Marsh Rabbit

Overview

The marsh rabbit is a small, dark, water-loving cottontail of the southeastern wetlands, a strong swimmer often hunted along swamp and marsh edges. At home in the water and dense cover, it is a distinctive small-game quarry of the Deep South.

Identification & Appearance

Marsh rabbits are small and dark reddish-brown with short ears, small feet, and a grayish rather than white underside to the tail, which sets them apart from other cottontails. Their dark coat and wet-country habits are the giveaways.

Range & Habitat

They live in the marshes, swamps, wet prairies and hammock edges of the southeastern coastal plain, always in or near water and dense vegetation.

Behavior & Sign

Marsh rabbits swim readily to escape, walk rather than hop at times, and stick to wet, brushy cover. Sign includes trails, droppings on logs and browsed marsh plants.

Hunting Seasons & Timing

Hunted in the fall and winter small-game seasons of the Southeast, often best when water levels push rabbits onto higher ground.

Hunting Methods

Jump-shooting the marsh and swamp edges, and running them with beagles through the wet cover, taking shots as they circle.

Gear & Optics

A 12 or 20-gauge with #6 shot, and waterproof boots or waders for the wet ground.

Shot Placement & Field Care

Clean crossing or going-away shots; field-dress promptly, wear gloves, and cook thoroughly.

Meat & Eating Quality

Marsh rabbit is good eating - a Southern table staple, best fried or braised. Rabbits and hares can carry tularemia: the Missouri Department of Conservation advises wearing gloves when cleaning them, discarding any animal whose liver shows numerous pinhead-size white spots, and cooking the meat to at least 165°F.

What Ruins the Hunt

Losing rabbits to the water without a plan and not handling the meat safely.

Regulations & Conservation

Managed as small game with fall-winter seasons; as with all wild rabbits, handle with gloves and cook thoroughly for food safety. Confirm the local rules. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

Marsh or eastern cottontail? Marsh rabbits are darker, smaller-footed, and swim readily in wet country.

Do they really swim? Yes - readily, to escape.