Private Hare Hunting Day Trip

Adirondack Mountain & Stream Guide: Jamie Frasier

5.0(2 reviews)

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Private Trip

Small game hunting

What you will be catching:

Snowshoe Hare

About This Trip:

Full-day guided snowshoe hare hunting in Adirondack backcountry
Small group experience with expert tracking and movement insights
December through March availability with 5 AM start time

Private Hare Hunting Day Trip

Want to test your skills against one of the Adirondacks' craftiest small game animals? Our private snowshoe hare hunts put you right in the thick of prime winter hunting country, where these quick-footed critters leave telltale tracks through snowy cover. From December through March, when conditions are perfect and hares are in their winter coats, we'll guide you through backcountry terrain that's been producing solid action for years. This isn't your typical group hunt - we keep it intimate with small parties, so you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to learn the nuances of tracking and reading sign in deep snow.

Inside the Hunt

Your day kicks off early at 5 AM, which might sound rough, but trust me - this is prime time for hare activity. We head straight into proven backcountry spots where snowshoe hares have established their winter territories. These areas feature the thick cover and browse that hares depend on, plus the kind of terrain that creates natural funnels and travel corridors. You'll be moving through varied upland habitat - from dense thickets to more open hardwood stands where tracking becomes an art form. The snow tells the whole story if you know how to read it, and that's exactly what we'll teach you. Fresh tracks, feeding sign, and pellet droppings all paint a picture of where these animals are living and moving. We limit groups to 5 hunters maximum, which means you're getting hands-on instruction rather than competing for attention. Your guide knows every ridge, every thick cover patch, and every spot where hares like to hole up during the day.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

Snowshoe hare hunting is all about reading the woods and understanding how these animals use the landscape. We'll show you how to identify fresh tracks - those distinctive oversized hind prints that give them their name - and distinguish them from older sign. The key is learning their patterns: where they feed at dawn, where they rest during midday, and how they move between cover. In the Adirondacks, hares favor areas with mixed cover - places where conifers provide shelter and hardwoods offer browse. You'll learn to spot the "highways" they create through thick stuff, narrow trails that connect feeding areas to bedding spots. Weather plays a huge role too. Fresh snow makes tracking easier but can also push hares deeper into cover. Crusty conditions might have them moving differently than during soft powder days. We'll teach you to adjust your approach based on what Mother Nature throws at us. Bring your own firearms and ammunition - we recommend .22 caliber rifles or shotguns with appropriate loads for small game. Remember, you'll need that valid New York hunting license before we hit the woods, and make sure you're dressed for a full day in winter conditions with insulated layers and waterproof boots.

Hunter Highlights

"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

Target Game Breakdown

Snowshoe hares are perfectly adapted to Adirondack winters, and hunting them teaches you a ton about reading wildlife behavior in challenging conditions. These aren't your typical cottontail rabbits - snowshoe hares are bigger, averaging 3-4 pounds when fully grown, and their seasonal color change from brown to white makes them masters of camouflage. During winter months, their thick white coats blend perfectly with snowy cover, while those famous oversized hind feet work like natural snowshoes to keep them on top of deep powder. What makes hunting them so rewarding is their intelligence and adaptability. They'll use every trick in the book - doubling back on their own tracks, making huge leaps to break their trail, and tucking into cover so thick you'd swear they vanished into thin air. Peak hunting runs from late December through February when snow depths force them into predictable travel patterns and their white coats make them easier to spot against darker backgrounds. They're most active during early morning and late afternoon, which is why we start before dawn. These hares have incredible hearing and will bolt at the first sign of danger, making quick, accurate shots essential. The satisfaction of successfully tracking and harvesting a snowshoe hare in their own element is something that stays with hunters long after the season ends.

Book Your Next Tag

Ready to match wits with the Adirondacks' most elusive small game? Our private snowshoe hare hunts deliver the kind of personalized hunting experience that builds real skills and creates lasting memories. Whether you're looking to introduce young hunters to tracking fundamentals or you're a seasoned hunter wanting to tackle something different, this hunt offers challenges and rewards you won't find anywhere else. The combination of beautiful winter backcountry, expert guidance, and the chance to pursue one of nature's most adapted survivors makes this a standout choice for your hunting calendar. We provide the local knowledge and proven hunting areas - you bring the enthusiasm and hunting license. Pack your cold weather gear, bring your appetite for learning something new, and get ready to discover why snowshoe hare hunting has such a dedicated following among Adirondack hunters. Spots fill up quickly during peak season, especially when snow conditions are ideal, so don't wait to secure your dates. Contact Adirondack Mountain & Stream today and let's start planning your winter hunting adventure.

Target Species

Snowshoe Hare

Snowshoe hares are built for winter survival in the Adirondacks - they're about 3-4 pounds with oversized hind feet that work like natural snowshoes. During our season, their coats turn brilliant white, making them nearly invisible against fresh snow. You'll find them in dense thickets, young forest growth, and brushy areas where they can quickly duck for cover. They're most active at dawn and dusk, creating well-worn trails between feeding and resting spots. What makes hare hunting special is the chess match - reading their tracks, anticipating their escape routes, and making quick shots when they bolt. The meat is lean and flavorful, perfect for camp stews. Here's a tip: look for areas where hardwood meets conifer stands. Hares love browsing on young maple and birch shoots, then darting into evergreen cover when spooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on this hunting trip to the Adirondack backcountry, you'll need to bring several essential items for a successful day. According to the trip details, you should dress in insulated, weather-appropriate gear and wear boots suitable for snowy conditions since this takes place from December through March in backcountry terrain. Essential accessories include a hat, gloves, and protective eyewear for safety and comfort during the hunt. Since meals are not included, you'll need to pack your own snacks, meals, and non-alcoholic drinks for the full-day experience. Most importantly, a valid New York hunting license is required before arrival - this is mandatory for participation. The trip focuses on snowshoe hare hunting through snowy thickets, so your gear should be suitable for moving through this type of upland terrain while tracking fresh hare tracks.

Private Hare Hunting Day Trip