Hunting squirrels is a thrilling activity that hunters of all ages and skill levels can enjoy. As well as being a great way to enjoy some time in nature, squirrel hunting is also a great way to provide a great source of food.
No matter if you are a novice or a seasoned hunter, squirrel hunting can be an extremely challenging activity, so ensure that you make all the preparations once you have decided to take this activity on. Here are some squirrel hunting tips for beginners that could be helpful to you on your way to becoming an accomplished squirrel hunter.
Know The Area
Hunting squirrels may require you to obtain some type of hunting permit or license or take hunter education course, depending on the state you live in. You need to familiarize yourself with your local laws and regulations before hunting to make sure you do not violate them.
Before you set out on a hunt, make sure you are familiar with the area in which you are going to hunt in order to have the best experience. Having a good understanding of the terrain, plants, and animals in this area will help you to make informed decisions.
Know Your Prey
Identify different types of squirrels
Before you start hunting for squirrels, you will need to know what types of squirrels normally inhabit the area where you plan to hunt and how to identify them by sight. There are many species of squirrels, among them gray squirrels, Fox squirrels, pine squirrels, Albert's squirrels, and tree squirrels.
Invest some time in studying the distinctions between the different types of squirrels in terms of their physical and behavioral characteristics. This will enable you to be able to spot them and track them much more easily as you get to know them better.
Behaviors and habitats
A good portion of a squirrel’s diet is made up of nuts. They prefer white oak acorns, but they are also found to consume the nuts of a wide range of other oak species, as well. Hickory nuts and black walnuts are their staple foods.
Consequently, when you hunt for squirrels and stalk them, you should make sure that you hunt near trees with nuts in them, such as white oak trees, pine trees, pecan trees, butternut trees, walnut trees, and beechnut trees.
When to hunt
Squirrel hunting is best done from early fall to mid-fall, when squirrels begin to stock up on food for the winter.
Squirrels are known for their highly active behavior during the day. In particular, squirrels are very active in the early mornings and late afternoons of the day. In the middle of the day, they tend to rest and may even take a nap in their dens at times.
So hunting squirrels is most effective when it is done early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The reason for this is that squirrels are most active at these times, and they are more likely to be found in open areas at these times.
Where to hunt
When you are hunting squirrels, you must know where to find them. Water sources such as ponds, lakes, creeks, and streams are often great places for squirrels to congregate as they are near water sources. So if you are searching for squirrels, make sure that you keep an eye out for these places.
It is important to note that squirrels prefer wooded areas to be found, and they can be found in wooded areas in the forest and suburban parks.
Scout For Squirrels
Scouting the area before you go squirrel hunting is a good way to find the best places for squirrel hunting. There should be evidence of squirrels present such as nuts, other food sources, droppings, and tracks, among other things.
Choose The Right Squirrel Hunting Shotgun
In general, a .22 caliber shotgun is recommended for squirrel hunting. This is because the shotguns are lightweight and easy to handle. they provide enough power to take down a squirrel without causing too much damage to the meat.
Squirrel Hunting Skills
Be patient
When it comes to squirrel hunting, patience is the key to success. Take your time and wait until you can get the perfect shot. Do not rush during this process and ensure that all safety protocol is followed at all times. A shot may be missed if you are not prepared and patient, or even you may injure the animal.
Hunt with a dog
Using a trained hunting dog can be an extremely effective way to take down your prey. The dog can be used to locate and flush out squirrels from their hiding places, making it easier for the hunter to take a shot at them from a safe distance. It is possible to train a dog to retrieve squirrels once they have been shot.
Stay alert
When scouting for squirrels, use caution to avoid startling them or disrupting their habitats. There may also be other animals living in the area other than humans, such as birds and rabbits, that you should be aware of. Lastly, make sure to pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for any potential dangers that you may encounter.
Sum Up
Getting out and hunting squirrels is a great way to hone your skills as a hunter and you can have a lot of fun while doing so. Don't let your lack of experience intimidate or discourage you if you are a novice hunter. After reading these squirrel hunting tips for beginners, you will have a great hunting trip and you will enjoy it.