Domestic ferrets were used during the winter to census cottontail rabbits on farmland, and to obtain live individuals for study. The method proved to be somewhat more efficient than live-trapping. Burrow-use by cottontails and resultant success with ferrets correlated with air temps., and the most productive work was on the coldest days. Among 72 animals ear-tagged and re-eased following capture with ferrets, 15 were later accounted for in live-trapping or from hunting returns. None of the 72 was ever recaptured in a burrow, and it appeared that ferreting may have developed a reluctance in rabbits towards the further use of dens.