What animal is often seen in small game classifications?

The cottontail rabbit is frequently recognized as a small game animal due to its size, habitat, and hunting regulations that categorize it as such. In Wyoming and many other regions, small game is generally defined by animals that are smaller in stature, often including those that are hunted for sport, food, or pest control. The cottontail rabbit fits this category well, as it is a common target during small game hunting seasons.

It is often abundant in grassy and brushy habitats, making it accessible to hunters. Its population dynamics also allow for sustainable hunting practices, which is a key consideration in wildlife management. Other animals listed might not be classified as small game: the pheasant, while also hunted, is generally categorized separately in many jurisdictions; the wolverine is a larger, more elusive predator; and the bobcat, while present in small game considerations at times, usually falls under furbearers or larger game classifications.

Thus, the cottontail rabbit stands out in this context as a quintessential small game species that aligns perfectly with hunting regulations and practices related to small game hunting.