Introduction to Hunting Squirrels
Squirrel hunting is a fun and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by hunters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, squirrel hunting is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Squirrels are abundant and can be found in various habitats, from dense forests to open woodlots. The two primary species you’ll encounter in Kansas are the fox squirrel and the gray squirrel, each with its unique behaviors and preferred environments.
When hunting squirrels, it’s essential to follow local regulations to ensure a legal and ethical hunt. This includes obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to bag limits. Respecting the environment is also crucial—leave no trace, and always be mindful of the impact you have on the natural world. Squirrel hunting not only provides an opportunity to hone your hunting skills but also offers a chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories. So grab your gear, head into the woods, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt!
Heartland Small Game Adventures
Kansas offers prime squirrel hunting opportunities, especially during the early season when hardwood forests and creek bottoms come alive with feeding activity, providing an abundant game experience. Small game hunting, particularly for squirrels, is a great introduction for new hunters.
With a long season, liberal bag limits, and a wide range of public access, Kansas is a great destination for hunters looking to enjoy traditional small game pursuits in a relaxed setting. Squirrel hunting is a fun and enjoyable activity for all ages.
Fox and Gray Squirrel Habitat
Both fox and gray squirrels are abundant across Kansas, with fox squirrels being more common in open woodlots and along field edges, while gray squirrels prefer denser, mature timber near water. Look for squirrels in oak, hickory, walnut, and pecan stands, where mast crops provide a critical food source. Early mornings are especially productive when you want to find squirrels busy feeding. Identifying these feeding areas can be fairly easy if you know what to look for. Squirrels can often be seen foraging on the forest floor, especially in the fall.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Understanding squirrel behavior is crucial for a successful squirrel hunt, especially when shooting at close range. Sitting quietly and observing their movements can significantly enhance your chances of spotting and approaching them discreetly. Squirrels are creatures of habit, often following a predictable daily routine. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times ideal for hunting. During the middle of the day, squirrels typically rest in their nests or dens, so it’s less likely to spot them during these hours.
Fox squirrels and gray squirrels, the most common species hunted in Kansas, exhibit different behavior patterns. Fox squirrels are more likely to forage on the ground, searching for food sources like acorns and hickory nuts. In contrast, gray squirrels prefer to stay in the trees, moving through the canopy in search of mast crops. By understanding these behavior patterns, squirrel hunters can tailor their strategies to the specific species they are targeting, increasing their chances of a successful hunt.
Spotting and Still-Hunting Tactics
Early season squirrel hunting often involves still-hunting slowly through hardwood forests. It is crucial to sit tight and wait patiently in strategic locations for squirrels to appear. Move quietly, scanning the canopy and listening for cutting sounds, falling debris, or rustling leaves. Spotting a feeding squirrel before it spots you is key. Hunters can also set up along ridges, near mast-producing trees, and wait quietly for squirrels to appear. Precision shooting is essential, focusing on accurate head shots with firearms like .22 rifles and shotguns to ensure a humane and effective kill. Additionally, using shooting sticks can provide stability and improve accuracy, especially when a suitable resting point isn't available.
Squirrel Calls and Communication
Squirrel calls and communication play a vital role in squirrel hunting. Using a squirrel call can effectively imitate squirrel sounds to attract or reveal hidden squirrels. Calls that mimic the sounds of a young squirrel can attract nearby squirrels and provoke a response.
Squirrels use a variety of vocalizations, such as chirps, squeaks, and whistles, to communicate with each other. They also use body language, like tail flicks and ear positions, to convey messages. For hunters, mastering the use of squirrel calls can be a game-changer, helping to attract squirrels and bring them into range.
However, it’s essential to use squirrel calls sparingly. Excessive calling can put squirrels on high alert, making them more cautious and harder to hunt. Eastern gray squirrels and western gray squirrels have distinct vocalizations, and understanding these differences can help hunters tailor their calling strategies. By mimicking the specific calls of the species they are hunting, hunters can increase their chances of success.
Spring Squirrel Seasons and Regulations
Spring squirrel seasons vary by state and region, but most states offer a spring season for hunting gray squirrels and fox squirrels. It’s essential to check with your local wildlife agency for specific regulations and season dates. Some states may have specific rules for hunting squirrels in the spring, such as bag limits or restrictions on hunting in certain areas. Additionally, hunters should be aware of any regulations regarding the use of squirrel calls or other hunting methods.
By following these regulations, hunters can help ensure a sustainable squirrel population and enjoy a successful hunt. Spring squirrel seasons provide a unique opportunity to hunt during a time when the woods are coming alive with new growth and activity. Whether you’re targeting fox squirrels or gray squirrels, understanding the specific rules and guidelines for your area will help you have a safe and productive hunting experience.
The Squirrel Hunter’s Mindset
To be a successful squirrel hunter, you need to have the right mindset. This means being patient, persistent, and willing to learn. Squirrel hunting requires a combination of stalking skills, knowledge of squirrel behavior, and attention to detail. Hunters should be able to sit quietly for long periods, waiting for a squirrel to come into range. They should also be able to identify different types of squirrels, including gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and eastern gray squirrels.
