Maine's Premier Snowshoe Hare Hunt | Guide Outfitter

Half And Full Day Rabbit Hunting Trip | Maine Guided Hunting Trips

Looking for a heart-pumping chase through Maine's snowy woods? Our guided rabbit hunting trips are just the ticket. We're talking about tracking down quick-footed snowshoe hares with a pack of eager beagles leading the way. It's a classic winter hunt that'll get your blood flowing and test your shooting skills. Whether you're new to small game or a seasoned pro, our half and full-day trips offer a mix of excitement and challenge you won't find anywhere else in the Pine Tree State.

Inside the Hunt

Picture this: You're trudging through knee-deep snow, the crisp winter air nipping at your cheeks. Suddenly, the beagles' chorus erupts – they've picked up a scent. Your heart starts racing as you ready your shotgun, eyes peeled for that telltale flash of white darting between the trees. That's the thrill of snowshoe hare hunting in Maine. Our half-day trips are perfect for getting a taste of the action, while full-day outings let you really sink your teeth into the hunt. We'll provide the hounds and the know-how; you bring your hunting license and a good pair of snowshoes. It's a one-on-one experience, so you'll have our full attention as we track down these elusive critters.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

Snowshoe hare hunting is all about working with the dogs and reading the signs. We'll teach you how to spot those distinctive tracks in the snow and identify the browse marks hares leave on saplings. Our hunts take place in prime hare habitat – think dense spruce-fir forests and alder thickets where these bunnies love to hide out. You'll need to be on your toes, ready to take quick shots as the hares burst from cover. We typically use 20 or 12-gauge shotguns loaded with #6 shot. Just remember, these critters are fast, so quick reflexes are key. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll give you pointers on lead time and shot placement to up your chances of bagging a bunny.

Target Game Breakdown

The star of our show is the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), also known as the varying hare. These guys are the masters of camouflage, switching from brown in summer to pure white in winter. They're built for the cold, with oversized hind feet that act like natural snowshoes – hence the name. Snowshoes typically weigh in at 2 to 4 pounds, with bodies about 14 to 20 inches long. What makes them such a blast to hunt is their incredible speed and agility. They can hit speeds up to 27 mph in short bursts and change direction on a dime. Hares are most active at dawn and dusk, but with our skilled dogs, we can get them moving any time of day. The best hunting is usually from November through March when their white coats stand out against bare ground or fresh snow. Besides being fun to hunt, snowshoe hares make for some mighty fine eating. Their meat is lean and flavorful – perfect for a hearty stew or classic hasenpfeffer. Bringing home a few of these for the dinner table is just icing on the cake after a day of exciting chases through the winter woods.

Why Hunters Keep Coming Back

There's something special about rabbit hunting that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the fast-paced action, or the teamwork between hunter, guide, and hounds. Or it could be the simple pleasure of being out in Maine's beautiful winter landscape, following the beagles' music through snow-laden forests. Whatever the draw, our hunters often tell us it's some of the most fun they've had with a gun in their hands. It's a great way to extend your hunting season after big game is done, and it's an ideal introduction to hunting for newcomers. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home your own wild game for the table.

Book Your Next Tag

Ready to give snowshoe hare hunting a shot? Our half and full-day trips are booking up fast, so don't wait to secure your spot. Whether you're looking to introduce a youngster to hunting, want to work your dog in the off-season, or just need an excuse to get out in the winter woods, we've got you covered. Remember, we provide the dogs and the local expertise – you just need to bring your sense of adventure (and your hunting license, of course). Give us a call or shoot us an email to check availability and get all the details. Trust us, once you experience the thrill of a Maine rabbit hunt, you'll be hooked. So come on out and see why small game hunting is big fun in the Pine Tree State!