Do you want to experience the sheer pulse pounding exhilaration caused by the joy of bagging your trophy every time you get out in the woods?
Picture camping with your family. You’re up in the morning, enjoying your pre-chaos cup of coffee. The smell of smoke is in the air. Suddenly you hear some scampering. Looking around you see a squirrel descending a tree to start foraging. For some people this is peaceful. For others, it can be extremely frustrating. How is it, you can’t go 15 minutes without seeing a squirrel when you are camping, but you can spend an entire day hunting without successfully taking one down?
The answer is simple. Squirrels in the wilderness are different. They are wary, smart, and cautious. If we fail to respect the more wild squirrels we will come away with nothing but tired legs and injured pride. Nobody likes to come home from a hunt to see their family hiding their disappointment. Don’t worry, the solutions are as simple as the reasons. We don’t have to fail. You can be a smart hunter, and all you have to do is follow the simple tips below.
Do You Know the Best Kill Zone?
Even though squirrels aren’t very big they are surprisingly tenacious little critters. We’ll talk about it later, but if you don’t get a clean kill the chances are you’ve lost your prey. Worse, it’s probably going to go die somewhere, slowly, but you aren’t going to benefit from it at all. How do you get a clean kill every time?
There are two primary places you can aim at on a squirrel, but really there is only one right choice. You can aim for the heart and lungs by shooting the squirrel just behind the armpit. I DO NOT recommend this. There are too many ways this can go wrong.
Just like a zombie apocalypse I highly recommend only going for a headshot on a squirrel. I can already hear you saying, “But Dana, aim small and miss small.” Yeah, that’s a great lesson to keep in mind most of the time, but both kill zones on a squirrel are approximately 1″. If you go for the headshot you’re saving meat and ensuring the squirrel won’t go hide away somewhere.
Put Your Practice Targets in Trees
OK, so you know the kill zone is going to be a headshot. That’s not rocket science. What do you do to ensure you get that shot every time? First, it’s about the practice. Don’t spend hours of your life learning the wrong things. Do it right the first time for the best results. I want to be lazy. I don’t want to work hard and get nothing for it. I want to work smart and win right away.
If you’re going to be hunting tree squirrels, why are you only shooting at a target straight in front of you.? I suggest putting targets up in a tree at varying heights with some hitboxes that are about 1″ in diameter. When you can hit those targets at least 80% of the time you’re ready.
It’s important to put them up in trees because it will change some characteristics of your shot. The main thing people mess up here is incorrect ranging. If you aren’t practiced at figuring out the approximate distance from a target up in a tree you’ll likely run into some problems. There are a whole lot of things that go into airgun accuracy I’ve already covered in an article about 20 simple accuracy tips.
Understanding Your Range is a Must
One thing I don’t cover in that accuracy tip article you need to consider is your pellet trajectory. Now, there is a lot that goes into this, and I’m not going to go into it here. What I want you to really think about is what ranges can you hit effectively at. It’s nice to hit at 50 yards regularly, but for squirrel hunting being very accurate at about 35 yards is enough.
Think about that range as you read some of the tips in this article. They are helping you get within that range effectively, which is really the hardest part. With just a little bit of practice hitting within that range will be easy for you. Particularly if you use the right airgun.
Make sure the tree is behind the squirrel
You will miss. Not every time, but it’s going to happen. Hopefully, it’s not very often. When you do, you want your pellet hitting the tree. It’s a safety thing. That’s it. Just follow this simple rule and maintain best safety practices, please.
Not above a branch
When you do take your quarry, pay attention to where it is located if you don’t want to be climbing up that tree to obtain the reward for all your hard work. It’s easy to forget in the heat of the moment that there are a lot of ways a squirrel can get hung up on its way down.
I’m not going to miss taking a great shot, but there are times I’ll wait a bit if I think the odds are good I’m going to have to scramble up a tree if I don’t.
Clean shots save you work
Again with the talk about getting a clean shot. They do save you a lot of work though. If you don’t take a clean shot and you injure the squirrel it is going to run, and it is going to hide. Either it will go and die somewhere else, or you will hopefully get another shot at it. If you do happen to see where it dies I bet you’ll be doing some climbing.
