Far too many hunters think February is just for attending sport shows and dreaming about next year. When in fact, there are plenty of hunting and trapping opportunities available this month across the Midwest. Deer seasons may be closed, but small game and predator hunting is still going strong.
Predator hunters now have a lot of the landscape to themselves. Squirrel hunters are exploring empty forests, and rabbit hunters are usually without competition in the grasslands. Light goose hunters can find action so fast, they’re blowing through boxes of shells. So go ahead and visit the local sport show, just don’t make the mistake of waiting a few months before embarking on your next adventure. Here are a few Midwest hunting and trapping options in February.
Ohio – Trapping (river otter, beaver, mink and muskrat)
If you have never seen the movie Jeremiah Johnson, do yourself a favor and find the time. When you come home to your significant other wearing buckskins with a pack of Conibears slung over your shoulder, tell her to thank me for your new mountain man look. Trapping is a timeless tradition. It is both fun and important to conservation. Mink, muskrat, beaver and river otter maybe trapped through February 28 in Ohio. For all the information you need on how to trap and where to go, check out the Ohio State Trappers Association website.
Iowa – Rabbits
Growing up, my uncle had a friend who owned a Greek restaurant. This guy could make a rabbit taste better than filet mignon. He’d lightly coat it in a lemon pepper seasoning and pan fry it to golden brown. This recipe alone is enough to make rabbit hunting a wintertime must. Iowa has a daily limit of 10 rabbits and a possession limit of 20. A good-sized rabbit weighs between 2-3 pounds. One limit puts you in good eating for quite a while. The DNR has a map of heavily populated rabbit areas on the website. If you have the chance to hunt with beagles, be sure to take it. The season ends February 28.
Michigan – Squirrels
There is a reason nearly everything eats squirrels. They taste great. They’re also a ton of fun to hunt and often serve as an introductory species to new hunters. A well-sighted .22 rifle or a .410 shotgun are about all one needs to pursue squirrels. Michigan is home to Eastern Fox, Eastern Gray and Red Squirrels. A unique opportunity also exists in Michigan to hunt black squirrels. To have a shot at one of these neat looking critters, check out the 50,000-acre Allegan State Game Area. Squirrel season is open across the entire state until March 31 with a bag limit of 5 and a possession limit of 10.
North Dakota – Light Goose Conservation Order
North Dakota is your last Midwestern chance to make a dent in the overpopulated number of light geese before they cross the border and head back to the northern tundra. If you don’t knock a few more down, they’ll be back in Canada once again causing serious damage to the habitat needed for competing waterfowl, like mallards and Canada Geese. The Spring Conservation Order Season is open until May 11, so there is still plenty of time to do your part for conservation.
Indiana – Crow Hunting
If you spent any time watching television in Indiana during the 1990s, you’re likely familiar with the famous crow mascot singing, “There’s more than corn in Indiana, there’s In-di-ana Beach.” Well, that crow better be careful come December, because crow hunting is a great way to pass the winter months in the Hoosier State. With most agriculture fields now empty, hiding in a fence row with a few decoys laid out in front of you is a great way to experience some winter wing shooting. Electronic calls are allowed when hunting crows. However, bait is not allowed by federal law when hunting crows or other migratory birds.
Kansas: Coyote hunting
Wide-open country makes for good coyote hunting, and Kansas has plenty of it. After a snowfall, coyotes tend to stand out on the landscape. Position yourself on a vantage point and call. When a coyote appears, you’ll be able to spot them much easier against the white background. Cimarron National Grassland is about 108,175 acres. It is rich with coyotes. Taking a few out will help upland birds. A furbearer license is required to hunt coyote.
See you down the trail,
Brandon Butler