Timber Ridges, Creek Bottoms, and Maple Groves
Why New York Is a Top State for Squirrel Hunting
New York’s blend of hardwood forests, farmland edges, and brushy bottoms offers outstanding squirrel hunting across much of the state, particularly in upstate New York. With strong populations of gray and fox squirrels, long seasons, and excellent public access, New York remains a go-to destination for traditional small game hunts.
Squirrel Behavior and Habitat Preferences
Gray squirrels in New York thrive in mature hardwood forests rich in oaks, maples, and beeches. Young gray squirrels are born blind and hairless, and they reach significant growth milestones as they develop. Gray squirrels often forage for acorns and other nuts. They often move along wooded ridges, creek bottoms, and old stone walls. Activity peaks early in the morning and late in the afternoon when squirrels feed heavily on nuts, seeds, and mast crops. Squirrels often nest in tree cavities or high up in branches.
Licensing and Regulations
What You Need to Hunt Squirrels
A valid New York small game hunting license is required for any person to hunt squirrels. The season usually opens in early September and runs through the end of February. Daily bag limits and possession limits apply, and hunters should check the current New York Department of Environmental Conservation regulations.
Recognizing different species is crucial to adhere to hunting laws and ensure sustainable wildlife management practices.
Legal Methods and Considerations
Having a gun that allows you to shoot accurately is crucial for successful hunting. Rimfire rifles like the .22 LR, air rifles, and lightweight shotguns are popular choices for squirrel hunting. Blaze orange is strongly recommended for visibility during overlapping big game seasons.
Best Places to Hunt Squirrels in New York
Hardwood Forests and Timber Ridges
Large tracts of oak, maple, and other hardwood trees in the woods offer prime squirrel habitat. Hickory nuts are a significant food source for squirrels in these areas. Focus on ridgelines, sheltered creek bottoms, and mature stands near agricultural edges.
Creek Bottoms and Stone Wall Funnels
Old stone walls, brushy hedgerows, and wooded stream corridors create natural travel routes for squirrels moving along the ground between feeding and bedding areas.
Squirrels can often be seen chasing each other around tree trunks in these areas.
Public Land Access
New York offers expansive public hunting through state forests, wildlife management areas, and public access lands. The historical reintroduction of eastern gray squirrels into urban parks aimed to enhance biodiversity, but maintaining their populations has faced challenges, including city-managed population control measures and debates over their impact on local bird populations. Regions like the Catskills, Southern Tier, and parts of the Adirondack foothills provide excellent squirrel hunting.
Strategies and Seasonal Timing
Morning Hunts and Timber Still-Hunting
Early morning hunts around mast trees and along natural travel routes are highly productive. Still-hunting slowly through hardwood stands and waiting often to scan the canopy can yield steady shooting opportunities. Squirrels often build nests high up in trees, providing shelter and making them easier to spot.
Best Times to Hunt
Early morning and late afternoon are peak activity periods. Squirrels can mate in mid-summer, highlighting how food availability influences their mating patterns. Calm, crisp days during fall and sunny winter mornings after snowfall are especially productive.
Gear and Preparation
Essential Equipment
Rimfire rifles, air rifles, or lightweight shotguns are essential for shooting squirrels. Trail cams can help hunters observe wildlife activity and understand movement patterns, enhancing the hunting experience. Making a precise shot is crucial for a successful hunt. Blaze orange clothing, durable boots for rugged hillsides, binoculars for canopy scanning, and a small game vest for carrying gear and harvested squirrels are recommended.
Safety Tips
Identify targets carefully, confirm safe backdrops before shooting, wear blaze orange for visibility, and communicate clearly with hunting partners.
It is crucial to correctly identify game species to avoid shooting a protected species by mistake.
Conclusion
Squirrel hunting in New York offers fun and classic small game excitement across timbered ridges, creek bottoms, and old field edges. The average life expectancy of gray squirrels is influenced by environmental factors, with those in the wild living shorter lives compared to those in captivity, where conditions can improve their quality of life. Both novice and experienced hunters can enjoy the thrill of the hunt in beautiful eastern hardwood settings. With strong populations, accessible public land, and beautiful eastern hardwood settings, hunters willing to move carefully and scout mast areas can find excellent action throughout the season.
FAQs
Do I need a license to hunt squirrels in New York?
Any hunter needs a valid small game hunting license in New York State.
When is squirrel season in New York?
Typically early September through late February, but always check current regulations. While most states begin their hunting seasons in September, New York offers a longer season extending through late February. In contrast, deer hunting seasons are often shorter and come with more stringent regulations, reflecting the complexities and high expectations associated with modern deer hunting.
Where are the best places to hunt squirrels?
Hardwood forests, timber ridges, creek bottoms, and stone wall funnels. Evergreen forests also provide important habitats for certain squirrel species.
Can I hunt squirrels on public land?
Yes, state forests, wildlife management areas, and public access lands offer good opportunities. The start of coyote hunting season and the rules for training dogs on various small game animals, including coyotes, are important aspects of the state's wildlife management and hunting activities.
What firearms are best for squirrel hunting?
Rimfire rifles, air rifles, and lightweight shotguns are ideal.
Are there bag limits for squirrels?
Yes, daily and possession limits apply to squirrels and other animals. Check current regulations.
When is the best time of day to hunt squirrels?
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for active squirrels, and it's crucial to wait quietly during these peak activity periods.
What clothing should I wear?
Blaze orange for visibility, layered clothing for fall and winter hunts, and durable boots for rough terrain. When hunting with dogs, it's important to wear appropriate clothing that can handle the demands of working with well-trained dogs in the field.
Can I hunt squirrels after snowfall?
Yes, squirrels often remain active on sunny winter days after snowstorms. Trained dogs will run through the woods, pick up the scent of a squirrel, and alert their owner by barking when they have successfully tracked the quarry up a tree.
Is squirrel hunting good on windy days?
Calm days are better for spotting and hearing feeding squirrels. Squirrels and other critters, such as chipmunks and ground squirrels, are less active on windy days, making it harder to spot them.