Squirrel Hunting – Late Season Tips

Jan 21, 2019 VA Outdoors Hunting 0

Squirrel Hunting, Late Season Tips

For most hunters, hunting season is over. Many hunters have filled their deer tags, while others are still out there chasing waterfowl perhaps. For those looking to spend more time in the woods hunting, look no further than squirrel hunting. This season, many deer hunters were probably fooled by the sounds and rummaging of squirrel in the woods this year – with the thought of seeing more squirrel than deer some days.

Don’t be tricked in the late season though, with no leaves on the trees, squirrel hunting can be more difficult as squirrel become even bigger and easier targets for hawks etc. However, given the right conditions, this is a great way to introduce kids into hunting small game. Hunters don’t need to worry about scent control, but squirrel will key in on movement and rustling of leaves. Use these tips to take home a batch of squirrel for the kitchen.

Squirrel Hunting Tips for Late Season

Squirrel love the hardwoods, they target the acorns and hickory in these woods and can be found searching these woods for food. But don’t overlook the cedars and pines up against these woods. The cedars and pines offer more cover in the winter – a great spot to build a nest. Search out squirrel moving from thicker cover where their nests are as they begin moving out to feed in early morning or later afternoon.
In large stands of hardwoods, its fairly obvious to find squirrel nests up in the trees. In the absence of seeing nests, focus on damaged and dead trees that offer cavities where squirrel will nest. These trees can be golden when squirrel hunting at key feeding times.
Learn to be a quick shot. Squirrel are infamous for chasing each other and this provides an easier opportunity spot them in the woods. Once the first shot is fired, the other squirrel will typically flatten themselves or head for safety – and fast. Once you have taken the first, quickly transition to the second before you lose track of them, or it makes it to safety. Otherwise, you could be in for another 20-30 minute wait before they feel comfortable enough to start moving around again.
Once you shoot, sit tight. Running right up to retrieve your game will spook others – including the ones you don’t see right away. Give the woods a chance to settle down and don’t given the others something to focus in on. Squirrel hunting can often times be about patience.
This time of year, a squirrel call can be the ticket to find bushy tails. Focusing in on barks and squeals may trigger other squirrels to give up their position. However, it will draw attention to your area as others potentially look for danger or an intruder, so be careful on when and how you use a squirrel call.
Consider putting up the shotgun and use a .22 with longer shots. As discussed, the lack of leaves and concealment will keep squirrel on edge. Hunting with a .22 will allow you to harvest more squirrel from afar and fill the freezer with some great small game.