Squirrel hunting basics

Before you head out for your fun day of squirrel hunting make sure you know the laws and rules for the state that you are in. You can find this information from your state agency or your local state contacts. Another fun and easy way to find squirrel hunting regulations is on the always up to date website huntnfishregs.com. there you can also find hunting maps. Be sure to know all the hunting information on your bag limit and area restrictions. Remember this hunting information can change from to state to state.

Squirrel hunting is the way most people are introduced to hunting in many parts of the country. As the colors of the leaves turned into bright fall colors many youngsters experienced their first hunting trip. For many kids the first squirrel hunting tip that they ever received was probably either 'sit still' or 'be quiet'. Both of these sound squirrel hunting tips were certainly given to me by my father. When the time came, I too passed this great advice along to my son. Though both sitting still and being quiet is great advice for squirrel hunters, there are many other things that a hunter can do to be more productive in the squirrel woods.

One thing that many squirrel hunters do wrong is not hunt in locations that squirrels are likely to frequent. Squirrels leave sign everywhere. When hitting the woods hunters should look for nut hulls and other sign that squirrels have been cutting nuts in the area. Tree stumps, logs, and other areas where a squirrel may perch and eat while watching for predators is a great place to look for squirrel sign. Though squirrels are not picky, hickory nuts seem to be a favorite. As such hunters need to be able to identify a hickory tree and should set up nearby and be ready. There are various hickory trees but hunters can quickly learn to identify them. If you find a hickory tree with fresh nut cuttings this is a great place to squirrel hunt. Squirrels, as well as deer, supposedly favor white oak acorns over the red oak variety. Learning to identify white oaks is a good squirrel hunting tip as well. In agricultural areas, corn fields and other plantings provide a great food source to hunt as well.

Weather is an important consideration for the squirrel hunter, because weather dictates specific squirrel behavior and hunting methods.

Squirrels, like people, enjoy pleasant weather, and still, sunny mornings and afternoons will find them actively feeding.  If the woods are dry on these days, hunters should listen as much as they look, as squirrels will often be heard before they're seen.  When woods are dry, it's also wise to sit while hunting, rather than prowling noisily about.

Wet woods and mist or drizzle change the picture.  If the temperature is mild, squirrel hunting can be superb.  Bushy tails don't mind wet days and are often seen foraging on the ground with tail spread over back and head like an umbrella.  The damp forest floor creates ideal conditions for the quiet stalker.

Approaching fronts, persistent stormy weather and high wind shut off squirrel activity like closing a water tap.  Squirrels den up and stay until the weather changes, drastically reducing your chances for success.  Hunting in leafless, snowy woods in the dead of winter is also difficult.  Squirrels don't hibernate, but they may remain inactive in their dens for days on end.

You needn't forgo the pleasures of squirrel hunting just because the weather isn't perfect.  But knowing how your quarry will react to various weather conditions can help you make the best of your time afield.

So if the weather is sunny or slight overcast enjoy your day, be safe and make sure you are up to date on the squirrel hunting information to find this information easy click here. Be safe and have fun.