As mentioned before, any areas of thick cover, overgrown ditches, fencerows, overgrown fields, power line right-of-ways, field edges and other such places are great spots to look for rabbits. The edges of old logging roads or railroad tracks are other good options. Abandoned farmsteads, around old barns, and brushy areas around ponds will almost always hold a few cottontails.

Some of the best areas are around rural dwellings, small farms, and similar places with human activity. The human activity will keep some of the predators away, thereby allowing the rabbit population to flourish. Don't overlook areas because they appear too small. Many of these small sections are perfect for an individual bowhunter to silently stalk.

Don't think that one must go deep into the countryside to find good hunting. Plenty of rabbits can be found near towns or cities. In fact, one bowhunter found a gold mine for rabbit hunting just barely outside the city limits of his hometown.

The bowhunter worked for a company that was located right at the edge of town. The property the company owed, along with an adjoining lot, only amounted to several acres. However, the small parcel was home to a great many rabbits.

The company used the property for storage. There were many different things scattered throughout the lot. Old vehicles, storage tanks, scrap metal and wood, concrete blocks and other items were situated in various areas of the property. A big creek skirted the back edge and was very thick with brush and trees along its banks.

The bulk of the property was mowed. However, none of the areas around all of these various stored items were mowed. Weeds, small trees and brush engulfed the stored pieces. The interspersed mowed grassy areas along with the scattered pockets of thick areas and the tree line thicket along the creek combined to make this place a rabbit nirvana.

ORGANIZED HUNTS
Rabbit hunting with a bow, although not extremely widespread, is not as rare as one might initially believe. In fact, many archery and bowhunting clubs hold annual rabbit hunts each season. Some are done strictly for camaraderie, while others are held as tournaments with prizes.

Rabbit hunts by clubs often involve an entry fee. Some hunts are conducted for individual hunters and each hunter competes against the remainder of the group. Other hunts may be team competitions with teams consisting of either two or three hunters.

Some winners receive plaques, trophies or certificates. Other prizes may include various hunting gear, such as flashlights, arrows, knives or other merchandise. Some hunts are conducted as money shoots with all or a portion of the entry fees paid back to the individual winners or teams.

The number of rabbits collected usually determines the winners. The length of the longest rabbit determines tiebreakers in some cases. Sometimes, collective or individual weight of the rabbits is accounted for as well.

The contingent of rabbit hunters using archery tackle may be greater than some people imagine. Bowhunting for rabbits offers a level of challenge one can only get by the self-imposed limits of using the bow and arrow. The reward in success is one known only to the bowhunter.

Getting started in bowhunting for rabbits doesn't require an extensive knowledge of archery or a huge investment in equipment. One doesn't even have to be a "crack shot" in order to go out and enjoy some great times in the fields. Most any archery shop or fellow bowhunter would be happy to assist a newcomer who wants to get started bowhunting for rabbits.

Regulations vary in some areas for rabbit hunting, allowable methods and legal equipment. One should always check the specific regulations for the area you intend to hunt before going afield.