The American Beagler Forum

Just like to know how long your average race lasts? I know there will be variables, conditions, time of year etc.. but on average what is the length of time from the jump to the end of race.

usualy around here on cottontails the race lasts anywere from 30 minutes to about 1hr befor they hole up or the dogs loose it

Mine last 30 to 45 min some times longer or sometimes less just depends.

To me, a good rabbit dog should circle the rabbit 3 times. How long this takes would vary because of a variety of different factors. I have had the dogs on the same rabbit for a couple of hours and I have had some rabbit hole up in less than a minute. The rabbit often determines the length of the race. Of course, the dogs play a big role and mediocre dogs don't last long before they blow the track.

I had 2 races this morning. I have let farts that lasted longer.

3/4 of them are less then 5 minutes but once in awhile we get one that will stay on top of the ground , most places here have lots of holes and races are short.

My chases usually last around 45 mins to an hour.But I agree with redtick.There is a lot of other factors that decide the chase for you.

Cottontails up here run for about 5 mins and are down a hole ..Jacks never hole up and take the hounds over fields and it takes a good hound to circle one their circles usually average 1.5 miles some can really get out there.

I agree many things can effect the time a bunny stays up and running.Around here we have good races.Mine average 30 min to several hrs.But that is numerous circles around or past me.I've only shot a handful as I like the music - race the most.

As some state they hole up quick.I have several rock out croppings up the ridge that they go under a lot on the farm.I have had them go to ground in 100 yds.If I suspect that they are of a mind to do so I go stand on it and wave em off :-) They look whammy - yellow flag and keep HA :-)
Hunt6 David P.

I agree with what most are saying with the variables. I went into a place this past weekend : the first four rabbits (cottontails) the dogs jumped went straight to the hole. We picked up and moved not more than two miles down the road and the first one we jumped ran about thirty minutes before he ran into some #6. Next one ran for about an hour and a half. The next 30 mins. before he holed. Same conditions just a different area.

I agree w/ Redtick that a good rabbit race should last at least 3 full circles. I have had a couple this year go 9 - 12 full cirlces....we just never could get the bunny cut off!

As far as length of time - depends on the conditions, terrain and briar cover. Also, the time of year as it seems certain times the rabbits run further and wider. I've had 3 circle races last 10 - 15 min. and also had them last 30 - 40 min.
-Pete

Thanks for the responses. I like to hear the comparisons from different parts of the country.

Here in N.E. Ohio it is pretty much up to the rabbit when there is snow on the ground,however he feels when he takes off.Usually they hole immediatly on snow here but I have had them circle 3 times in 8-10 inch snow(rarely)Bareground,if they do not hole up within the first 5 min. they will stay up,I have heard from reliable sources of rabbits that refuse to hole and finally stiffen up and cannot run anymore,when they could just as easily have ducked into a hole.I used to blame holes for alot of unaccounted rabbits but then I was introduced to some good ones who will never stop,I never give my dogs the benefit of the doubt anymore on bareground unless their a## is sticking out of the hole they are marking.

That's a loaded question!These guy are goinga lie like dogs.It's kinda like the sex question,big and a long time!!!!!

Ran cottontails in KY week before last and could not get a race over 20 minutes.

Ran swampers in MS this weekend and ran 13 out of 15 till shot -- some over an hour, but swampers don't normally hole and they pour out the scent, but gotta have dogs that will run in water.