Squirrel Hunting 101: Super Tips From The Pros

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Squirrel hunting is a popular pastime among outdoor enthusiasts looking to test their hunting skills with small game, and runs along the lines of rabbit hunting, quail hunting, and even groundhog hunting.

With the right gear and knowledge, anyone can join in on the excitement of taking down these pint-sized critters.

Learn pro tips for scouting, setting up bait, and using the best guns and ammunition for successful hunts.

Squirrel hunting. Photo of a squirrel in a tree.

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Squirrel Hunting

Squirrel hunting is a popular outdoor activity enjoyed by many for various reasons. For some, it offers a thrilling challenge that requires patience and strategy.

Moreover, it enhances shooting skills as squirrels can move quickly and require precision to hit. Squirrel hunting can also provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature and spend quality time with friends and family.

As an affordable and accessible form of hunting, it allows beginners to explore the great outdoors while enjoying social activity.

Overall, squirrel hunting offers an enjoyable experience suitable for all skill levels.

Learn the Basics of Squirrel Hunting

Before you head out for your first squirrel hunting trip, make sure to learn about the fundamentals of the sport.

Understand important information like basics of the anatomy and behaviors of different species of squirrels, scouting strategies, setting up bait, and proper firearm use and safety.

Doing your research ahead of time will help to increase your chances of success when it comes to tracking and taking down these wily little creatures.

Anatomy and Behaviors of Different Species of Squirrels

For hunting enthusiasts, understanding the anatomy and behavior of different squirrel species is crucial for a successful trip. The most commonly hunted squirrels in the United States are the gray squirrel and the fox squirrel, each with distinct characteristics.

Gray squirrels prefer hardwood forests, while fox squirrels tend to inhabit mixed forests and areas with underbrush. Identifying their habitats can help hunters scout ideal locations for a productive excursion.

Scouting Strategies

To find the best hunting grounds for squirrels, it’s important to do some scouting beforehand. Look for areas with a good supply of food sources, like nut and fruit trees including hickory and oak trees.

Squirrels are adaptable creatures who can eat anything they can find, so keep an eye out! Furthermore, try to locate areas with lots of cover that would provide hiding spots for squirrels.

Places like thick brush or rock formations will give them protection from predators and allow them to move about unnoticed.

Setting up Bait

Baiting is a popular strategy used in squirrel hunting.

To give yourself the best chance of catching these bushy-tailed critters, try leaving nuts or seeds in areas where squirrels are known to congregate, like near a tree trunk or on a large branch.

By doing this, you can attract them closer to your hunting spot and increase the likelihood of making a successful catch

Proper Firearm Use and Safety

Proper firearm use and safety are crucial in squirrel hunting. Always follow the four rules of firearm safety. It is important to prioritize safety at all times when handling firearms.

Prior to heading out into the woods with your firearm, make sure you understand proper gun safety rules and techniques. Never point your firearm in an unsafe direction and always wait for a clear shot before pulling the trigger.

Additionally, hunters should wear appropriate safety gear such as ear protection and blaze orange clothing to remain visible to other hunters in the vicinity.

It’s also essential to be aware of one’s surroundings including other nearby hunters, buildings, or property lines. Check out the 4 Gun Safety Rules to brush up on your gun safety and learn where you can take classes.

Also see: Hunting with guns.

Understand the Terrain and Habits of Different Species of Squirrels

Before you head out squirrel hunting, take the time to understand the dominant species of squirrels in your area, including their common habitat and behaviors. Knowing what type of terrain they prefer can help you locate them more easily.

Additionally, considering the habits of different species can give you an edge when it comes to stalking and shooting.

Different breeds have unique behaviors which can be used as a tactical advantage. For example, gray squirrels tend to feed on ground level while reds are typically found more up high in trees.

Squirrel Hunting Gear

Using proper squirrel hunting gear is essential to ensure a successful and enjoyable squirrel hunting experience.

First off, wearing camouflage from head-to-toe with a little blaze orange can be useful to blend into your surroundings and ultimately increase your chances of success. Don’t forget your blaze orange cap or vest.

Next, make sure to bring durable boots with good traction as well as a backpack to carry any supplies you may need on your trip.

Double-check area regulations for ammunition and firearms specific to the type of game you plan on hunting.

Last but not least, invest in a reliable optic or sight designed for long-range shooting, which can make all the difference when it comes to accuracy.

Squirrel Hunting Gear

  • Small-caliber rifle: A .22 or .17-caliber rifle is ideal for squirrel hunting. These rifles are lightweight, accurate, and have minimal recoil.
  • Ammunition: Choose ammunition that is appropriate for small game hunting, such as .22 Long Rifle or .17 HMR.
  • Camouflage clothing: Squirrels have keen eyesight and are easily spooked. Camouflage clothing helps you blend into your surroundings and stay hidden.
  • Binoculars: Binoculars allow you to scout for squirrels from a distance, and can help you spot them when they are hiding in trees.
  • Calls: Squirrel calls are used to mimic the sound of a squirrel’s bark or distress call, which can lure them out of hiding.
  • Tree stand: A tree stand can give you a better vantage point for scouting and shooting squirrels.
  • Bait: Squirrels can be attracted to bait such as corn or nuts, which can increase your chances of success.
  • Safety equipment: Always wear ear protection and eye protection when shooting, and follow proper firearm safety rules at all times.

Use Attractants to Draw in More Squirrels

Luring squirrels into your hunting area can be achieved by several different methods.

As we discussed, baiting by sprinkling birdseed around your shooting range is a good start and setting up feeders in advance can attract more game over time.

You can also use certain scents, such as nut-based scents, to give out a one that strikes curiosity in the animal.

Before doing anything, make sure you know your local laws to make sure it is legal to use scents and baiting tactics in your area..

Squirrel Hunting Techniques & Tactics

For successful squirrel hunting, you’ll want to use effective tactics to increase your chances of success.

First and foremost, knowing where these fast moving creatures are often found is critical. Once you’ve located a suitable location, pay attention to the details: wearing camouflage clothing and staying undetected will be important in catching squirrels off guard.

Finally, patience is key! Taking your time and waiting for the right moment to take a shot will ensure each one counts.

Where to Shoot a Squirrel

To ensure a humane kill during squirrel hunting, aiming for the head or the heart is crucial. However, it’s recommended to aim for the head as it’s a smaller target but produces quicker results.

Taking time to make accurate shots is important because injuring the animal can increase suffering unnecessarily.

Safety should also not be overlooked as hunters must determine if they have a clear shot before taking action.

Proper and responsible hunting practices, including proper shot placement, are essential in ensuring a humane and enjoyable outdoor activity.

If you’d like to skin and cook your squirrel, check out this article for more information: How to prepare and cook squirrel meat

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Squirrel Hunting: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, squirrel hunting is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by hunters of all experience levels.

From scouting the best locations and setting up bait, to learning about squirrel anatomy and behavior and selecting the right gear, every aspect can be exciting and rewarding.

With the right equipment and a dedication to safety, hunters can embark on unforgettable outdoor adventures that challenge their skills and bring them closer to nature.

Whether you are a seasoned outdoorsman or a new hunter looking for an exciting activity, it is a great way to connect with the great outdoors and experience the thrill of the hunt.

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