early squirrels

[1nderbeard]

I took a friend hunting this past weekend. He wanted to break in to the hunting world, and I suggested trying to get after squirrels is a good introduction. We got out to the deer creek area just as it was getting light. Walked about 1/2 mile to a spot of trees with several walnut shells (may have been from last year) on the ground and sat. Within a few minutes saw a tail scurry up a tree and jump out of sight pretty quickly. After a several minutes we moved and tried a few more different spots, but stayed in the same general area. He got the opportunity to see a few doe bedding down and then running out of a meadow, away from someone walking their dog. After the deer we didn't see anything but birds the rest of the morning.

Was bummed that the friend didn't get to see much, but I did warn him hunting is called hunting and not killing for a reason.

It was warm, but not overly hot. Anybody have some early squirrel season tips for next time? May have just been the time of year. I saw the hunting card from a few guys just prior and neither bagged any.

 

[bobjones223]

What time did you guys leave the wood?

The squirrels in my woods don't even wake up till 9:00am this time of year.

 

[rosejm]

Silence

Those tree rats are listening to you AND to the rest of the wildlife around you.
The birds you saw? They were warning the squirrels...

 

[roscott]

Public or private land? Public land squirrels are extra jumpy.

X2 on going later in the day, even evenings.

and x2 on being really quiet. Especially on public land.

 

[Expat]

You have to time what they are feeding on... probably too early for walnuts. This time of year I would look for hickory trees.
Also you need to know what kind of squirrels. If you are in a woods with grays, they get up early. Fox squirrels are lazier (bigger with more meat) and get up later.

 

[bobjones223]

You have to time what they are feeding on... probably too early for walnuts. This time of year I would look for hickory trees.
Also you need to know what kind of squirrels. If you are in a woods with grays, they get up early. Fox squirrels are lazier (bigger with more meat) and get up later.

They have been cutting walnuts at my house for weeks.

 

[COOPADUP]

I've got a beechnut, walnut,shag bark,and swamp oak in my yard.
The squirrels have been like machines over the past few days.

Right after sunrise they seem to be the most active.

Good luck and enjoy the fried squirrel and recommend making some gravy with some of the meat.

 

[Thor]

You need a dog to go to the other side of the trees and get the tree rats to run to your side.