Rabbit Program

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.

October 18, 2025 - February 28, 2026; daily bag limit: 8 rabbits (regardless of species)

The links below provide information about practices or programs that may be used to enhance rabbit and other wildlife habitat. Technical guidance from wildlife biologists is also available to provide advice on managing land for rabbit habitat. The MDWFP does not have a program to restock rabbits. Select the publication title to view material. Some of the links provided may direct you to web pages outside of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.

Ecology and Management of Rabbits in Mississippi : A guide to rabbit ecology and management, including descriptions of life history, habitat requirements, habitat management practices, and harvest management. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Strip Disking and Other Valuable Bobwhite Quail Management Techniques : A guide to strip-disking for bobwhite habitat management. Strip-disking is also a useful management tool for increasing availability of native plants that rabbits feed upon. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Prescribed Burning in Southern Pine Forests: Fire Ecology, Techniques, and Uses for Wildlife Management : A guide to using prescribed fire for wildlife management. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Legal Environment for Forestry Prescribed Burning in Mississippi : A guide to laws and legal considerations pertaining to prescribed burning in Mississippi. Published by the Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center. 

Supplemental Wildlife Food Planting Manual for the Southeast : A guide to plant materials and food planting strategies for wildlife food plots. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Conservation Reserve Program, CP33 - Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds Video : This video explains the habitat and economic benefits of CP33 buffers for bobwhite quail and other wildlife. Select the "CP33 - Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds" video. This video was produced by the Mississippi State University Office of Agricultural Communications.

Native Warm-season Grass Restoration in Mississippi : A guide to releasing or establishing native warm-season grasses for wildlife habitat and livestock forage. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

• Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2)
• Tularemia (Rabbit Fever)