Developing a deep understanding of squirrel behavior and habitat is key to increasing your chances of success. Squirrels are creatures of habit, and knowing their routines and preferred food sources can give you an edge. By honing your stalking skills and learning to move quietly through the woods, you can get closer to your quarry and improve your shot opportunities. Embrace the challenge, stay focused, and enjoy the process of becoming a skilled squirrel hunter.
Best Areas to Hunt
The eastern third of Kansas holds the best squirrel habitat, particularly along river corridors like the Kansas and Missouri rivers, making it prime squirrel woods. The presence of other squirrels in these areas can indicate a productive hunting spot, as they may return to foraging quickly after being spooked, providing more shooting opportunities.
Hickory groves are ideal locations for finding multiple squirrels. Public access is plentiful through Walk-In Hunting Access areas, state fishing lakes, and wildlife management areas. Focus on creek bottoms, wooded draws, and patches of timber adjacent to agricultural fields, where you are likely to encounter multiple squirrels.
Food Sources and Squirrel Attraction
Squirrels are attracted to a variety of food sources, including hickory nuts, acorns, and soft mast. Hunters can use this knowledge to their advantage by setting up near areas with abundant food sources. For example, a hickory grove in the early fall can be a great place to hunt squirrels. The presence of hickory nuts and other mast crops will draw squirrels to the area, providing ample shot opportunities.
Hunters can also use squirrel calls to attract squirrels to their location. By mimicking the sounds of a squirrel, hunters can lure them into range and increase their chances of a successful shot. Additionally, understanding the different types of food sources that attract squirrels, such as tree nuts, seeds, and fruits, can help hunters develop effective strategies for attracting and hunting them. By knowing what squirrels eat and where they find food, you can position yourself in the best spots and enjoy a more productive hunt.
Gear and Strategy
A .22 rifle is ideal for precision shots at feeding squirrels, while a 20-gauge or .410 shotgun is perfect for closer, quick shots in thicker cover, contrasting with the extensive preparation often required for big game hunting. Hunters prefer specific firearms and ammunition based on efficiency and the hunting environment, making shotguns particularly advantageous in dense foliage where squirrels are fast-moving.
While camouflage clothing can be beneficial, earth-toned clothes such as olive-drab and darker greens are also suitable. Lightweight camo, boots suitable for walking long distances, and a small backpack for carrying water and game are recommended. Moving slowly, pausing often, and using binoculars to scan treetops can greatly improve success.
Squirrel Hunting Safety Precautions
Safety should always be a top priority during a squirrel hunt. Deer hunters, in particular, need to be mindful of their impact on the hunting environment, especially during deer hunting seasons when other hunters are in the woods. One of the most important safety measures is wearing blaze orange clothing to increase visibility. Following local regulations and obtaining any necessary permits before heading out is also crucial to ensure a legal and safe hunting experience.
Squirrel hunters should always be aware of their surroundings, keeping an eye out for other hunters and potential hazards like steep slopes and fast-moving water. Handling firearms safely is paramount—always treat every firearm as if it is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and be sure of your target and what lies beyond it. Additionally, practicing good hunting etiquette, such as respecting private property and not littering, helps maintain a positive relationship with landowners and other outdoor enthusiasts. By following these safety precautions, squirrel hunters can minimize risks and focus on enjoying their time in the woods.
Conclusion
Squirrel hunting in Kansas during the early season is a great way to sharpen hunting skills, enjoy the outdoors, and reconnect with classic small game traditions. Even if you only catch one squirrel, it can still be a rewarding experience, especially when you consider the versatility of squirrel meat. Squirrel recipes offer a range of culinary possibilities, from simple frying to more elaborate dishes, encouraging hunters to embrace this flavorful game meat in their cooking adventures. Whether slipping through a creek bottom or sitting patiently under a mast tree, Kansas offers a relaxed and rewarding small game experience that hunters of all ages can enjoy. Squirrel hunting is also a great way to improve one’s squirrel game through practice and experience.
FAQs
What species of squirrels can I hunt in Kansas?
Tree squirrels, including fox squirrels and gray squirrels, are both common and huntable.
When is squirrel hunting season in Kansas?
The season typically opens in late summer and runs through winter. Always check current regulations.
What firearm is best for Kansas squirrel hunting?
A .22 rifle for precision shots or a 20-gauge or .410 shotgun for closer encounters. A full choke can be beneficial for achieving tight shot patterns and effective kills at longer distances.
Where are the best areas to hunt squirrels?
Eastern Kansas near river corridors, wooded draws, and mast-rich forests. Positioning yourself against the same tree where previous squirrel activity has been observed can increase your chances of success.
Can I hunt squirrels on public land?
Yes, Kansas offers extensive public access through Walk-In Hunting Areas, wildlife management areas, and state fishing lakes.
What’s the best time of day to hunt squirrels?
Early morning and late afternoon when squirrels are most active. During colder winter months, squirrels can be late risers, becoming more active during warmer hours.
What gear should I bring?
Light camo clothing, good walking boots, binoculars, and a small pack for carrying gear and game.
Are squirrels good to eat?
Yes, squirrels provide tender, flavorful meat perfect for stews and roasting, especially when you properly separate the hind legs from the body.
How do I spot squirrels in early season?
Watch for movement in the treetops, listen for cutting sounds, and look for feeding activity around mast-producing trees.
Why is squirrel hunting popular in Kansas?
The long season, abundant access, and traditional outdoor experience make it a favorite small game pursuit.
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