Jack rabbits

[Birdbuff]

I was out today and a few weeks ago for snowshoe hares. Two different locations north east of lake simcoe. Both times on public land. All I saw was tracks, but great exercise either way. In both areas I was approached by passers by and asked what I was hunting. I told them rabbits. In both instances, separate individuals asked me if I got any Jack rabbits. I thought that was a peculiar question. I’m mainly hunting bush, no fields in sight. They told me they’ve been seeing Jack rabbits in the bush.
A couple of weeks ago when the person told me that, I shrugged it off as misinformation. Maybe they’re seeing things. But today in a completely different location I had dejavu. I asked if they were sure, they told me they got one during deer season.
I’m now beginning to wonder if Jack rabbits have adapted to different habitat. When I was younger we would walk field edges and fence rows in south western Ontario. We never pushed bush lots for Jacks. Big farmers fields with scrubby tangled fence rows were the ticket, now I’m wondering.

Anyone hearing or seeing anything similar?

[dean.f]

I barely see rabbits up that way, let alone Jack rabbits. Possibly mistaken identity? Although you'd think with Google images it would be easy for people to tell the difference. It could be like the illusive Ontario cougars, you never know!

To be honest I've never seen a Jack ever but I sure would like to, even if I wasn't hunting.

[tom gobble]

Me and my buddy once saw a jack in the forest while hunting snowshoes. Felt weird because there was no open fields close by. I think he was lost LOL

[fishhawk]

I have taken a few in hardwood forests when there’s deep snow on the ground. These where more open woods and I believe they where there to feed on the bark and twigs.

[bellerivercrossbowhunter]

Our Essex county Jack population has rebounded and stable.

The lack of snow over the last 5 years or so has turned a lot of hunters off and allowed the population to come back.

So far this winter we have had about 5 days of decent snow cover and our group has taken 7 jacks.

Looks like late January winter will show up down here and we may be able to bag a few more.

We bbq the back straps medium rare and they are amazing! The rest of the meat gets made in to peperonies!

[Bowjob]

interesting, i haven't seen any jack rabbits in years

[JP Outdoors]

I've been hunting for about 5 years and have never come across one. My dad got one probably 10 years ago or so but he hasn't seen anything since either though he often reminisces the seasons where he used to get a couple back in the day... hopefully the population makes a comeback. Wondering if it's just hunting pressure that has really reduced the numbers? or perhaps coyotes too?

[rick_iles]

I've been hunting for about 5 years and have never come across one. My dad got one probably 10 years ago or so but he hasn't seen anything since either though he often reminisces the seasons where he used to get a couple back in the day... hopefully the population makes a comeback. Wondering if it's just hunting pressure that has really reduced the numbers? or perhaps coyotes too?

My guess, numbers have gone down because of coyotes, changes in farming methods, and loss of fence lines. I think coyote numbers are likely the big reasons. In the old days, we did jack drives with the gun club on Saturdays. We always got lots of Jack’s, and very rarely saw a coyote, maybe one during the winter. There were lots of fox around then as well.

[greatwhite]

I have only once seen a Jack (European Hare) and that was long long ago in Lindsay, ON. I think it was probably 1990.

[finsfurfeathers]

Saw a jack this spring while hunting for turkeys up in the shelburne area, toying with the idea of going after it but don't think I have the legs for it anymore.
To sneak up on a jack you need real soft fluffy snow to muffle your noise otherwise they'll bust you and be long gone. On hard crunchy snow a push and stand combo is your best bet. Problem is how you decide who's going to bust their hump pushing the fence rows and who's going to freeze their but off waiting.