag

If you're itching for a classic New England hunting experience that combines skill, tradition, and good old-fashioned fun, this Maine rabbit hunt is calling your name. With expert guidance, hard-working hounds, and some of the best rabbit habitat in the Northeast, you're in for a trip you'll be talking about for years to come.

Remember, spots are limited to ensure a quality experience for every hunter. And keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your calendar is clear before you book. Ready to chase some bunnies through the Maine woods? Give Backroads Guide Service a call and lock in your dates. Trust me, once you hear those beagles on a hot trail, you'll be hooked for life!