How to Hunt Spring Squirrels

Everyone knows one of the best factor about squirrel searching is that it’s low-cost, requires little gear or dedication, and can provide you simply nearly as good a time within the wilderness as some other hunt. That’s what makes it an ideal add-on to a fishing or turkey searching journey. Whether or not you’re toting a rimfire or a shotgun, these are one of the best locations and some techniques for bagging bushy-tails this spring.

Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. These are the ten states which have energetic spring squirrel searching seasons. Wildlife biologists in these states have timed their seasons with peak squirrel numbers, proper after their first nesting interval.

This time of 12 months, squirrels are normally targeting meals sources, however they may not be the meals sources you’re used to searching them on (extra on that later). Seasons normally run from Could into June, however actual dates range by state, so examine your native regs. Some states, like elements of Texas, maintain it open year-round.

Within the fall and winter, you’re in all probability interested by how chilly impacts the sport you’re after. However spring squirrel searching is all about warmth. Squirrels are likely to hunker down in the course of the hottest elements of the day, particularly in most of the southern states which have open seasons this time of 12 months.

Focus your efforts within the early morning. Early night may also be productive, however dawn is normally one of the best. You can even examine spots which can be naturally cooler, like deep hollows close to creeks, or attempt your luck on overcast days after wet climate.

One of many tougher elements of searching squirrels this time of 12 months is the spring foliage. Squirrels have extra locations to cover as soon as timber begin to leaf out and brush grows on the bottom.

Your shot alternatives might be shorter in the course of the spring, which is why it’s a good suggestion to convey a shotgun. I do know. I favor searching squirrels with a rimfire, too. However a shotgun will make it easier to snap shoot a squirrel that you just may solely get to see for a second.

Within the fall, squirrel searching is all about finding acorns, hickory nuts, and different onerous mast. Throughout the spring, squirrels change it up. You’ll largely discover them foraging for comfortable mast, like wild mulberries.

Squirrels will even go for mushrooms and infrequently bugs, which is why it’s a good suggestion to regulate the bottom as a lot as you do the treetops. They’ll additionally hit recent tree buds, so it pays to know a bit concerning the native foliage in your space.

All of that cowl on the timber makes it more durable to find squirrels, however it additionally offers you loads of cowl to sneak round. That’s why it’s a good suggestion to maintain transferring on a spring squirrel hunt.

Strive scouting for just a few hotspots of meals sources and plan a still-hunting route. You can even mark spots in the course of the fall the place you discover squirrel dens and revisit them in the course of the spring. Worst case, you’ll go for a pleasant stroll within the woods on a spring day.

Calling to squirrels will be hit and miss, however it’s nonetheless value it to maintain a name in your pack. In denser foliage, you should use a squirrel chatter name to find squirrels. Simply pay attention for a similar chatter or a squirrel bark in return.

A squirrel misery name may work. This name mimics a squirrel being attacked by a predator. Different squirrels will come and examine from the treetops and generally bark or chatter. Should you’re arising empty-handed, it doesn’t harm to hit a squirrel name once in a while.

Should you’re not prepared to completely decide to a spring squirrel hunt, attempt bringing a squirrel gun alongside subsequent time you go fishing. Creek edges and lake sides are normally extra open, leaving room for berry bushes and different soft-mast producing crops to flourish.

There’s additionally water, which is one thing a squirrel wants on a scorching day. Some prefer to float hunt for squirrels from a canoe, which is one other strong tactic. Should you’re fortunate, you’ll find yourself with slightly backwoods surf and turf, and some bushy tails to tie crappie jigs with.