At the same time, however, suburban growth has provided even better opportunities for rabbits - lots of rich, limed and fertilized grass, with plenty of ornamental shrubs for cover. And best of all, no human predators. Cars, maybe. But no guns.
"Rabbit numbers on those habitats are probably as high as anywhere in the state, but you can't hunt," Mathews said.
Too bad for Mathews and Mike Deckelbaum, manager of the Rocky Gap State Park, who are old rabbit hunting buddies. They and their eight beagles hunt regularly during the rabbit season, which runs from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28 in Maryland. Hunters can take up to four rabbits a day.
FOR THE RECORD - An article in Monday's Maryland section incorrectly described rabbits as rodents. Until the early 20th century, they were considered rodents. But no more. Among other distinguishing traits, rabbits have four upper incisors, while rodents have two. Rabbits are part of a separate order of mammals called Lagomorpha, which includes hares and pikas.
The Sun regrets the error.
"Mike and I enjoy the dog work," Mathews said. "It's the connection you have with your dogs." Out in the field, the dogs or the hunters will "jump" a rabbit, which takes off running. The dogs give chase.
"They bark and bay. They love to chase the rabbit," he said.
The rabbit, highly territorial, will typically run in a wide circle, doubling back to where he started. If he doesn't disappear into a hole or a hedgerow along the way, he will run back within range of the hunter - perhaps 25 yards away. A light load from a small shotgun will bring him down.
The beagles hardly ever catch the rabbits. "They're tuned and trained to chase and track that smell," Mathews said. Once on the trail, they won't be called back. "I've gotta wait for them to bring the rabbit around and I shoot the rabbit, or they actually lose the trail."
But it's not really about the rabbits, he insists. "I enjoy the dog work, the sport, the camaraderie; sharing the day outdoors, the coffee and McDonald's; being tired at the end of the day; and a good nap. That's what it's about."
Then it's about the rabbits.
"They're delicious," Mathews said. "I put it in a crock pot. Mike makes a rabbit stew ... it doesn't really taste like chicken, but it's got a texture and looks a little like chicken. ... Some people quarter it and fry it."
Beyer said that a half-century ago rabbit fur was used for glove lining. But no more. "The market for pelts ... if it's out there, I don't know about it."
Also gone is the New England cottontail - a larger sub-species of rabbit that once could be found in Western Maryland counties.
Now they have bears.
frank.roylance@baltsun.com
