Back a few years ago when energy prices were soaring, heating with wood was all the rage. Nearly everyone had a wood stove, a chain saw and an old pickup truck.

Much land, both public and private, was used for cutting firewood. In many locales the tops of the trees were piled up as the firewood was cut.

These brushpiles make nearly perfect homes for rabbits. Over time, the brushpiles drop and become overgrown with weeds, briars and all manner of vegetation. This offers the quick and nimble rabbits protection from foxes, cats, dogs and other four-legged predators. They also offer protection from hawks, owls and numerous other predators that hunt from above.

Our experts suggest that hunters wanting to be successful in the late season never pass by one of these brushpiles. They take a lot of work to properly hunt. Nevertheless, it is worth the effort.

In some cases you will need to climb on top of them and jump up and down to make the rabbit move. (Editor’s Note: this is yet another reason to take young people hunting.) Keep a sharp eye out for the rabbit. He may try to escape from any direction – almost always the one behind you.

Cut stumps also attract rabbits. They typically sprout after they are cut and offer bunnies something to eat, especially when a winter chill is in the air.