Squirrel Hunting: Timing, Trees, and Tactics
Squirrel hunting can be harder than you think. Seeing those squirrels run by your feet in the park is way different than hunting skittish squirrels out in the wild.
Hunting squirrel can be really fun, but it requires patience, stealth, observation, and some understanding about squirrel behavior. In this guide, we’ll explore the best strategies for hunting squirrels, focusing on key tree species, seasonal patterns, and optimal conditions.
Important: Always check the state laws where you’re hunting to comply with squirrel season dates, bag limits, and other regulations.
The Trees to Target
Behaviorally, late summer kickstarts prime squirrel hunting, particularly from mid-August to late September. A great strategy to finding squirrels is to look for trees where they might like to frequent. Two standout trees attract squirrels like magnets: the shagbark hickory and the pignut hickory. These hardwood trees produce nuts that ripen around mid-to-late August, drawing squirrels to the feast.
The shagbark hickory is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive big, scaly bark that peels away in large strips. The pignut hickory, while less dramatic in appearance, is another reliable food source. You’ll want to scout upland ridges and areas dominated by hardwoods—squirrels tend to avoid low-lying bottoms and bodies of water where the terrain is wetter and less favorable for their preferred trees.
Look for Clues
Once you’ve located these hickories, check the ground beneath them for clues. Squirrels are messy eaters, and their feeding habits leave telltale signs. If you find nuts that are chewed up but not fully eaten, they’re likely bitter—an indication that squirrels might not stick around that location. On the other hand, a pile of empty shells means the tree is a hotspot, with active squirrels likely overhead. Keep in mind that squirrels typically only linger at a single tree for a few days before moving on, so timing is critical.
Timing and Weather Conditions
Squirrel activity peaks under specific conditions. The best days for hunting are cooler days with no wind. Squirrels are agile climbers, leaping from limb to limb with ease, and they prefer calm weather that doesn’t disrupt their acrobatics. Windy days also make it harder to hear squirrel movements or spot them in the swaying branches.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to locate squirrels is to listen for falling nuts. As they feed, squirrels often knock husks and shells to the ground, creating a subtle but distinct sound.
Shifting Seasons, Shifting Habits
As the season progresses into September and October, squirrel preferences can change. If your area has beechnut trees, try scouting this area. Beechnuts become a favored food source during this time, and squirrels will gravitate toward these trees as hickory nuts dwindle. By mid-October, you’ll notice a significant shift in behavior—squirrels start leaving the canopy and foraging on the ground more frequently. This transition makes them more visible and easier to spot, especially in open hardwood forests.
Breeding Season Bonus
Squirrels breed twice a year, and their second cycle kicks off in late winter. By late January, you might catch them chasing each other through the treetops. While this isn’t peak hunting season, it’s a great time to observe their behavior and scout potential spots for the next cycle.
Tips for Success
Scout Early: Before heading out, identify areas with shagbark and pignut hickories. Upland ridges are your best bet.
Look for Signs: Empty shells signal an active feeding tree; chewed, uneaten nuts suggest it’s time to move on.
Be Patient: Squirrels are quick but predictable. Sit still and let them come to you.
Adapt to the Season: Shift your focus from hickories to beechnuts in late September, and watch the ground in October.
Much like everything else in life, the more you practice the more masterful you will become. Even if you turn up empty handed, take the opportunity to observe and learn. And if you’re in a public spot, help keep an eye out to clean up litter and do no harm.
Happy hunting.