Introduction to Squirrel Hunting
Squirrel hunting, much like deer hunting, is a fun and exciting form of small game hunting that can be enjoyed by hunters of all ages and skill levels. As a dedicated squirrel hunter, it’s essential to understand the basics of squirrel behavior, habitat, and hunting techniques to increase your chances of success. Whether you’re a new hunter or an experienced outdoorsman, squirrel hunting offers many shot opportunities and can be a great way to develop your skills and connect with nature. In this introduction to squirrel hunting, we’ll cover the fundamentals of squirrel hunting, including the best times to hunt, the types of squirrels you’ll encounter, and the equipment you’ll need to get started. This article serves as the ultimate guide for squirrel hunting in West Virginia.
Steep Hollers, Ridges, and Hardwood Groves
Why West Virginia Is a Top State for Squirrel Hunting
West Virginia’s rugged Appalachian landscape offers some of the best squirrel hunting in the East. With strong populations of gray and fox squirrels, abundant public land, and a deep hunting tradition, the Mountain State remains a go-to destination for small game hunters looking to work the woods.
Squirrel Behavior and Habitat Preferences
Squirrels thrive in West Virginia’s mature hardwood forests, favoring oaks, hickories, and beeches. Hunters can use strategies to locate a hidden squirrel in the dense foliage, such as utilizing dogs or squirrel calls. They often move along ridges, through hollows, and near creek bottoms, especially where mast crops are plentiful. Squirrels forage on the forest floor, particularly for nuts and other food sources, creating opportunities for hunters to locate and track their movements. Morning and evening hours are the most active times, as squirrels feed heavily during these periods on various food sources.
Licensing and Regulations
What You Need to Hunt Squirrels
A valid West Virginia hunting license is required to hunt squirrels. The season typically opens in early September and runs through late February. Daily bag limits and possession limits apply, so hunters should review the latest regulations from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
Legal Methods and Considerations
Rimfire rifles like the .22 LR and lightweight shotguns are popular choices, emphasizing the importance of precise shots when using these firearms. A full choke can be used to deliver a denser shot pattern at longer distances, making it effective for clean kills on treetop squirrels.
Blaze orange clothing is recommended during overlapping big game seasons to maintain visibility and safety. Certain firearms, such as air rifles and shotguns, are particularly effective at close range for precise shooting on smaller targets like squirrels.
Best Places to Hunt Squirrels in West Virginia
Mountain Ridges and Hardwood Hollows
Oak and hickory ridges, coupled with brushy hollers, offer prime squirrel habitat. Public lands can provide ample opportunities for hunting, particularly as squirrels in these areas tend to be more skittish and experienced, requiring different strategies to successfully hunt them. Focus on areas with heavy mast crops and natural travel corridors along creek bottoms and timbered slopes. Ensure that a tree trunk is behind your target to safely catch any missed shots, underlining the need to be aware of your surroundings and the positioning of tree trunks while stalking squirrels.
Public Land Access
West Virginia provides extensive public hunting opportunities through national forests, wildlife management areas, and state forests. The Monongahela National Forest, Greenbrier State Forest, and Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area are excellent places to hunt squirrels.
Finding and Tracking Squirrels
Finding and tracking squirrels is a crucial part of squirrel hunting. To find squirrels effectively, look for areas with an abundance of food sources, such as hickory nuts, acorns, and other types of hard mast. Most squirrels can be located by listening for their unique sounds, which helps differentiate them from other wildlife. Squirrels are also attracted to soft mast, such as berries and wild grapes, so be sure to search for these types of food sources as well. When tracking squirrels, pay attention to signs such as tracks, scat, and gnawed tree bark. Fox squirrels and gray squirrels are the most common species hunted in North America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlots, and even urban areas. By understanding the behavior and habitat of squirrels, you can increase your chances of finding and tracking them.
Strategies and Seasonal Timing
Morning Hunts and Ridge Walks
Still-hunting along ridges and pausing near mast-producing trees can be highly effective, especially during early mornings when squirrels are feeding. Hunting in late spring can be challenging due to the thick foliage, requiring more skill to locate squirrels. Sitting quietly and waiting for squirrel activity in a chosen location can also increase your chances of spotting and shooting squirrels. Working downhill toward hollows as the day warms up can also produce consistent action, especially as squirrels transition their foraging preferences in late summer from pine cones to hickories.
Best Times to Hunt
Early morning and late afternoon are peak periods for squirrel movement. Crisp fall mornings and sunny winter days are particularly productive.
Late Season Hunting Challenges
Late season squirrel hunting presents unique challenges that require a different approach compared to early season hunts. As the season progresses, heavy foliage can make it difficult to spot squirrels, and the animals themselves become more cautious and alert. This is the time when patience and stealth become your best allies.
Using a squirrel call or a well-trained squirrel dog can be particularly beneficial in these conditions. Squirrel calls can mimic the sounds of squirrels, helping to reveal their hidden locations in dense underbrush. Squirrel dogs, on the other hand, can track and flush out squirrels, making them easier to spot and shoot.
During the late season, focus on areas rich in hard mast like hickory nuts and beechnuts, as these are preferred food sources for both gray squirrels and fox squirrels. Winter squirrels also rely on soft mast such as pine seeds and wild grapes, which provide essential nutrition during the colder months.
Dedicated squirrel hunters often employ a combination of still-hunting and stalking techniques to increase their chances of success. Still-hunting involves moving slowly and quietly through the woods, pausing frequently to scan for movement. Stalking requires a keen eye and the ability to move silently, often using natural cover to get closer to your quarry.
