I recently got the opportunity to hunt for the elusive swamp rabbit. Also called "cane cutters," these rabbits are a larger version of the common cottontail bunnies we are familiar with. Swampers are commonly found in river bottoms, swamps, and even islands. Their size ranges from 4-6 pounds and can give a beagle quite the challenge.My good friend Jeff Baugus (Pickwick, TN) invited me to Tennessee recently to go with him and his trusty beagles for an island jumping swamper hunt up and down the Tennessee river.
On a snowy cold February morning, we loaded our G3 with his beagles and ran down the Tennessee river to a large island. Island? You bet. When the river floods the bottoms, swamp rabbits will cling to downed trees or debris and take root on islands. Now you would think there wouldn't be much sport in hunting anything on an island but quite the contrary when it comes to swampers. These big bunnies can make any beagle and hunter scratch his head when they leave after several good runs without as much as getting a shot. They are very smart and have keen eyesight. Also, a swamp rabbit isnt afraid to hit the water to lose the beagles or even swim to an adjacent island. I know, it happened to us more than once. We did manage to harvest a couple of these big bunnies and it was just as exciting getting to see one coming toward me as a big ole gobbler.
It was a great time and if you want to add some excitement to rabbit hunting or want to give your own beagles a work out, then try chasing swamp rabbits. A more worthy opponent you'll not find in a while.
We'll be airing this episode soon on the G3 Sportsman and look forward to our next big adventure. Until next time, we'll see you.
Scott Turnage, Host/G3 Sportsman
