They may be small, but squirrels are one of the most exciting small game animals you can hunt. With their unpredictable movements and gigantic leaps through the tree canopies, squirrel hunting offers a challenge for both beginners and seasoned hunters. Squirrel hunting is both challenging and fun. It’s a great sport to introduce to friends and family. The added plus is you can enjoy a tasty meal at the end of the day.
If you are new to squirrel hunting, there are a few things you need to know before you start. Here is our complete guide to squirrel hunting, along with a few tips to boost your chances of bagging your first squirrel.
How to Hunt Squirrels Legally
The legal right to hunt squirrels is determined on a state level, as with most hunting laws, which means you should consult your State Parks Department about which license you need. Some species of squirrel, such as red squirrels in New York, are not protected, so no license is necessary. However, for other species, you may need to obtain a small game or furbearers license before heading out on your hunting trip.
The criteria for obtaining a permit vary from state to state and may limit you to a specific location, season or date. Many states and provinces allow you to hunt squirrels on state-owned park grounds. However, if you are hunting on private property, you may also need to obtain permission from the owner.
Where to Go Squirrel Hunting
Squirrels are tree-dwellers that populate almost all areas of the continental United States. They occupy areas where food is abundant, such as densely wooded forests composed of hardwood trees such as ash, oak and hickory. You don’t need a food plot or corn feeder for squirrels. Red squirrels, fox squirrels and gray squirrels are all on a quest for the acorns from these trees.
One of the best locations for squirrel hunting is close to water because trees growing alongside a water source are more likely to have the largest fruit and acorns. Squirrel hunters should have knee boots or hip waders if hunting near a water source. Look for unmistakable signs of squirrel activity, such as broken acorns, nuts and bark scattered on the ground underneath the trees.
When to Hunt Squirrels
The best time of year for squirrel hunting is early- to mid-fall as they begin to stockpile food for the winter. Bushytails are most active early in the day as they scavenge for food, with a lull in activity during the warmest part of the day. You may also find them foraging in the early afternoon right up until dusk.
Of course, this can vary depending on the species. For example, gray squirrels begin foraging before the sun comes up. Whereas, if you are hunting fox squirrels, they are most active between the second and fourth hours after dawn.
Red, gray and fox squirrels all have a preference for clear, sunny weather, which is when they will spend most of their time in the treetops. If you want to catch bushytails on the ground, wait until there is a little fog or a slight drizzle, as they use the elements for protection and keep close to the base of the trees.
Choosing a Weapon
The right weapon choice can make the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. Some of the best options include:
The Shotgun
Due to the large spread of a shotgun shell, you have a greater chance of hitting your target without damaging the meat, making them the right choice for beginners. You can further minimize the damage to your target by choosing the right shotgun. Youngsters prefer the light recoil of a .410-gauge shotgun with a short barrel. It is easy to carry and has a light recoil. If you choose to use a 20- or 12-gauge shotgun, use the lightest load you can buy. Even then, be prepared to spend some time picking pellets out of the meat.
Another benefit to using a shotgun is that it is a safer option if you are hunting in a semi-populated area, as the shot is not lethal over a long distance. The main downside to using a shotgun is the noise that follows the shot, which is likely to scare away any other squirrels hiding nearby.
.22 Caliber Rifle
The preferred weapon for most experienced squirrel hunters is the .22 caliber rifle. It is more accurate than a shotgun, allowing for precision kill shots that keep the meat intact. It also offers more of a challenge for hunters looking to keep their skills honed before deer season kicks off. Aim for the head, when possible, to preserve the hide and meat. The ammo for a .22 is about half that of shotgun shells. Good to know if you have a young hunter not afraid to pull the trigger.
Bow Hunting
Hunters aren’t limited to firearms when it comes to bagging squirrels. An accomplished bow hunter may want to test their skills by using archery equipment to bag bushytails. However, be prepared for a test of your aim and accuracy, as squirrels are less than a foot long and are frequently on the move. Because squirrels are on a never-ending search for acorns, it is difficult to use single-pin sights to hunt squirrels. They are not stationary long enough to dial up the right distance. Instead, use fixed pins and a good range finder. The difficulty factor will still be high, but you have a fighting chance with fixed pins.
