How to Hunt Spring Squirrels

We all know the best thing about squirrel hunting is that it’s cheap, requires little gear or commitment, and can give you just as good a time in the wilderness as any other hunt. That’s what makes it a perfect add-on to a fishing or turkey hunting trip. Whether you’re toting a rimfire or a shotgun, these are the best places and a few tactics for bagging bushy-tails this spring.

Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. These are the 10 states that have active spring squirrel hunting seasons. Wildlife biologists in these states have timed their seasons with peak squirrel numbers, right after their first nesting period.

This time of year, squirrels are usually concentrated on food sources, but they might not be the food sources you’re used to hunting them on (more on that later). Seasons usually run from May into June, but exact dates vary by state, so check your local regs. Some states, like parts of Texas, keep it open year-round.

In the fall and winter, you’re probably thinking about how cold affects the game you’re after. But spring squirrel hunting is all about heat. Squirrels tend to hunker down during the hottest parts of the day, especially in many of the southern states that have open seasons this time of year.

Focus your efforts in the early morning. Early evening can also be productive, but daybreak is usually the best. You can also check spots that are naturally cooler, like deep hollows near creeks, or try your luck on overcast days after rainy weather.

One of the more difficult parts of hunting squirrels this time of year is the spring foliage. Squirrels have more places to hide once trees start to leaf out and brush grows on the ground.

Your shot opportunities will be shorter during the spring, which is why it’s a good idea to bring a shotgun. I know. I prefer hunting squirrels with a rimfire, too. But a shotgun will help you snap shoot a squirrel that you might only get to see for a second.

In the fall, squirrel hunting is all about locating acorns, hickory nuts, and other hard mast. During the spring, squirrels switch it up. You’ll mostly find them foraging for soft mast, like wild mulberries.

Squirrels will also go for mushrooms and occasionally insects, which is why it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the ground as much as you do the treetops. They’ll also hit fresh tree buds, so it pays to know a bit about the local foliage in your area.

All of that cover on the trees makes it harder to locate squirrels, but it also gives you plenty of cover to sneak around. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep moving on a spring squirrel hunt.

Try scouting for a few hotspots of food sources and plan a still-hunting route. You can also mark spots during the fall where you find squirrel dens and revisit them during the spring. Worst case, you’ll go for a nice walk in the woods on a spring day.

Calling to squirrels can be hit or miss, but it’s still worth it to keep a call in your pack. In denser foliage, you can use a squirrel chatter call to locate squirrels. Just listen for the same chatter or a squirrel bark in return.

A squirrel distress call can also work. This call mimics a squirrel being attacked by a predator. Other squirrels will come and investigate from the treetops and sometimes bark or chatter. If you’re coming up empty-handed, it doesn’t hurt to hit a squirrel call every now and then.

If you’re not ready to fully commit to a spring squirrel hunt, try bringing a squirrel gun along next time you go fishing. Creek edges and lake sides are usually more open, leaving room for berry bushes and other soft-mast producing plants to flourish.

There’s also water, which is something a squirrel needs on a hot day. Some like to float hunt for squirrels from a canoe, which is another solid tactic. If you’re lucky, you’ll end up with a little backwoods surf and turf, and a few bushy tails to tie crappie jigs with.