Hare Hunt on fresh snow

[Gunner]

Headed to the  northern tier  for some Hare chasing with my one beagle last Friday/Saturday.

5 hour drive took longer since the light snow was sticking on the interstate. Arrived to 4  inches fresh snow on top of 10 inches or so crunchy old snow. 3/4 mile walk in on unplowed road was invigorating. Entering the forest I spied hare tracks and meandered for an hour checking blowdown pines .

As I was ready to move to a different spot gunner opens with a few barks and I know it's showtimshowtime.The hare loops out 140+ yds and the barks are faint but steady .I watch my Garmin and see he's getting within 90 yds. It seems like forever and he's 40yds away then suddenly the hare appears in front of me at 25 yds . Just loping along. 2 shots and it's down. 20 minutes steady but medium fast  chase .I head out to another spot ; tracks but no jumps. Day 2 brings another 4 inches snow and I hunt the same area. Nary a track is to be found for an hour till...I come across one set of fresh hare tracks. Gunner runs it up the hill 150yds..then backtracks. I put him back on it as the hare was tricky and humidity higher. I get ahead of him and waiting for a sighting I see the hare not 6 feet away under a pine blowdown. I opt to let gunner bump it out and shoot...but seems my 2shots missed. I follow the dog and see blood. Gunner picks up the tempo and back down to the original jump area. I get there and he's circling a tree. I see a hole and look / then reach in feel around but it must be way deep underground.long drive to go so .  I quit for the day and head home. Pics of the scenery and hare dog me hahaha . Beautiful 2 days in the forest . Just a beagle and I  doin' what he loves !

[Nytracker]

Got to love it .

[Grouse]

Rabbit hunting with beagles is an American tradition.

[airedale]

Now there are some photos that make my day. I feel sorry for those who think hunting season is over, they do not know what they are missing.

Al

[Gunner]

2 hours ago, airedale said:

Now there are some photos that make my day. I feel sorry for those who think hunting season is over, they do not know what they are missing.

Al.  

I have video but can't add.

I'll upload to YouTube and link it later .

 

 

Edited January 31, 2023 by Gunner

[Gunner]

 

[New York Hillbilly]

A good hound getting it done by himself in that fresh powder. One hunter + one real rabbit hound + one gun =1 good day and countless good memories! Thanks for sharing the video! 

[airedale]

Gunner is methodical on the track, love watching Hounds work a track on snow, it tells a story.

Al

[Steve D]

Great pictures and video. Brings back many fond memories chasing cottontails, snowshoes, and grouse int he Tug Hill area and the north country with some good beagles.

[Gunner]

Gunner is gundog brace medium speed.

He will run with a fast pack.

Works the check well inside out.

He doesn't quit easily.

FYI - A friend was up hunting hare on Tuesday in the same area I was .

3 hares up ; One  shot .Fresh powder snow he said 6 inches.

I may do a day trip next Friday.

[airedale]

Nice, Congrats, I will say it again nothing more fun than Hare-Rabbit hunting with a good dog.

Al