17 Must-Have Items for Your Rabbit Hunting Gear List

Though you can probably get by with a .22 and a handful of shells, well-chosen rabbit hunting gear will make things easier and increase your chance of bagging out on protein- and vitamin-rich meat. Before you head out into the field with your dogs or fellow hunters, consider these 17 must-have items for your next rabbit hunt.

Essential Rabbit Hunting Gear: 17 Must-Have Items

When planning your rabbit hunting gear, start with the basics. Having the right gun, ammunition, and safety preparations can set you up for success.

The Basics

1. Firearm 

Whether you opt for a shotgun or rifle, a lightweight gun is necessary for a long day in the field—and to avoid damaging delicate rabbit meat.

Your best rabbit gun will likely depend on your shooting distance and comfort with firearm types. A 20-gauge shotgun will provide the perfect balance of power and fast shouldering necessary for rabbit hunting. If you prefer a rifle, go with a scoped .22 for precise shots. 

2. Ammunition 

Match your shotgun with #4 to #6 shots, depending on whether you're hunting thicker brush or open fields that require more depth. For a rifle, a 40-grain standard will get the job done and keep the noise down. 

3. Safety Gear 

Always wear a blaze orange vest or hat for visibility and safety, and check state and local regulations regarding mandatory safety gear requirements. Even if blaze orange isn't required where you hunt, we recommend wearing it for optimal safety out in the field. 

Clothing 

Dressing for a rabbit hunt requires strategy. These items can help you stay comfortable and protected in all kinds of conditions.

4. Briarproof Pants or Chaps 

Rabbit hunting clothes must be durable. You'll likely be following dogs or running after bunnies in thick cover, which can leave you pretty scratched up. Briarproof pants or a decent set of chaps will protect you against thorns and brush. 

5. Durable Waterproof Jacket

Rabbit hunting is typically a fall and winter sport, which increases your chance of encountering sudden heavy rainfall or cold fronts. A decent rain jacket will keep you warm and allow you to keep hunting even when the weather turns bad.  

6. Comfortable Hunting Boots

Good rabbit hunting boots are essential for comfort and safety in the field. With the proper boots, you'll have traction, ankle support, stability, and protection from icy rocks and water, allowing you to continue the hunt in all kinds of weather. 

7. Gloves

Keep your hands warm and fingers moving for better dexterity. You'll be able to improve your shooting on cold mornings and late afternoons as the sun starts to descend. 

8. Socks

Nothing can stop a hunt faster than soaking wet feet. Merino or synthetic blends are best for wicking moisture, keeping your feet dry, and reducing the risk of blisters. 

9. Hunting Vest

Any "fast" hunting requires a vest that allows for quick access to shells, gear, and other necessities while you're on the move. Opt for a vest with a spacious game pouch to hold harvested bunnies, so you can keep moving and focus on speedy follow-up shots. 

Additional Recommended Gear 

Though you may be able to take down rabbits with minimal gear, a few more items can help you increase your harvest and have better hunts.

10. Backpack

A game vest will help keep things on hand, but you might need more storage to stay out longer in the field. With a backpack, you can comfortably carry water, snacks, and extra gear. 

11. Binoculars 

Before you load your rifle or shotgun, grab your binoculars to scope out edgelines near agricultural fields and forest cutoffs. Anywhere with young green plant growth will be a hot spot for bunnies to feed. 

12. Headlamp

Rabbits are crepuscular, so you'll need to do much of your scouting and hunting in low-light conditions. The best times to hunt rabbits are early morning or evenings during the winter months. A headlamp can help when you're hunting early in the morning or at dusk.

13. Rangefinder

Consider a compact and basic rangefinder capable of measuring 100–150 yards. With a good rangefinder, you'll be able to improve your accuracy as you take longer shots. 

14. Tracking/Training Collar System and Walkie-Talkies

A GPS collar will help you keep track of your dogs as they head into thick brush, allowing you to track their location and communicate efficiently. It's best to keep your dogs reasonably close, so you're not chasing them all day instead of rabbits. 

15. Gambrel

Having a gambrel will make rabbit dressing and skinning smoother and safer. To keep your gambrel handy, you can hang it off the back of your truck. 

16. Hunting Knife

A small, sharp blade will help with dressing and general utility tasks. Choose one with a caper point or gut hook to open a rabbit's hide without spoiling the meat. 

17. Hunting App

Plan your hunt with HuntWise by targeting transition zones where thick timber meets open fields or meadows. Focus on edges of brush, briar patches, and fencerows where rabbits feed and hide. If you've identified high-potential zones on private land, HuntWise provides contact details for private landowners so you can inquire about hunting opportunities.

HuntWise also offers weather and wind insights to help you know exactly when the optimal hunting windows are. 

Rabbit Hunting Tips for Success

Once you've sorted your rabbit hunting gear, it's time to hunt. Early morning and late afternoon are peak times for hunting rabbits, though you may still see a rabbit or two bouncing across a meadow during the day. 

Move slowly and quietly, and look ahead. Rabbits rely on hearing and sight to detect danger and will flee at the earliest signs of an incoming threat, so be ready to shoot at any time. 

If you're worried you've missed a shot, stay ready. Rabbits often double back on their tracks, especially into familiar dense cover. Dogs (especially trained beagles) will help flush rabbits out of cover and take the guesswork out of your shooting. 

Finally, always check your local Department of Natural Resources website for the most up-to-date information on hunting seasons, bag limits, and legal weapons. Some states, such as Oregon, have no closed season, meaning you can get out there and bag rabbits year-round. 

Gear Up For Your Next Rabbit Hunt With HuntWise

Rabbit hunting is fast-paced, action-packed, and great fun. With the items listed above, you'll be able to stay safe, comfortable, and prepared for a full day of rabbit hunting, even in less-than-perfect conditions. 

To discover more hunting zones, weather insights, and small-game tips from hunting pros, download the HuntWise app and start exploring today. You'll also be able to access exclusive gear deals so you can assemble the perfect kit for your next bunny hunt. 

Download HuntWise and try it free for a week to hunt rabbits!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to questions about your rabbit hunting gear list!

Q: What gear do I need for rabbit hunting?

A: Basic rabbit hunting gear includes appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy boots, eye/ear protection, a small game license (where required), and a game bag. Optional but helpful gear includes binoculars and a trained dog.

Q: What is the best tool to hunt rabbits with?

A: Common tools (firearms) for hunting rabbits are a .22 rimfire rifle, a small-gauge shotgun (like 20 or .410), or air rifles, where legal. The “best” tool depends on terrain, distance, and local regulations.

Q: What caliber is best for rabbit hunting?

A: The .22 LR is the most popular for hunting rabbits with rifles due to accuracy and minimal meat damage. For shotguns, light loads in 20 gauge or .410 are commonly used.

Q: Where should you shoot a rabbit when hunting?

A: For a humane harvest when hunting rabbits, aim for the head or upper chest when you have a clear, safe shot. Always prioritize a clean, ethical shot and follow local hunting laws.