Remember clean shots are easier if you make sure you stalk while keeping the sun at your back. It’s the little things that win the day.
Pick the right pellet
Here we go, the dreaded pellet selection. Some airguns are so picky about pellets, and yet some people just don’t know how to pick the right pellet. I’m not going to go into the virtues of every pellet choice here. That’s pointless. We are talking about squirrels, right? While you may have to experiment to find the brand that fits your own air rifle the best, I do have a recommendation on pellet shape.
Consider we want to punch through fur, but squirrels aren’t the biggest creatures. We don’t want our pellet to punch all the way through if we do take a shot other than a headshot, and when we do take the headshot we want the force to knock the squirrel off the branch right?
All of that leads me to select a domed pellet. It will fly better than a wadcutter, but it won’t penetrate as much as a more pointed projective. For the mix of accuracy and punch this pellet is your best choice by far.
Use a .22 Caliber Gas Piston Air Rifle
There are so many different options of air rifle when it comes to hunting squirrels, but the best is a .22 caliber gas piston. Now, don’t go buying a different gun if you already have one. It’s not going to destroy your chances, but if you really want to bring home the win this gun will really increase your odds. Chances are what you have will work, but this recommendation is the best.
First, a .22 caliber packs just the right amount of punch. You want to hit the squirrel hard enough to knock it down so it doesn’t get stuck up in the tree leaving you climbing for it, but you don’t need to do too much damage. A .22 caliber is light, easy to use, and just works.
I suggest gas ram for this because they are easy to pick up and go. If you want an easy gun that will get you on target ASAP a gas piston will do it. Now, I’ve written an article where I extolled the virtues of the spring piston. I still stand by it if you enjoy putting in the work and are going for the reward of becoming an excellent marksman. If you don’t want to do the hard work, go for the gas piston for squirrel hunting. There is nothing wrong with that. It’s shooting for two entirely different purposes.
Get the Right Scope Not Just the Expensive One
Don’t go too crazy with the scope. You really want something like a 3-12x or maybe a 4-16x. Simple is better here. I personally recommend a mil-dot reticle. In air rifles, these are really useful since our drop off happens at a short range, and more dramatically than a firearm.
Keeping your scope simple will allow you to quickly scan for, and acquire your target. Once you have it, you’ll be able to range quickly, due to your practice we discussed earlier. All you have to do now is take that shot.
Bring a Good Pair of Binoculars
Binoculars aren’t just for bird watchers. When you have located a likely squirrel location and expect they’ve gone still your binoculars will be your best friend. You’ll be able to quickly identify whether that is a knot in the tree or a squirrel. You will even be able to easily scan with a wider field of view than your scope while trying to detect motion.
Seriously, it’s easy to underestimate such a simple tool. Take it from me, when someone recommends a rangefinder shrug it off. A good pair of binoculars and a mil-dot scope combined with your practiced skills will make a rangefinder unnecessary.
Can You Sound Like a Squirrel
If you are trying to stalk squirrels in the wilderness you know they can be a suspicious lot. If you think they’ve all gone still, and they’re on to you mimicking their noises can help. There are a few ways you can do this.
One is to rub the rough edge of a quarter against the flat face of another quarter. It may seem weird, but this will simulate the sounds of a squirrel getting into a nut.
You can also rustle the leaves at the base of a tree at random intervals to mimic the sound of a squirrel moving around. Keep in mind while you are doing this how you see squirrels move. Quick movements to an objective, and a pause, then sudden quick movements. You don’t want to keep the noise up for long periods of time or it will sound unnatural.
Become a Ninja and Stalk Slowly
Patience is the word when you are stalking any game. Get used to moving slowly. Moving fast might get you there quicker, but when you arrive your prey is going to be in hiding.
One reason we move slowly is to give us more opportunity to avoid making loud cracks. Moving through the woods you are going to make noise, but how natural will that noise sound? Kicking up leaves won’t sound nearly as ominous to a squirrel as the weight of a large animal cracking a twig.
