It may be easy to hunt squirrels, but the appropriate equipment can make it all. No matter whether you are a beginner hunter or a veteran shooter, well-selected equipment increases your comfort as well as your success.
Squirrels are fast, little, and attentive, so that what is prepared is equally as competent as what is accomplished. Whether in rifles or boots, each article of your hunting outfit has a definite purpose.
Here is all you need to know about squirrel hunting equipment: how to select and use them, and how to keep them in good condition the next time you go hunting. You will also enjoy suggested products and expert tips for various hunting styles.
Choosing The Right Gear For Every Hunting Style
Hunting of squirrels is not a one-size-fits-all. The terrain, the environment, as well as your favorite type of hunting influence the type of gear that you should bring.
We will consider three primary methods—walking and spot-and-stalk, stand or treestand hunting, and hunting with dogs —and how each influences your setup.
1. Walking & Spot-and-Stalk
This style suits you well in case you like to move and look everywhere to find some squirrels. You will be quietly walking in the woodlands, scanning trees and hearing the sound of rustling.
In this style, lightweight equipment is necessary. Get a .22 caliber rifle with a short scope since it is easy to carry and quick to point at. Wear ankle-supportive, flexible boots, particularly when you have to cover uneven ground.
You should have a small daypack or a hunting vest with necessities such as additional ammunition, a knife, binoculars, and snacks without being too heavy.
Being on the move, you will not need heavy insulation rather quiet clothes. Use soft-shell camo jackets that are less noisy and the ones that blend with the environment.
2. Treestand Hunting
Not all hunters move around all the time; some of them wait. The technique is very effective around nut-bearing trees, in which the squirrels are active in the morning and the evening.
In this arrangement, a secure and amiable treestand is to be selected. Ensure that it is fitted with a safety harness and straps. Because you are going to sit there for hours on end, dress up in insulated clothes to keep you warm. Waterproof hunting boots and hand warmers with insulation are a necessity during cold seasons.
A small-bore shotgun or a scope-equipped.22 rifle can be most useful in a high position. Take a pair of field glasses to survey the tops of trees without having to move. Another technique is to call a pack squirrel to keep the curious squirrels closer to your line of sight.
3. Hunt with Dogs
Taking trained dogs introduces excitement and collaboration in squirrel hunting. Dogs are used to search the squirrels in the tree tops or thick brush and are more effective and time-saving.
Within this context, your equipment need not be concerned with luxury and rapidity. When the squirrel runs away, a light shotgun such as the 20-gauge would be the best. Bring high-quality boots with waterproof material, as you will go through all sorts of terrains.
A hydration pack and compact gear will also be required because dogs demand your focus and rapid reactions. Avoid bulky backpacks.
Rather, put on a game vest with pockets on the back to carry squirrels and bullets. Never forget a whistle or GPS tracker for your dog to keep it safe and in order. See more: How to train a hunting dog?
8 Essential Squirrel Hunting Gear
Now that you have learned about hunting styles, you will know how every hunt is successful with the necessary equipment.
Eight essential items of squirrel hunting equipment are listed below, along with the product suggestions and hints on using the equipment.
1. Rifle and Ammo
When hunting squirrels, the rifle is the most valuable weapon that you can have. The most preferred one is the .22 caliber rifle as the weapon is quiet, accurate, and the meat damage is minimal. The other alternative is the .17 HMR, which has better accuracy at long distances.
The Ruger 10/ 22 is a good rifle to start with. It is dependable, portable, and does not require much maintenance. In the case of ammunition, CCI Mini-Mag .22LR rounds should be tried – they provide the same accuracy and produce the minimal amount of noise.
You can take a shotgun, a 20-gauge or a .410 bore, which is not a bad thing to have, particularly in dense woods where quick shots are needed.
Tip: It is always good to sight your rifle before getting to hunt. Train on different distances as the squirrels are small and fast targets.
2. Clothing and Footwear
You must dress up according to the season and climate. When doing early-season hunting, lightweight clothes with moisture-wicking material make you cool and quiet. At the end of the season, layering plays a very important role in comfort and warmth.
In early fall, the Under Armour Ridge Reaper Jacket is recommended to wear; it is breathable and quiet. In late-season hunting, the ScentLok Full Season Taktix Jacket is an insulated version without limiting movement.
For hunting boots, look at waterproof and high-grip types. Irish Setter VaprTrek Boots are lightweight and perfect in terms of mobility, and Kalkal 800g Insulated Rubber Boots are perfect when it is wet or cold.
Tips: While squirrels have poor color vision, other hunters don’t. In case of hunting in a place where people are, it is recommended to wear a blaze orange vest or hat. Full camouflage is used in places with privacy and reduces visibility.
3. Spotting and Calling Gear
Spotting and calling gadgets will assist you in finding and calling a squirrel within a shorter period.
- Binoculars: Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars can be used to see clearly in thick woods. They are light in weight and durable, and are suitable to be used to scan the treetops.
- Scopes: A Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 scope pairs perfectly with a .22 rifle. It provides clear magnification and quick target acquisition without adding heavy weight.
