8/28/2007

Rabbit, Squirrel Hunting Seasons Open Sept. 1

The 2007-08 hunting seasons for cottontail rabbits and fox and gray squirrels opens September 1. The number of cottontail rabbits in Iowa is down about 30 percent from last year and that decline is spread statewide, based on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources annual August Roadside Survey.

"I suspect the dry conditions this summer likely reduced summer reproduction. Research shows dry, hot summers reduces the quality of green vegetation and that can impact female cottontail reproduction," said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist with the DNR.

The best cottontail rabbit numbers are found in southern and eastern Iowa. There are several effective techniques used to hunt rabbits including stomping brush piles, walking slowly through abandoned farmsteads or along brushy fencerows, or wooded draws. The best form of rabbit hunting is done with the companionship of one or more beagles, said Bogenschutz. Beagles and other trailing dogs can increase success and improve the quality of the hunt.

The cottontail season remains open until Feb. 28, 2008, the daily bag limit is 10, and the possession limit is 20. Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset. Hunters can view the results of the August roadside survey of cottontails in early September on the DNR's website at http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/uproad.html.

Squirrel numbers are more challenging to estimate because the DNR does not survey Iowa's squirrel population. Squirrel populations typically peak following good mast years and last there was an average mast crop across Iowa, so statewide, squirrel numbers should be similar to last year.

"Even with last year's average mast crop, hunting opportunities for squirrels are excellent in Iowa because hunting pressure is low," said Todd Gosselink, Iowa's forest wildlife research biologist. In the early 1960s, Iowa had 150,000 squirrel hunters and a harvest of more than 1 million squirrels. Compared to last fall where 27,746 squirrel hunters harvested 165,225 squirrels in the Hawkeye State.

Although habitat for squirrels has increased in the state over the last 30 years interest in the sport has declined. Gosselink attributes this decline to more opportunity to hunt other species, like turkey and deer, and the decline in Iowa's rural population.

Squirrel hunting is best done in one of two ways: the sit-and-wait technique and the still-hunting technique.

The sit-and-wait technique is used near likely feeding areas such as beneath oak, walnut, or hickory trees or corn-forest edges. The still-hunting technique is employed by slowly walking through forested areas and stopping frequently to watch for feeding squirrels. The best hunting times usually are during the morning and afternoon feeding hours.

The squirrel season extends through Jan. 31, 2008, the daily bag limit is 6 (fox and gray squirrels combined) and the possession limit is 12. There is no restriction on shooting hours. Fox squirrels can be found anywhere there are a few acres of trees, but gray squirrels are generally limited to the heavily forested areas in eastern and southern Iowa.

For information on rabbit hunting, contact Bogenschutz at 515-432-2823. For information on squirrel hunting, contact Gosselink at 641-774-2958.