Prey animals in nature are extremely adept at hearing sharp noises and react quickly to them. There are few faster ways to get your squirrel targets to hide than to stomp through the woods without any care to where you are stepping.
Walk at an angle if You’ve Been Spotted
It’s inevitable you will be noticed. Squirrels are better at noticing you than you are at noticing them. What do you do if you’ve been spotted, but you want to get closer for a good shot? Walk at an angle. Squirrels will go still, and try to blend in. They will then pay attention to you, and watch to see if you are moving by. If you appear as though you are coming near, but you are going to pass by they are less likely to bolt. If you go straight toward them odds are they will be gone before you get a chance to take your shot.
Know Where the Water Sources Are
Once you are out and on the hunt the first step is finding your quarry. It can be frustrating if you expect to see them as much as you see the near domesticated critters from around your neighborhood. Keep in mind, that the best bet is to find a place squirrels frequent, and then settle in.
They are just like people at a party, always near the food and drinks. Before going out to hunt in an area it’s best if you can get a lay of the land. Look at your entry point, and look at water sources. If there is a water source nearby, make a beeline for that. It’s best if there is a source of food near that water source. Look for nut and fruit-bearing trees, but keep in mind, those aren’t the only things squirrels eat.
Listen For The Sounds
Squirrels make a few distinct sounds. The first is their calls or high pitched chatter. Keep in mind squirrels don’t all sound the same, and where you are will make a big difference. Just pay attention and start building your mental catalog of sounds.
Next, listen for squirrels cutting nuts. This is a sure way to get a general bead on direction. Once you’ve got your bead to start walking about 30 yards or so then stop and reassess. If the squirrels have gone silent it’s OK. You are probably headed in the right direction. Stand still for up to 10 minutes. Squirrels aren’t the most patient creature, after that amount of time they’ll probably decide the cost is clear and resume activity.
Look For Feeding Signs
While moving towards the sounds pat attention to the base of the trees you are approaching. Do they have shells littered around beneath them? If yes, it’s time to have a sit. Chances are you’ve found your prey. They are just sitting still waiting for you to leave.
Squirrels generally cut nuts neatly in half.
Contrary to popular belief squirrels eat more than just nuts. In fact, many squirrels eat pine cones and leave cores and piles of stripped scales under conifer trees. Other species do too, but the cones from squirrels have clean-cut edges.
Don’t Forget Your Camouflage
Do you need camouflage to hunt squirrels? Yes and no. You need it as much as you need it to hunt other prey. I feel like this question comes from people still thinking of squirrels as those critters at the park or campground. Less domesticated squirrels are more skittish. Camouflage just helps you get a bit closer a bit easier.
If you aren’t looking to make your job more difficult take the time to get the right hunting gear. If you are using squirrel hunting to get your children into the sport there is a secondary benefit. Getting geared up makes everything feel different. It’s a part of the experience, and who doesn’t love it? I’m not one for dressing up fancy to go to a party, but I think dressing up in camo for hunting might be what that’s like for a hunter.
Do You Need a License
Licensing is a tricky issue, and I want to be clear you need to check the areas you are hunting out on your own, but I do have some advice for you. Let’s break this down into two different topics.
Can you hunt squirrels there?
Some areas you can hunt squirrels year round no problem. Some you have to hunt during a certain season. Others will discourage you from hunting squirrels at all. I’ve found this is usually tied closely to the proximity of major cities. Some places have public land available for bird watching, etc. that you can also hunt squirrels on. (Be careful, if other people are around doing other things you have the responsibility to avoid injury.)
Can you use an airgun where you hunt?
Airguns are far less regulated than firearms, and chances are you can use them where you are considering hunting. But chances aren’t always reality are they? Dave wrote a great article about airgun licensing you should check out to start to get an idea how to find out where you can use your airgun, and where you can’t.
When Do Squirrels Come Out to Play
First, Go Out in the Right Season
Earlier we discussed some areas have a season. Even if your area doesn’t have a season you’ll probably find squirrel hunting season is the best time to go for a variety of reasons. Here in Minnesota, that season is from mid-September through February. Our neighbor to the south runs from the beginning of September through the end of January.