- Calling Tools: Squirrel calls mimic natural sounds like barking or distress cries. The Primos Squirrel Buster Call is a great example. Use it sparingly to avoid overcalling, which can scare squirrels away.
Tip: Combine binoculars with calls to spot potential movement first, then use the call to confirm a squirrel’s presence.
4. Packs or Vests
The choice of pack or vest is based on your mode of hunting and load.
Backpacks like the Kalkal Hunting Backpack hold extra gear such as bows, sticks, rain jackets, and ammunition. They’re great for long hunts or when moving between locations.
Vests, on the other hand, provide quick access and lightweight mobility. The Browning Bird’n Lite Strap Vest is perfect for carrying ammo and harvested squirrels. Its open design keeps you cool while hunting on foot.
Tip: For treestand hunts, backpacks offer more storage and organization. For spot-and-stalk or dog-assisted hunts, vests are faster and easier to manage.
5. Knife and Game Care
Field dressing and cleaning of the squirrels requires a good knife. A sharp, hard, and easy-to-use blade will be required.
Try the Buck Knives 110; it is a classic small game knife. It is small but sharp to make precise cuts. The second option is to buy a complete knife set, which includes all the tools you need, such as a field dressing knife, a skinning knife, and boning knives.
Quick field dressing tips to follow:
- Make a small incision along the belly.
- Peel the skin gently using your fingers and knife edge.
- Remove the entrails and rinse with clean water.
- After dressing, keep the meat cool in a small game bag or cooler.
Add ice packs if temperatures are high. Avoid storing meat in plastic bags for long periods, as they trap heat and moisture.
6. Headlamps and Lighting Gear
Numerous hunters do not bother with lighting equipment, whereas it is essential when setting up early or returning late. An excellent headlamp will leave your hands free when walking or dressing.
The headlamp Black Diamond Spot 400 is water-resistant, dependable, and has several levels of brightness. You should always carry spare batteries in your pack/vest.
Tip: When approaching your hunting field, put the red light on. It will save night sight and will not scare wild animals.
7. Rangefinder
A rangefinder is used to estimate the distance, and this increases the accuracy of the shot and eliminates the chances of missing the shot. Bushnell Prime 1300 Rangefinder is fast in reading and has a robust construction.
Squirrels are small, and it takes a miscalculation of even 10 yards to miss. A rangefinder will help you to have your bullet go exactly at the point that you are aiming.
Tip: Practice estimating distances before your trip, then confirm with your rangefinder to improve accuracy naturally. If you want to know more options, check here: 6 Best Rangefinders to Choose.
8. Safety and First Aid Gear
Safety is as important as shooting skill. Keep a small first aid kit in your bag with such basic items as antiseptic wipes, bandages, and tweezers.
The Adventure Medical Sportsman Kit is lightweight and easy to carry in small packs, and it addresses simple emergencies. When you are on top of a tree stand, a safety harness and rope line should be added.
When alone hunting, always tell someone of your hunting place and of your expected time back.
Maintenance for Squirrel Hunting Equipment
Proper care extends your gear’s life and ensures safety during each hunt. Let’s break down key maintenance tasks for rifles, clothing, and seasonal storage.
1. Firearm Cleaning Routine
After a day in the woods, cleaning your firearm is non-negotiable. Rust may be caused by moisture, dirt, or residue of powders, which will influence the accuracy.
Begin by removing all the rounds from your gun. Clean fouling using a cleaning rod, patches, and bore cleaner. Place CLP ( Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant) oil on metals. Do not forget about cleaning the chamber and bolt.
For convenience, get a Gun Cleaning Kit that covers multiple calibers and includes everything you need.
Always clean your firearm in a well-ventilated area and store it unloaded in a dry cabinet.
2. Camouflage, Cloth Care, and Waterproofing
Your hunting clothes must be taken care of. Check on ticks, mud, or burrs after every trip. Always wash your clothes with odorless laundry detergents in order to preserve the camouflage.
If you hunt often in wet conditions, apply waterproofing spray like Nikwax TX. Direct Spray-On restores water resistance without affecting breathability.
Never use fabric softeners, as they can hold unwanted scents that alert squirrels and other wildlife.
3. Seasonal Gear Storage Checklist
When the hunting season ends, proper storage ensures your equipment stays ready for next year. You can make a checklist and inspect your gear quarterly, especially before the next season begins.
- Firearms: Clean thoroughly, oil lightly, and store in a gun safe with a dehumidifier.
- Ammo: Keep in sealed boxes away from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Clothing: Store in airtight containers with cedar blocks to repel insects.
- Optics: Wipe lenses clean and store with silica gel packs to prevent fogging.
- Boots: Clean mud off soles and apply conditioner if necessary.
- Calls and Knives: Wipe dry, lubricate metal parts, and store in dry pouches.
Conclusion
Hunting the squirrel might seem an easy task, but your equipment will determine your success.
Get good equipment, maintain it, and take care of the environment and game you are hunting. The right equipment is the key to keeping your concentration where it needs to be, on the excitement of the pursuit and satisfaction of a clean shot.
Every part, including rifle, boots, etc., is involved in accuracy, comfort, and safety. Knowing your style of hunting and equipping yourself to it, you will get the most with each trip!
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