Early Season Squirrel Hunting Tips

Here are some early season squirrel hunting tips that hunters can use to bag more squirrels. Squirrel season often starts in the late summer or early fall when leaves are still on the trees. This can make squirrel hunting more difficult as the animals can scamper up a tree and quickly disappear. However, with a little planning, hunters can modify their hunting techniques to take advantage of the early season hunting conditions.

Hunt According to Your Gun

The best squirrel hunting techniques will vary depending on the hunter's choice of gun. Shotgun hunters will probably do best stalking through the woods, while those hunting with a .22 or other rifle will probably do best setting up in locations where they can see some distance and waiting. The shotgun hunter is better able to shoot quickly at moving squirrels that are likely to be encountered on foot, while the rifle hunter can watch longer distances and take longer shots at unwary squirrels.

Be Ready to Shoot

Regardless of the hunter's weapon of choice, the hunter needs to be ready to shoot. Shotgun hunters need to be aware of the woods around them as they walk and keep their hands free so that they can shoot quickly. Rifle hunters should choose locations that provide a rest for the rifle such as a fallen tree, fence post, etc.

Use a Call

A squirrel call can be very useful for early season squirrel hunting. A squirrel call can be used to stop a running squirrel or to make a squirrel show their location on the ground or in a tree. There are two primary types of commercially available squirrel calls, whistle types that are blown through and bellows types that are operated by tapping on a flexible rubber bellows. Both types of calls are very inexpensive at around $10 or so.

Hunt Edges of Woods

Even in the early season, the woods generally are covered with crunchy leaves that can quickly give away a hunter's approach. By hunting fields, well roads, right of ways, and similar features that border woods a hunter can move more quietly.

Hunt During or After Rain

Hunting during or after rain will also help a hunter to move more quietly. The noise of the falling rain drops can help to cover noise and wet leaves make less noise when stepped on than when they are dry.