This season is the best for a few reasons. First, your prey will be at its fattest and furriest so you’ll get the best trophy you can get. Second, squirrels weakened by disease and parasites are likely to die off during the early cold snap. Hunting during the proper season ensures you get the best chance at the quality quarry.
If you find you have trouble locating our furry quarry make sure you go out after leaves have fallen. This will ensure you have the best chance of seeing these wary critters as they hide up in the branches. It’s often too easy to miss a squirrel because it’s hiding behind a clump of leaves. Once those leaves have fallen it becomes significantly easier.
Next, Go Out at the Right Time of Day
The best time of day to get out and hunt squirrels is usually early in the morning and late afternoon when they are feeding. Of course, since we are getting out there in the fall just after the leaves fell the squirrels will be active for longer periods of time trying to fatten up and store more away. Personally, I think it’s best to get out a bit earlier than the squirrels if you can. Go find yourself a place to set up, so you are there when they start to come out and look for food. Your chances of success are higher if they haven’t had a chance to notice you.
As previously mentioned people like to say you can either stalk the squirrels or sit tight in a good spot. I think a good pattern is to get out and find your first spot and wait for the squirrels to come out and eat. Once it seems like the squirrels are done with their initial feeding period, stalk the squirrels while you look for another spot. If you’ve already identified multiple spots to sit, that’s ideal. Stalk the squirrels until just before their next feeding time, then go set up shop again.
I don’t know the exact times for your area. It vary’s based on too many variables, but some research might help you uncover the exact squirrel feeding times. In my experience, your own careful observations will be the most precise and accurate measure of when to get out there.
Man’s Best Friend Wants to Play Too
I really didn’t think about this immediately. I mean, I know dogs love squirrels. I’ve grown up with dogs, and they always want a piece of the little buggers. For some reason, maybe from watching Where the Red Fern Grows, I always thought of dogs for raccoons or birds. I just didn’t really think of dogs finding squirrels. Here it is though, dogs are great at finding squirrels, and a well-trained dog is an amazing asset.
Most importantly, there is something about being out in the woods with your dog that is really magical. Dads out there picture training your dog up, then getting out in the woods with your son or daughter and your dog. Even better picture when they first get out on their own. This is a bond worth forging.
Patience is Your Friend Not Your Enemy
Patience wins the day. There is no way around it. If you aren’t patient you are much more likely to fail. Your movements will become sharper, your adrenaline will spike faster, your aim will be off. Practice patience.
Patience is probably the best reason to teach your kids to hunt. It’s one of the best reasons to get out there. Some people get into meditation. I think meditation is a form of mimicking our primal hunting roots. The focus and attention seem to clear your mind.
I’m going to move on here before I get more philosophical, but remember… patience.
What to Do After You’ve Bagged Your Trophy
This site is about airguns and the art of the hunt. There is so much more to it than that though. If you are going to be going for squirrel you should be learning how to properly clean them and how to prepare them to be a rather delicious meal.
Below I’ve got a couple of resources I went out and found for you. I didn’t make these videos. If you like them give the owner a like and maybe even a sub. It helps them a lot, but don’t forget to come back here and check out more of our airgun resources.
Skinning a Squirrel
If you are interested in a quick job here is an option:
If you want to preserve the skin here is a longer process that produces good results:
A quick and easy way to clean to get some meat quick:
Squirrel Recipes
The internet is full of recipes for everything. Here is a link for six good squirrel recipes to get you started:
http://www.wideopenspaces.com/6-best-squirrel-recipes-ever-pics/
Final Words
OK, we have covered a lot today. When I sought out to write this article I had no idea it was going to get so long and that’s because these tips are simple and they work. When you start putting these things into practice it won’t feel like you’re doing all that much, but you’ll be bringing home what you sought out to get. As a family man, I think squirrel hunting is one of the best experiences you can have. Get out there with your kids, and come home to prepare some wonderful food.