5.0(2 Reviews)Private Hare Hunting Day Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Small game hunting
Fullday guided snowshoe hare hunting in Adirondack backcountrySmall group experience with expert tracking and movement guidanceDecember through March availability with 5 AM early starts
When fresh snow blankets the Adirondack backcountry and snowshoe hare tracks crisscross through the thickets, it's time for some of the best small game hunting New York has to offer. Our top-rated private hare hunting day trip puts you right in the heart of prime upland terrain where these crafty critters thrive during winter months. Starting before dawn at 5 AM, you'll join our experienced guides for a full day of tracking, calling, and pursuing one of the region's most challenging small game species. This customer favorite runs from December through March when conditions are perfect and the hares are most active in their winter coats.
Your hunting day begins in the pre-dawn darkness when snowshoe hares are finishing their nighttime feeding and heading back to cover. We keep groups small - just you and up to four other hunters - so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of opportunities to learn from our seasoned guides. The Adirondack backcountry offers world-class habitat for snowshoe hare with dense coniferous thickets, mixed hardwood stands, and natural openings that create perfect cover and feeding areas. You'll move through varying terrain, from cedar swamps where hares bed down during harsh weather to sunny slopes where they browse on tender shoots. Our guides know the local patterns like the back of their hands and will share insights on reading fresh sign, understanding daily movement patterns, and positioning yourself for the best shots. The pace varies throughout the day - sometimes you're moving steadily through cover, other times you're posting up in strategic locations waiting for hares to move naturally through their travel corridors.
Success on snowshoe hare comes down to understanding their behavior and reading the story their tracks tell in fresh snow. Our guides will teach you to distinguish between feeding tracks - those meandering patterns where hares hop slowly between browse - and the long, stretched-out bounds they make when spooked or traveling between cover. The terrain we hunt includes thick stands of young conifers, brushy clearcuts, and edges between forest and openings where hares feel secure but can access varied food sources. Bring your own rifle or shotgun suitable for small game, and dress in layers with insulated, weather-appropriate gear that can handle snowy conditions. Quality boots with good traction are essential since we'll be walking through uneven terrain with varying snow depths. Don't forget a warm hat, insulated gloves that still allow trigger control, and protective eyewear to guard against low branches in thick cover. Pack your own snacks, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages to fuel up during breaks - hunting in cold weather burns more calories than you'd expect. Most importantly, make sure you have a valid New York hunting license before arrival, as this is required for all participants regardless of whether you're actively hunting or just observing.
"5 star experience today for my husband and 2 young sons. Cody and Frank gave them an amazing experience of rabbit hunting, running the dogs and just being guys in the woods!! Thank you!!" - Kelly Destito. "My small group had a fun and exciting time! The conditions couldn't have been much tougher, but Jamie and Joe managed to get the dogs onto rabbits for us. I look forward to going out with them again soon." - Peter
Snowshoe hares are the crown jewel of Adirondack small game hunting, and for good reason. These remarkable animals undergo one of nature's most impressive transformations, changing from summer brown to winter white as snow begins to fall. During peak season from December through March, they're wearing their full white coats and weighing in at 2-4 pounds of pure muscle and instinct. What makes hunting them so rewarding is their incredible speed and agility - a spooked snowshoe hare can hit speeds up to 30 mph and make sharp turns that would leave most predators in the dust. Their oversized hind feet act like natural snowshoes, allowing them to bound across deep snow while other animals struggle through it. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times when they're most active, moving between feeding and bedding areas along well-established trails. The challenge lies in their keen senses and tendency to freeze motionless when danger approaches, relying on their camouflage before exploding into action. Local hares feed primarily on twigs, buds, and bark from young trees, which means you'll often find them in regenerating forest areas and edges. What hunters love most is the combination of skill required - reading tracks, understanding habitat, and making quick shots in thick cover - plus the satisfaction of pursuing an animal that's perfectly adapted to its harsh mountain environment. These hares provide excellent table fare too, with lean, flavorful meat that's a welcome reward after a long day in the winter woods.
This renowned private hare hunting experience delivers everything serious small game hunters are looking for - expert guiding, prime Adirondack habitat, and the chance to match wits with one of the region's most challenging quarry. Whether you're an experienced hunter wanting to try something new or looking to introduce family members to the sport, our guides adapt the day to match your group's skill level and interests. The combination of beautiful winter scenery, world-class hunting opportunities, and personal attention from knowledgeable local guides makes this a best trip choice for anyone serious about small game hunting. Winter conditions in the Adirondacks can change quickly, so we recommend booking your spot early in the season and staying flexible with dates to take advantage of optimal snow conditions. Don't miss your chance to experience this trending winter hunting opportunity that's quickly becoming a customer favorite among small game enthusiasts throughout the Northeast.
Snowshoe hares are roughly rabbit-sized but built for deep snow country, with oversized hind feet that work like natural snowshoes. They're brown in summer but turn pure white by December, making them tough to spot against fresh powder. You'll find them in dense thickets, young forest growth, and brushy areas where they can duck for cover quickly. Winter's prime time since their tracks are easy to follow and they're more active during daylight hours when it's cold. These hares can really move when spooked - they'll bound through brush at surprising speed, which makes for some challenging shooting. The meat's lean and mild, nothing like domestic rabbit. Here's a tip: when you find fresh tracks, look for their feeding areas first - they'll usually circle back to the same spots where they've been browsing on twigs and bark.
5.0 out of 5.05 star experience today for my husband and 2 young sons. Cody and Frank gave them an amazing experience of rabbit hunting, running...
My small group had a fun and exciting time! The conditions couldn’t have been much tougher, but Jamie and Joe managed to get the ...
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