The late season is also an excellent time for new hunters to gain valuable experience. The challenging conditions require patience, persistence, and practice, making it a great learning opportunity. Be prepared to adapt to changing weather conditions, such as windy days and cold temperatures, which can affect squirrel behavior and activity. With the right approach and a bit of perseverance, late season squirrel hunting can be incredibly rewarding.
Gear and Preparation
Essential Equipment
Rimfire rifles, lightweight shotguns, blaze orange clothing, durable boots for steep and rocky terrain, binoculars for spotting movement in the canopy, and a small game vest for carrying gear and squirrels are recommended. Selecting the right equipment, such as shot size and choke options, is crucial for achieving effective results at longer ranges. Squirrel calls, designed to imitate specific sounds like barks or distress calls, can be used strategically to reveal hidden squirrels without attracting too much attention. Using your ears to listen for unique squirrel sounds is also essential for locating them, especially in environments where visual cues are limited.
Safety Tips
Confirm your target and backdrop before shooting, especially when squirrels are on high alert. Wear blaze orange during firearm seasons, and be cautious on steep or uneven ground. Communicate clearly with hunting partners when moving through thick cover.
Squirrel Hunting Tips for Beginners
For young hunters, squirrel hunting is an excellent way to start their hunting journey. It offers many shot opportunities and helps develop essential skills such as stalking, shooting, and understanding animal behavior. Beginners should focus on hunting in areas with an abundance of squirrels, such as woods with mature trees and a mix of hard and soft mast.
Understanding squirrel behavior is crucial for a successful hunt. Squirrels are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, and they prefer habitats with plenty of food sources. Look for areas with hickory nuts, acorns, and other types of hard mast, as well as soft mast like berries and wild grapes.
A good squirrel rifle, such as a .22 caliber, is ideal for beginners. It provides sufficient power for a clean kill while being easy to handle. Focus on making head shots to ensure a quick and humane kill, and to preserve the meat for cooking. Squirrel hunting is a fun and rewarding experience, and beginners should not be discouraged by initial failures. Practice and patience are key to success.
Using squirrel calls and squirrel doggers can also be beneficial for beginners. Squirrel calls can help locate squirrels by mimicking their sounds, while squirrel doggers can track and flush out squirrels, increasing your chances of a successful hunt. Always follow safety guidelines and hunting regulations, and consider hunting with an experienced guide or mentor to learn new skills and gain confidence in the field. With the right approach and a bit of perseverance, squirrel hunting can be a highly enjoyable and educational experience for new hunters.
Cooking and Preparing Squirrels
Cooking and preparing squirrels is a delicious and rewarding part of the squirrel hunting experience. A properly prepared squirrel will have two hind legs among other parts. Squirrel meat is lean and flavorful, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways, including frying, grilling, and slow cooking. One of the most popular ways to prepare squirrels is to fry them, and there are many recipes available for fried squirrel. Squirrel recipes often include traditional ingredients such as flour, cornmeal, and spices, and they can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, and biscuits. Understanding the anatomy, such as the hind legs, is crucial for culinary purposes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, cooking and preparing squirrels is a great way to enjoy the fruits of your labor and share your harvest with friends and family.
Squirrel Conservation
Squirrel conservation is an essential part of ensuring the long-term sustainability of squirrel populations. As a hunter, it’s essential to understand the importance of conservation and to take steps to protect and preserve squirrel habitats. This can include practices such as sustainable forestry, habitat restoration, and wildlife management. By working together with conservation organizations, landowners, and other stakeholders, hunters can help to protect and preserve squirrel populations for future generations. Additionally, hunters can play a critical role in managing squirrel populations by participating in regulated hunting seasons and following best practices for hunting and wildlife management. By prioritizing squirrel conservation, we can help to ensure that squirrel hunting remains a viable and sustainable activity for years to come.
Conclusion
Squirrel hunting in West Virginia delivers classic small game action across some of the most scenic landscapes in the East. By focusing on mast-rich ridges, brushy hollows, and creek bottoms, hunters can find steady action throughout the long season. With public access, beautiful timber, and a strong hunting tradition, West Virginia remains a prime destination for serious squirrel hunters.
FAQs
Do I need a license to hunt squirrels in West Virginia?
Yes, a valid hunting license is required.
When is squirrel season in West Virginia?
Typically early September through late February, but check current regulations.
Where are the best places to hunt squirrels?
Hardwood ridges, brushy hollers, and creek bottoms throughout public and private lands. Navigating squirrel woods can be challenging due to dense foliage, requiring stealth and an understanding of the habitat and behaviors of squirrels, as well as awareness of potential hazards like snakes and insects.
Red oaks, often overlooked initially due to their bitterness from tannic acid, become key feeding spots for squirrels during the winter as they search for buried food caches.
Can I hunt squirrels on public land?
Yes, national forests, wildlife management areas, and state forests offer excellent access.
What firearms are best for squirrel hunting?
Rimfire rifles like the .22 LR and lightweight shotguns are ideal.
Are there bag limits for squirrels?
Yes, daily and possession limits apply. Check current regulations.
When is the best time of day to hunt squirrels?
Early mornings and late afternoons are the most productive.
What clothing should I wear?
Blaze orange for safety, layered clothing for fall and winter hunts, and rugged boots.
Can I hunt squirrels after snowfall?
Yes, squirrels often stay active on sunny days after snowfall.
Is squirrel hunting good on windy days?
Calm days are better, as squirrels are easier to spot and hear when the wind is low.
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