Squirrel Hunting 101
Squirrel Hunting 101
Squirrel hunting is a fun sport that can act as a great learning experience for first time hunters. Squirrel hunting teaches young hunters how to aim, shoot and be both quiet and patient when hunting, all of which are skills that can help prepare you to move on to hunt even bigger game. For those that are new to squirrel hunting and want to get the most out of your first experience, here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Never underestimate the importance of scouting. No matter what animal you are hunting, scouting plays a crucial role in whether or not your hunt is a success. Spending a few days scouting the area for squirrels will help you locate the most populated areas and will provide you with more opportunities to take aim and shoot.
The most common places to scout and find squirrels is around trees that produce nuts, such as hickory, walnut and oak. When scouting, be sure to search the ground for pieces of these nuts as well as squirrel prints, both of which are a good sign that squirrels are in the area. Another popular place to find squirrels is around birdfeeders, gardens and corn fields. This will most often lead you to more populated areas, so it’s important to gain permission before hunting on private land, and it’s extremely important to make sure you are hunting in a secluded area, away from other people, houses, etc.
There are many methods when it comes to squirrel hunting, but for those that are just starting out, the easiest method is that of still hunting. Still hunting simply requires the hunter to find a hunting location and then stand still and wait for a squirrel to show itself. Finding a tree with a good sturdy branch is always smart, as you can use the branch to prop your firearm on and help keep it steady when taking aim. Be patient when still hunting. A squirrel may not reveal itself right away, but that’s no reason to give up. Stay put and give it a few more minutes before moving on to the next tree.
Another method of squirrel hunting involves walking quietly through the woods, either alone or with a partner. By walking quietly through the woods you may startle the squirrel and force it out of hiding. If walking with a partner, try having one hunter take up a spot a distance away while the other hunter walks through the woods towards the stationary hunter. This will often work to flush the squirrels out of hiding and lure them towards the stationary hunter who will then have a clear shot.
Some individuals prefer to hunt squirrel with the help of a hunting dog. In many ways the hunting dog acts as another hunter by working to scare the squirrel out of hiding and direct it towards the awaiting hunter. Hunting dogs are an asset to any type of hunting, as they are able to sniff out the scent of the squirrel, flush it out of hiding and track it down after a shot has been made.
One common mistake that many first time squirrel hunters make is to move as soon as they take a shot. After a shot is made, the remaining squirrels will quickly disperse and try to hide, but this doesn’t mean you should leave your location. Instead, try staying put for around half an hour because in most cases, the squirrels who ran after you fired will then come out of hiding, freeing you up for another shot.
Squirrel hunting provides a great opportunity for young hunters to learn the joys of hunting and develop their skills. I was fortunate enough to come across http://www.prosquirrelhunting.com before my first squirrel hunting experience. ProSquirrelHunting has everything you may need for your squirrel hunt. From targets and decoys to cleaning kits, firearms, ammunition and training tools and accessories for your hunting dog, ProSquirrelHunting offers a large selection of products at an affordable price and will help make your squirrel hunt a success.