Use a broadhead that is specifically designed for small game, as larger broadheads will obliterate the meat. You may also need to modify where you shoot the squirrel, as you are more likely to pin the animal to the tree and spend most of your time retrieving it.
More Squirrel Hunting Tips and Tricks
Now that you’ve got a good understanding of the basics, it’s time to look at more squirrel hunting tips that’ll enhance your success. While pointing and shooting with the best rifle for squirrel hunting are critical, there is so much more to it than that.
One of the first squirrel hunting tips for beginners that you must always remember is to stay still. Squirrels are very aware of their surroundings, and any sudden movement can send them scampering up into the treetops. If you’re actively stalking your prey, some quiet hunting techniques for squirrels that you’ll want to implement include taking a few steps, stopping, and watching. Don’t rush. Many experienced hunters will spend 10 to 15 minutes in one spot just observing. Movement and noise are your enemies here.
The best time to hunt squirrels is early in the morning when the sun is just starting to rise. That’s when squirrels are hungry and most active. Late afternoon can also be productive as they return to the ground to gather food before dark. Avoid the middle of the day unless it’s cool and cloudy. To make sure that you have the most success, plan your trip based on the time when squirrels are naturally out and about.
Knowing how to find squirrels in the woods can be tricky if you’re new. Look for nests in the trees. These are large clumps of leaves and twigs, and they’re often shaped like messy balls. You can find them high in the branches. These nests are good signs that squirrels are nearby. You should also listen for rustling in the leaves or acorns falling from above. If you hear sharp “chuck-chuck” noises or loud chattering, that’s a squirrel warning others of your presence. Be still, and one may still come into view.
Bring the Right Type of Gear
When it comes to squirrel hunting gear, you don’t need a huge amount of fancy equipment, but you should bring the right tools. A solid pair of binoculars can help you spot movement in the trees from far away. A comfortable camo jacket, hunting boots, and gloves can help you blend into the environment and move silently. Also, compare a shotgun to a rifle for squirrel hunting and determine which one you will use. Don’t forget to bring a good-quality backpack with extra shells, a knife, snacks, and water. You’ll be moving a lot, so staying hydrated is key.
Some hunters even bring along a squirrel call. These small devices can mimic the sounds of a squirrel in distress or looking for food. When used correctly, it can spark curiosity in nearby squirrels and draw them out of hiding. Practice using it before you head out so that you don’t scare off your targets.
Know the Right Hunting Techniques
Learning proper squirrel hunting techniques is just as important as bringing the right gear. One proven method is the “still-hunt” approach. This means walking slowly through the woods, stopping often, and scanning the treetops and forest floor for signs of activity. This method takes patience but works well in lightly wooded areas.
Another option is to post up near a cluster of nut-bearing trees and wait for some time. Squirrels love oak, hickory, walnut, and pecan trees. If you know where these trees are located and can sit quietly nearby, chances are a squirrel will show up sooner or later.
Finally, always follow local hunting rules and stay respectful of nature. Clean up after yourself, and don’t take more than you need. Remember, the goal is not just to hunt but to enjoy the outdoors and improve your skills. Squirrel hunting is an excellent way to get closer to nature and learn patience, accuracy, and timing.
Keep at it and stay quiet, and soon you’ll find that squirrels are more predictable than they seem. With these extra-quiet hunting techniques for squirrels and the right mindset, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned squirrel hunter in no time.
Hunting with Dogs
A guaranteed way to locate squirrels fast is with squirrel-hunting dogs. A good squirrel dog will creep along the forest floor while tracking the squirrel, and then signal you with a bark once the squirrel is treed. They often see squirrels jumping tree to tree well before the squirrel hunter does.
Training a squirrel dog can be tricky, but some breeds have a natural aptitude for hunting small game. The best dog breed for squirrel hunting is the Mountain Cur. Feists (similar to terriers) and hounds also possess good treeing instincts.
Last Word
Whether you enjoy squirrel hunting to hone your skills for larger game or simply enjoy the thrill of the chase with these unpredictable creatures, hunting these small game animals is a blast. It’s fun for young hunters, beginning hunters and seasoned hunters. It’s also an excellent way to practice woodsmanship and help to manage squirrel populations in the U.S.
Ultimately, the success of your hunt comes down to practice and experience. So, get out on the squirrel trail as often as you can during hunting season.
