For many hunters, the end of deer season brings an uncomfortable silence. The woods seem emptier, the excitement of the hunt fades, and the anticipation that had built for months suddenly disappears. This lull can turn into post-season depression, a restless feeling that leaves you longing for the next big hunt. But instead of waiting until turkey season or diving into endless offseason projects, there’s a better solution – keep hunting.
Beating the Off-season Blues
Squirrel hunting, often overlooked by modern sportsmen, is one of the best ways to extend the thrill of the hunt into the colder months. Not only does it keep your skills sharp, but it also offers its own unique set of challenges. Plus, it’s a great way to put some delicious small game on the table while getting more time in the woods.
Why Squirrel Hunting Is a Lost Art
There was a time when squirrel hunting was considered a rite of passage. Before a young hunter graduated to deer or turkey, they cut their teeth chasing these small, elusive creatures through the trees. Learning how to move through the woods quietly, track game, and take precise shots were all lessons taught through squirrel hunting.
Today, it’s much less common. Many hunters skip past small game entirely, jumping straight to bigger targets. But those who ignore squirrel hunting are missing out on one of the most rewarding – and frustrating – hunts out there. Squirrels are fast, cautious, and masters of using trees as cover. Hunting them takes patience, skill, and strategy.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior for a Better Hunt
One of the biggest mistakes new squirrel hunters make is assuming the squirrels in the woods behave like the ones in their backyard. They don’t. The ones you see stealing birdseed and darting up fences are comfortable around people. Wild squirrels, on the other hand, want nothing to do with humans. The second they sense movement or hear an unusual noise, they’re gone – either hiding in a hollow tree or climbing so high that getting a shot becomes nearly impossible.
Stay Patient
The key to a successful hunt is treating it with the same level of patience as deer hunting. Move quietly, keep an eye on the trees, and listen carefully. Rustling leaves or the snapping of a twig can alert squirrels to your presence. They rely more on their hearing than their eyesight, so staying silent is more important than full camouflage. You don’t need elaborate hunting gear, but avoid bright colors unless required by local regulations.
Finding the Best Locations for Squirrel Hunting
Squirrels are opportunistic eaters, but their primary food source is nuts. Look for hardwood forests with plenty of oak, hickory, walnut, or pecan trees. If you find fresh acorn caps, chewed shells, or piles of nutshells at the base of a tree, you’re in the right spot.
As winter sets in, squirrels become harder to spot, spending more time in their dens to conserve energy. If they aren’t actively foraging, your best bet is to locate their nesting sites. Hollow trees and large nests made of leaves high up in branches are prime locations. Setting up near these dens at dawn or dusk increases your chances of catching a squirrel as it moves between feeding and sheltering spots.
Choosing the Right Firearm for Squirrel Hunting
One of the biggest debates in squirrel hunting is whether to use a shotgun or a .22 rifle. Both have their advantages. A shotgun provides a wider spread, making it easier to hit a moving target, especially in dense woods. However, it also leaves more pellets in the meat, which can be a problem when it’s time to cook.
A .22 rifle, on the other hand, requires more precision. A well-placed headshot ensures clean meat without damaging the body, but it also means you need to be accurate, especially since squirrels rarely sit still for long. For new hunters, a shotgun is often the best choice, while experienced shooters may prefer the challenge of a .22.
Hunting with Patience: Slow and Steady Wins the Game
Squirrel hunting isn’t about walking through the woods hoping to get lucky. If you want success, you need to take it slow. Walking too quickly will scare off squirrels before you ever see them. Instead, move a few steps at a time, then pause to scan the trees and listen for movement.
Squirrels make distinct noises – rustling leaves, the chatter of their calls, and even the sound of their teeth gnawing on nuts. Pay attention to these sounds, and you’ll often hear them before you see them. Look carefully at tree trunks, especially where large branches meet the main body of the tree. Squirrels often perch in these areas, blending into the bark.
The Risk of Shooting Near Dens
If you spot a squirrel near its den, be careful. Squirrels have a habit of retreating into their tree holes when they feel threatened. If you shoot one too close to its den, there’s a good chance it will fall back inside, making it impossible to retrieve. If you see a squirrel poking its head out of a hole, it’s often better to wait until it fully emerges before taking a shot.
Field Dressing and Cooking Squirrel Meat
Many hunters pass on squirrel hunting simply because they aren’t sure what to do with the meat. But when prepared properly, squirrel is delicious – similar to a mix of chicken and rabbit.
After the hunt, field dressing is simple. A small incision in the skin allows you to peel it away quickly, and the organs can be removed easily. Many hunters prefer to slow-cook squirrel meat in stews or fry it for a crispy, flavorful meal. Just remember – if you used a shotgun, check carefully for pellets before biting down. A broken tooth is a painful reminder to always inspect your game before eating.
Squirrel Hunting: A Forgotten Tradition Worth Reviving
Hunting squirrels might not seem as exciting as going after a big buck, but it’s one of the best ways to stay active in the woods and sharpen your hunting skills. It teaches patience, precision, and tracking – all of which make you a better hunter overall.
More importantly, squirrel hunting connects you to a long-standing tradition. Generations before us relied on small game to put food on the table, and by keeping the tradition alive, we not only gain valuable experience but also honor the past.
Get Out and Hunt
If you’re feeling that post-deer season slump, don’t sit around waiting for the next big hunt. Grab your shotgun or .22, head into the woods, and put your skills to the test. You might be surprised at how much fun squirrel hunting can be.
The best way to keep the hunting spirit alive is to stay in the field. Squirrel hunting isn’t just a filler activity – it’s a rewarding challenge all on its own. So, lace up your boots, pick a good spot, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.