Rabbit Program
Photo by Steve Gulledge
Similar to bobwhite quail, although not as severe, rabbit populations have declined in Mississippi during the last 50 years. There are two species of rabbits found in Mississippi, the cottontail rabbit (sometimes called a hillbilly) and the swamp rabbit (sometimes called a cane-cutter). Both species are relatively common to all regions of the state, but cottontails are probably the most widely distributed and most numerous. Like quail, declining rabbit populations have been mostly due to changes in land use and management.
Despite the loss of habitat and declining rabbit populations, local rabbit populations can be increased with planned habitat management at proper scales. Habitat management practices that produce the proper cover resources required by rabbits are essential to increase local rabbit populations.
The MDWFP does not have a rabbit stocking program. Information on managing habitat for rabbits can be found under the Habitat and Population Management section below. Technical assistance is also available for managing land for rabbit habitat.
Small Game Biologist
Rick Hamrick
Rick.Hamrick@wfp.ms.gov
Wildlife Bureau (601) 432-2199
Habitat and Population Management
Rabbit Hunting
Injured Rabbits
Disease Concerns
Additional Resources
- Delta Wildlife
- Mississippi State University, College of Forest Resources
- Mississippi State University Extension Service
- Natural Resources Enterprises Website
- Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation
- USDA - Farm Service Agency
- USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Wildlife Mississippi
