Photo by Ken Archer

When one thinks of rabbit hunting, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a couple of hunters with shotguns following a pack of beagles through waist-deep briars and thickets. Although that is the traditional picture of cottontail hunting, many sportsmen these days are going afield with stick-and-string to fill their game bags. Using a bow to hunt rabbits is a challenge, but one filled with excitement and reward.

Hunting rabbits with archery gear is nothing new. People have done it since the invention of the bow and arrow. However, in today's world, bowhunting is confined to only those dedicated archers who like to challenge themselves. They don't mind if the odds of success are slightly less than their gun-hunting friends.

Bowhunting is not all that different from traditional shot gunning in many respects. There are numerous subtle differences, with equipment being the most obvious. Other aspects of bowhunting rabbits involve technique and shot capability. Following is a look at some of the nuances of bowhunting cottontails along with advice from a couple of seasoned bowhunters who have taken their share of rabbits with archery gear.

BOWHUNTING EQUIPMENT
Some people are strictly compound shooters and will use the same bow for rabbit hunting as for deer hunting. The setup may include both aluminum or carbon arrows and even fixed-position sights. Points will vary according to the shooter's preference.

While this setup will work, it pretty much limits the archer to shooting at only stationary rabbits. A rare few hunters will use a compound bow and shoot instinctively, but it's not common.

The more common method of bowhunting for rabbits is with traditional equipment. Recurve bows are most commonly used, but longbows can work if you don't use one that's too long. Because of some of the tight brushy areas where most rabbit hunting occurs, a short bow is of great benefit while maneuvering for a clean shot.

Charlie Goatee has been bowhunting for some 35 years and pursuing rabbits with a bow for nearly half that span. He said traditional equipment is the only way to go for rabbit hunting. It affords much more opportunity, allows the archer to shoot faster, and even to have chances at moving targets.

Another long-time bowhunter Kevin Capps seconds that opinion. He has been bowhunting rabbits for around 20 years. Capps has used compound bows for rabbit hunting, but much prefers the versatility of traditional gear.

The poundage of the bow should be whatever the archer can shoot comfortably. Both Capps and Goatee use the same bow they would for deer hunting. Of course, lighter poundage bows will work fine for rabbits.

Arrow choice is fairly much a matter of personal preference. Wooden arrows are most used with traditional gear, but aluminum and even carbon will work fine. Aluminum arrows with inserts allow more versatility by allowing different types of points to be easily interchanged for different hunting conditions.

Fletching choice varies greatly among shooters and even varies with individuals depending on the hunting conditions. Feathers and vanes are both used depending on the arrow. Many people will also use different types of fletching to slow the arrow's flight, especially if there are concerns about the arrow traveling too far or becoming lost. White or other easily seen colors will help with locating hard-to-spot arrows.

Points used for rabbit hunting are even more varied than fletching. Judo points are a very popular choice with all small-game bowhunters. The head has a blunted center surrounded by small spring arms, which snag in the brush and grass, thereby flipping the arrow up for easy locating. Goatee likes using judo points in open areas, but said they are not good for very thick cover because they catch on the brush and won't penetrate the thick stuff where rabbits may be sitting.