Bluegrass State Small Game Tradition
Kentucky’s rolling hills, hardwood ridges, and river bottoms offer outstanding squirrel hunting opportunities. Hunters often feel lucky to encounter squirrels in the dense woods of Kentucky. Squirrels have been hunted as a food source since the settlement era, with hunting methods and regulations evolving over time. With strong populations of gray squirrels and fox squirrels, abundant public lands, and a deep-rooted hunting culture, Kentucky stands as one of the top small game destinations in the South.
Squirrel Species in Kentucky
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Gray Squirrel: Most abundant statewide, thriving in dense hardwood forests.
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Fox Squirrel: Found primarily in more open woods, field edges, and isolated woodlots.
Season Dates and Licensing
Squirrel hunting season in Kentucky typically opens in late August and runs through February, with a spring season offered in May. The spring season has been extended by two weeks, allowing hunters more opportunities to engage in this traditional activity. Hunters are permitted a daily bag limit of six squirrels during the spring squirrel season. Hunters must possess a valid Kentucky hunting license. Always check Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) regulations for current season dates and bag limits.
Best Areas for Squirrel Hunting
Daniel Boone National Forest: Offers expansive hardwood ridges and river bottoms ideal for squirrel hunting.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Numerous WMAs such as Peabody WMA and Clay WMA provide great public access.
Private Farmland: With permission, scattered woodlots and creek bottoms across the state hold high squirrel densities.
Focus on ridges and bottoms with abundant oak, hickory, beech, and walnut trees where mast crops attract heavy feeding. Pay attention to the ground for signs of squirrel activity, such as dropping nut shells and cuttings. Areas frequented by deer hunters tend to have higher visibility of squirrels, suggesting a pattern where deer hunting indirectly helps in locating squirrel hotspots. Exploring various habitats and food sources during different seasons is crucial to find squirrels effectively.
Best Time of Day to Hunt Squirrels
Early morning hours are ideal for locating squirrels due to high levels of squirrel movement and activity after sunrise. It is important to hear sounds like nut shells falling or squirrels moving in the trees, as these auditory cues can help you detect their presence. Cool, clear mornings after a rain or cold front often produce peak activity.
Tactics for Success
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Still-Hunting: Move slowly along mast ridges and hollows, pausing often to watch and listen. Trees loaded with leaves can provide both challenges and opportunities for hunters, offering concealment but making it harder to spot squirrels.
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Sit-and-Wait: Set up quietly near nut-producing trees and let the squirrels come to you. Hunters hope to discover areas with abundant squirrels and favorable conditions.
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Spot-and-Stalk: Use binoculars to locate feeding squirrels and approach carefully for a good shot. Wearing camo clothing is essential to blend into the environment and enhance stealth.
During heavy mast years, keying in on the most productive patches of trees will greatly increase success.
Gear for Kentucky Squirrel Hunting
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Firearms: While a .22-caliber rifle is favored by many hunters, foliage can obstruct visibility, making it difficult to get a clean shot at squirrels. Shotguns are legal hunting gear and are ideal for quick shooting in thicker woods. Legally permitted firearms for hunting squirrels in Kentucky include .22 rifles for precision shots and 20 or 12 gauge shotguns. 20 or 12 gauge shotguns are ideal for quick shooting in thicker woods.
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Clothing: Lightweight clothing for warm early-season days and layers for cooler late-season mornings. Blaze orange is required.
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Footwear: Comfortable, durable boots for navigating Kentucky’s ridges and creek bottoms.
Meat Care and Handling
Field dress squirrels promptly to preserve meat quality. Squirrels eat various foods in the spring, such as soft mast, grasses, mushrooms, and insects, which is important to understand for effective hunting. Historically, rural populations hunted small game, such as squirrels, as a food source during the settlement era in Kentucky. Skinning tools and breathable game bags help keep meat clean. Always cook squirrel meat thoroughly to a safe internal temperature.
Conclusion
Squirrel hunting in Kentucky is a timeless tradition rooted in woodsmanship and the rhythms of the land. Past experiences with squirrel populations and food sources, such as hickory nuts, have significantly influenced current hunting outcomes. With long seasons, strong game populations, and easy public access, the Bluegrass State offers a rewarding experience for hunters of all ages. Whether slipping through a shady oak flat or still-hunting a cool hollow, Kentucky’s squirrel woods promise memorable days afield.
FAQs
What license do I need to hunt squirrels in Kentucky?
A valid Kentucky hunting license is required.
When does squirrel season open in Kentucky?
Typically late August through February, with a spring season offered in May. Kentucky's fall squirrel season opens in August and runs until late February, offering a lengthy hunting period.
What guns are best for squirrel hunting?
.22 rifles for precision shots and 20 or 12 gauge shotguns for thicker woods.
Many hunters prefer certain types of rifles over others when hunting squirrels, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate gear for effective squirrel hunting.
Where can I find public land for squirrel hunting?
Daniel Boone National Forest, WMAs, and other public lands provide good access.
Is blaze orange required?
Yes, blaze orange is required when hunting small game.
What time of day is best for hunting squirrels?
Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times.
How should I care for squirrel meat?
Field dress promptly, cool quickly, and cook thoroughly.
Are squirrels abundant in Kentucky?
Yes, particularly in mast-rich hardwood forests.
Can I hunt squirrels with a dog?
Yes, using trained squirrel dogs is very effective, especially in open woods.
Is squirrel hunting beginner-friendly?
Yes, it’s a great way to introduce new hunters to the outdoors and traditional hunting skills.