Introduction to Squirrel Hunting
Squirrel hunting is a beloved outdoor activity that combines patience, skill, and a deep understanding of squirrel behavior. For many hunters, it’s a way to connect with nature and experience the thrill of the hunt. Whether you’re navigating dense woods or exploring urban areas, squirrel hunting offers a unique challenge. To be successful, squirrel hunters need to familiarize themselves with the habits and habitats of their prey, including both fox squirrels and gray squirrels. By mastering various hunting methods and learning about squirrel behavior, hunters can significantly increase their chances of a successful hunt.
Great Plains Small Game Adventure
South Dakota’s varied landscapes, from wooded river bottoms to prairie shelterbelts, offer excellent opportunities for squirrel hunting. Creek bottoms are particularly strategic locations for stand hunting, providing natural concealment and good sight lines. With healthy populations of fox squirrels and gray squirrels in the eastern and central parts of the state, South Dakota provides hunters with accessible and exciting small game action, with proven successful methods enhancing the effectiveness of hunting in these varied landscapes.
Squirrel Species in South Dakota
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Fox Squirrel: The most widespread species, commonly found in open woodlots and along wooded creeks. Wild cherries are an important seasonal food source for Fox Squirrels, attracting them to specific areas during certain times of the year.
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Gray Squirrel: Found mainly in larger tracts of mature hardwood forests. Acorns are a key food source for Gray Squirrels, especially in the fall when they shift their diet from pine cones and hickory nuts to acorns, often concentrating their foraging activities around specific oak species.
Fox Squirrels
Fox squirrels are a favorite target for many squirrel hunters, thanks to their distinctive orange or reddish-brown fur and larger size compared to gray squirrels. These adaptable creatures thrive in a variety of environments, from dense forests and woodlands to urban parks. Fox squirrel hunting often involves techniques like still hunting and stand hunting, where patience and stealth are key. By understanding the behavior and preferred habitats of fox squirrels, hunters can improve their chances of a successful hunt in the squirrel woods.
Season Dates and Licensing
Squirrel hunting season in South Dakota typically runs from early September through the end of January. Hunters must possess a valid South Dakota small game hunting license. Always check the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) regulations for current season dates, bag limits, and area-specific rules.
Best Areas for Squirrel Hunting
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Missouri River Bottoms: Cottonwood and hardwood stands near the river provide excellent habitat.
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Eastern Woodlands: Oak and hickory forests in eastern counties are prime squirrel hunting grounds. Observing the forest floor can be crucial, especially in wet conditions when squirrels forage on the ground.
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Public Access Areas: Game Production Areas (GPAs) and other public lands offer good squirrel hunting opportunities.
Focus on timbered areas with abundant mast-producing trees like oak, walnut, and hickory. Pay attention to tree limbs, as squirrels often hide or move along them, and be mindful of potential hazards like ice on limbs affecting hunting conditions.
Gray Squirrel Habitat
Gray squirrels are versatile and can be found in a range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas. They have a preference for areas with dense tree cover and abundant food sources like nuts and seeds. Typically smaller than fox squirrels, gray squirrels are known for their gray or brown fur. Their habitats often include oak, beech, and pine trees, which provide both shelter and food. Understanding the specific habitat preferences of gray squirrels can help hunters locate these elusive creatures more effectively.
Best Time of Day to Hunt Squirrels
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for squirrel movement. Late season is an optimal time for hunting with dogs, as the absence of leaves on trees makes it easier to spot squirrels foraging on the ground. During these cooler periods, squirrels are most active foraging for food. Being in the hunting areas at first light, during the first two hours after sunrise, significantly increases the chances of success.
Tactics for Success
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Still-Hunting: Move slowly and quietly through the woods, pausing often to scan treetops and listen for movement. Observing ground activity is also crucial, as squirrels often forage on the ground for acorns and other food sources.
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Sit-and-Wait: Find a good food source and sit quietly nearby, allowing squirrels to reveal themselves. Identifying a leaf nest can also indicate the presence of squirrels in the area.
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Spot-and-Stalk: Watch for feeding squirrels and move carefully to get into shooting range. Aim for head shots to minimize meat damage and ensure a clean kill, emphasizing the importance of accuracy.
After the first frost, focus on remaining mast sources like oak trees where squirrels concentrate their feeding.
Squirrel Calls
Squirrel calls are an invaluable tool for hunters looking to locate and attract squirrels. These calls, which can be electronic or manual, mimic the natural sounds of squirrels, such as barking or chattering. Using squirrel calls can be particularly effective during the early morning or late afternoon when squirrel activity peaks. By mastering the use of squirrel calls, hunters can draw nearby squirrels out of hiding and increase their chances of a successful hunt.
Gear for South Dakota Squirrel Hunting
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Firearms: .22 rifles, such as the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin Model 60, are ideal for precision shots. Small-gauge shotguns are useful for close-range shooting in thick cover. A full choke is an important feature for shotguns to achieve a dense shot pattern, especially for stationary squirrels.
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Clothing: Layered clothing for changing temperatures and blaze orange for visibility.
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Footwear: Comfortable boots for hiking uneven, wooded terrain.
Squirrel Hunting Safety
Safety is paramount in squirrel hunting to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Hunters should always wear protective gear, including a hunting vest and eye protection, and adhere to basic safety rules, such as keeping their firearm pointed in a safe direction and being constantly aware of their surroundings. It’s crucial to be mindful of other hunters and wildlife in the area and to follow all local regulations and guidelines. Additionally, having a plan in place for emergencies and being prepared for unexpected situations can help minimize risks. By following these safety guidelines, hunters can enjoy a successful and injury-free squirrel hunting experience.
Meat Care and Handling
Field dress squirrels promptly to keep meat fresh, especially on warm days. Correctly removing the hind legs and front feet during the cleaning process is crucial to ensure a thorough separation of the meat from the hide. Skinning tools and game bags help keep meat clean. Always cook squirrel meat thoroughly to a safe internal temperature. Traditional recipes like fried squirrel highlight the enjoyment and satisfaction of cooking game after a hunting expedition.
Conclusion
Squirrel hunting in South Dakota offers an enjoyable and accessible small game adventure, with the potential to bag more squirrels, leading to richer rewards in the hunt. A winter hunt is an ideal opportunity for squirrel hunting, as the barren trees in winter facilitate better visibility for locating squirrels. Whether you’re still-hunting through oak groves or sitting patiently near a busy hardwood stand, the state’s public lands and woodlands provide ample opportunity for fun and success. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and build essential hunting skills.
FAQs
What license do I need to hunt squirrels in South Dakota?
A valid small game hunting license is required.
When does squirrel season open in South Dakota?
Typically early September through the end of January.
What guns are best for squirrel hunting?
.22 rifles for precision shots, and small-gauge shotguns for thick cover hunting, as they offer advantages for taking shots at moving prey. Choosing the right gun is crucial for effective squirrel hunting, with options ranging from rifles to shotguns, each suited for different conditions and preferences.
Where can I find public land for squirrel hunting?
Game Production Areas, state parks, and other public lands provide access.
Is blaze orange required?
Blaze orange is recommended for safety when hunting on public land.
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 South Dakota?
Yes, especially in wooded eastern and central parts of the state.
Can I hunt squirrels with a dog?
Yes, some hunters use trained dogs to locate and tree squirrels.
Is squirrel hunting beginner-friendly?
Yes, it’s a great way to introduce new hunters to the outdoors and develop marksmanship skills.
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