Figured we might share some tips on getting a sack full of squirrels.


Mine is when you are sitting don't shoot the 1st one you see. If you're patient, chances are a few will emerge shortly. Then have at em... :D

When you shoot one, mark him visually where he dropped and do not move or make a sound. Chances are the others will forget after a few minutes and go about their business if they haven't spotted you.

Fox Squirrels protect themselves by hiding in the tree.
Gray squirrels protect themselves by running and making distance between you and them.

If you arrive at a tree that has fresh cuttings on the ground and nothing runs there is a likely hood that a Fox Squirrel it hiding at the top of the tree on one of the branches.

If you spot the Fox squirrel and he is on the opposite side of the tree - throw a stick to the opposite side and sometimes the squirrel will come to your side.

If you can't find a squirrel - go about 20 yards off and stand next to a big tree for about 10 minutes - when the Fox squirrel thinks your gone it will come out.

When useing a 22, carry short shooting sticks to steady your gun.
That way you dont have to move to the nearest tree to steady a shot.

They taste GREAT roasted over a fire with SBR!!;)

Get comfy, and sit still. Squirrels will spot movement like turkeys do!
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Take a youngster! Most of us were introduced to hunting with squirrel season. Why not carry on the tradition?
OR
Take a watch, it's very easy to loose track of time when you're not starring at four walls
:D:D:D:D

And if all else fails, pretend you are deer hunting! They have no fear then:p

I'm looking forward to doing in some bushytails this year. The park where I've been hunting them is shotgun only so I tend to wander around and listen for squirrels cutting or barking and then sneak in on them.

I kind of miss going after them with a .22.

I don't really have any tips other than bring along a friend to flush squirrels to the other side of the tree and to carry the squirrels back to the truck. (right K?) :P

My favorite way to hunt them was from a canoe on a slow moving creek, they don't seem to notice you floating down the creek. NOTE: It is ILLEGAL to use a rifle from a boat but using a shotgun was legal, check with a CPO and make sure it still is before you try it.

Carry two pennies. When the squirells hide on you start rubbing and flipping the two pennies in your hand. It sounds like a squirell cutting. Has brought a few out to see whats going on. Which was their last mistake. Take kids where it is easy to walk- I am always amazed how my 70 lbs daughter makes more noise than a bull elephant. Instead of constantly nagging her to be quiet I make sure I am on easy walking trails for her and my son.

My favorite way to hunt them was from a canoe on a slow moving creek, they don't seem to notice you floating down the creek. NOTE: It is ILLEGAL to use a rifle from a boat but using a shotgun was legal, check with a CPO and make sure it still is before you try it.


From the book...notice NON-TOXIC SHOT is mentioned, but so is lead BB?> Do we need non-toxic, or can we use lead for squirrel???

Hunting From Vehicles and Boats
It is unlawful to hunt, disturb, harass or take
any protected bird or mammal by the use or
aid of an automobile, vehicle or conveyance,
any type of watercraft, aircraft or any machine
propelled by mechanical power. EXCEPT paraplegics
or other disabled persons, with a permit
from the Office of Law Enforcement, may
hunt from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary
motor-driven land conveyance (see
page 31 under Disabled Outdoor Opportunities
- Special Permits). NOTE: It is legal to hunt
game birds and game mammals (except deer
and furbearing mammals) from a boat that is
not camouflaged or disguised to alter its identity or further provide a place of concealment
and not propelled by sail or mechanical power.
However, only shotguns loaded with not more
than three shells of a shot size no larger than
lead BB or steel T(.20 diameter) or other nontoxic
shot size BBB may be used to take these
game birds or mammals. A boat that merely is
painted in a camouflage pattern is not considered
camouflaged and may be used to hunt
under conditions specified above.

Thanks Bob for posting the info, I called the local CPO before I tried it but it was several years ago and was not sure if you could still do it or not.

If you want a half way enjoyable squirrel hunt dont forget your mosquito spray. Nothing worse then hearing mosquitos buzzing your ears which they will probably do even with the spray. Good Luck!

I'm looking forward to doing in some bushytails this year. The park where I've been hunting them is shotgun only so I tend to wander around and listen for squirrels cutting or barking and then sneak in on them.


The canoe access area (Clinton Lake) use to be loaded with tree rats that still the case ?

If you spot the Fox squirrel and he is on the opposite side of the tree - throw a stick to the opposite side and sometimes the squirrel will come to your side.


One of the first tricks I was ever taught (as a kid) from my grandfather he loved to squirrel hunt. :)

Never hear of the two pennies trick but if you pinch two popsicle sticks between your thumb and finger and snap them togeter they sound like one is cutting also. Not a big fan of the rattle type diafram calls.

When I'm hunting by myself, I like to find a big pine that has fresh cutting under it or a big red oak in my neck of the woods during the early season. The red oaks drop their acorns early.

I sit and wait. After about 10-15 minutes, the squirrels come out from hiding. Lot of times I'll let a few squirrels show up before I start shooting.

Drop a squirrel, then wait. Sometimes the other squirrels will hunker down flat on a limb after the shot and you can swing the cross hairs over to them and take them out too! These are grey squirrels. We have a "Fox Squirrel" down here, but it's not like the northern variety y'all have. They're bigger and no two look alike, come in all kinds of colors. Solid Black, Black and white, bronze and black, solid white, Red and Grey, Black and Grey, and so on and so on.

They're very ornery animals. They'll let you know where there at with their higher pitched bark. Easy to shoot!

If I'm hunting with a buddy, we'll sit some, but mostly cruise slowly through the woods. When we jump a squirrel, one of us stands (shooter) and the other walks slowly around the tree. The squirrel will inch around the tree staying out of sight of the walker, but show himself to the shooter. You can also do this if you don't actually jump or see the squirrel. Find a tree with fresh cuttings and more than likely he's up there. Just start circling the tree and he'll move around to the other side where the shooter is waiting.

Effective way to fill your bag with tree rats.

So true BuckyT. I used to chase them squirrels relentlessly. I remember well the times I shot my entire limit out of a single Hickory nut tree...when they start cutting hickory nuts, it's time for mom to start making some gravy! :D

So true BuckyT. I used to chase them squirrels relentlessly. I remember well the times I shot my entire limit out of a single Hickory nut tree...when they start cutting hickory nuts, it's time for mom to start making some gravy! :D

I forgot about the hickory trees! They start cutting them here in August and the season opens on August the 15th. Sit still and quiet and you can hear them knawing away on the nuts.

Fried Squirrel with gravy is nothing but good!