Rabbits Can Add Another Dimension to Your Quail Hunt

Arizona Outdoorsman / AZOD

Information from AG&FD site
Repeated for "news reporting purposes"

Rabbits Can Add Another Dimension to Your Quail Hunt

Quail hunters are likely to come across rabbits, which can add another dimension to your outing and table fare.

Randy Babb, a Game and Fish Department biologist, recommends looking for rabbits along field edges while hunting. “Walk thick cover such as tumbleweeds, before you finish your morning hunt. Quail hunters are likely to encounter cottontails most anytime. Many of the places hunters search for quail are also excellent rabbit cover. Rabbits are a welcome addition to the game bag and table. “

Rabbit hunting with .22-caliber rifles also provides good training for young hunters. Babb suggests walking the ridge tops in the early mornings and late afternoon. “Use binoculars to search for rabbits in the washes below. Besides being a productive strategy for any rabbit hunter, it is also a good way for young hunters to develop their glassing skills.”

Dress bagged rabbits at the first opportunity and throw them on ice (wear gloves). “Occasionally rabbits are the host to the large grub of the bot fly. These unpleasant looking grubs do not harm the meat and no rabbit should be discarded because of them,” Babb says.

Jackrabbits are often overlooked and not only provide excellent sport but good eating as well. ”Teriyaki marinated and grilled jackrabbit back-straps are excellent fare – no kidding, “ he says.

Note: The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes they have been discriminated against in any Game and Fish program or activity, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the Game and Fish Deputy Director, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phx., AZ 85023, (602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact the Game and Fish Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800 367-8939 azgfd.com