When I first started squirrel hunting, I had no idea it would turn into one of my favorite outdoor pursuits. Deer season usually gets all the attention, but squirrel hunting is where I really sharpened my skills as a woodsman. It’s affordable, accessible, and in many states, the season is long enough to keep me in the woods almost year-round.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned — from choosing the right rifle and ammo, to finding the best spots, to cooking up a squirrel stew when the hunt is done.
Why Squirrel Hunting Is Worth Your Time
A lot of hunters overlook squirrels, but here’s why I keep coming back:
- Affordable gear – a .22 rifle or even an air rifle is enough to get started.
- Plenty of opportunities – long seasons in most states.
- Great for beginners – perfect for youth or anyone new to hunting.
- Delicious meat – squirrel meat is lean, healthy, and surprisingly versatile.
If you’re new to hunting, squirrels are the perfect place to start. If you’re experienced, they’re a great way to stay sharp between deer and turkey seasons.
The Best Gear for Squirrel Hunting
Over the years, I’ve tried just about every setup you can imagine. Here’s what works best for me:
Rifles
Most squirrel hunters use a .22 LR rifle. It’s accurate, quiet, and cheap to shoot. Some hunters prefer the .17 HMR for longer shots, while others like the challenge of an air rifle.
👉 Related read: Best Rifles for Squirrel Hunting
Scopes
A small, lightweight scope in the 3–9x range is perfect. You don’t need a big optic — you’re shooting at short ranges in the woods.
👉 Related read: Best Scopes for Squirrel Hunting Rifles
Ammo
I stick with standard velocity .22 LR hollow points. They’re quiet and do the job cleanly.
👉 Related read: Best Ammo for Squirrel Hunting
Other Essentials
- A good pair of quiet boots
- Binoculars (optional but helpful for spotting)
- A small backpack with snacks, water, and game bags
- A sharp knife for field dressing
Finding Squirrels in the Woods
Squirrels live where the food is. If I’m scouting new ground, I look for:
- Hardwoods with oak, hickory, or walnut – prime food sources.
- Fresh cuttings on the ground – chewed nut shells are a giveaway.
- Early morning activity – squirrels are most active just after sunrise.
👉 Related read: Best Trees and Habitats for Finding Squirrels
Hunting Tactics That Work
There are a few ways I approach squirrel hunting:
- Still-hunting: I move slowly and quietly through the woods, stopping often to listen.
- Sitting: I pick a good food tree and wait. This is my go-to in early season.
- Dog hunting: Some hunters use squirrel dogs to tree squirrels — an exciting tradition in the South.
👉 Related read: Still-Hunting vs. Sitting for Squirrels
👉 Related read: How to Hunt Squirrels with a Dog
Squirrel Hunting Seasons
Every state has its own squirrel hunting season dates and bag limits. Some states open as early as August and run through February.
👉 Related read: Squirrel Hunting Seasons & Laws by State
Cleaning and Cooking Squirrels
The first time I cleaned a squirrel, I’ll admit I struggled. But once you learn the technique, it’s quick and simple. The meat is light, lean, and takes seasoning well.
Some of my favorite recipes:
- Fried squirrel with gravy
- Squirrel stew with potatoes and carrots
- Squirrel jerky for long trips
👉 Related read: Cleaning and Skinning a Squirrel: Step-by-Step Guide
👉 Related read: Squirrel Recipes
Final Thoughts
Squirrel hunting may not get the glory that deer or turkey hunting does, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to spend time in the woods. It teaches patience, sharpens your skills, and puts some great meals on the table.
If you’re looking for a way to stretch your hunting season, improve your marksmanship, or introduce someone new to the outdoors, squirrel hunting is a perfect choice.
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