Squirrel Hunting & Trapping

 

 

 

 

Squirrel Hunting

When shooting gray squirrels, it’s crucial to prioritize both safety and attention. Here’s a breakdown of safety measures and things to keep in mind:

Safety:

  1. Know Local Laws: Ensure that hunting gray squirrels is legal in your area, and be aware of hunting seasons, licensing requirements, and any specific regulations (e.g., hunting zones or bag limits).
  2. Firearm Safety:
    • Always treat the firearm as if it’s loaded.
    • Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
    • Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
    • Be mindful of your target and beyond — ensure there are no people, animals, or objects in the line of fire or in the background.
  3. Proper Gear: Wear appropriate clothing, such as camo, and use hearing protection if you’re using firearms with loud shots.
  4. Positioning: Always ensure you’re in a stable, safe shooting position, whether standing, sitting, or lying down. Avoid shooting from unstable positions or in dense brush where you can’t see your surroundings clearly.
  5. Safe Distance: Keep a safe shooting distance from others to avoid accidents. Typically, ensure at least a 100-yard radius from others in hunting areas.

Attention:

  1. Target Identification: Only shoot at gray squirrels if you’re sure that’s the animal you’re targeting. There can be confusion with other small mammals or birds, and shooting a non-target species could be illegal or unethical.
  2. Concentration: Focus on your aim and be patient. Gray squirrels are often elusive, so keep a sharp eye out. Practice your shot ahead of time to ensure accuracy when the opportunity arises.
  3. Wind and Environment: Consider the wind direction and other environmental factors, as they can impact your shot’s trajectory.
  4. Stay Quiet and Stealthy: Gray squirrels are easily startled. Move slowly and quietly to avoid scaring them off. Pay attention to their behavior and listen for rustling in the trees or their distinctive sounds.
  5. Follow-Through: After taking the shot, observe whether you’ve hit your target. Be ready to take a follow-up shot if needed, and approach the squirrel calmly and carefully.

By keeping safety and attentiveness as your priority, you can ensure a responsible and ethical hunting experience.

When shooting gray squirrels around dwellings, safety should be the top priority. Here are some important safety considerations:

  1. Check Local Laws and Regulations: Before shooting gray squirrels, make sure it’s legal in your area. Different regions may have specific hunting seasons, restrictions on shooting near dwellings, or laws governing methods of control.
  2. Safe Shooting Zone: Make sure you are shooting in an area that is safe. Always ensure that your shot will not endanger others, pets, or property. Ideally, use a backstop (like a hill or a solid surface) to catch the bullet if it misses.
  3. Consider Neighboring Properties: Always assess the surroundings to ensure you are not shooting in the direction of neighboring properties or public areas. Be aware of your line of sight and avoid shooting over fences or structures.
  4. Choose the Right Firearm: Use appropriate firearms for the situation. A small-caliber rifle (e.g., .22 LR) is commonly used for squirrels, but ensure it is legal for use in your area. Shotguns with low shot loads are also a good option if you’re shooting in an area with dense surroundings, as they have less range and are more contained.
  5. Make sure weapon is in good working condition.
  6. Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and hearing protection,
  7. Ethical Considerations: Be sure you’re following ethical hunting practices. If you’re trying to control squirrels around your home, consider non-lethal methods (like traps or exclusion) first. If lethal control is necessary, aim for a clean, humane shot to minimize suffering.
  8. Timing: Choose appropriate times to shoot, typically when neighbors are least likely to be disturbed by the noise. Early mornings or late afternoons might be more considerate.
  9. Handling Dead Squirrels: After shooting, be careful when handling the dead squirrels. Wear gloves, especially if you plan to dispose of them. You can use them for other purposes like bait or even for taxidermy if legal and appropriate.
  10. Inform Neighbors: If possible, inform your neighbors about your intention to shoot squirrels, so they are aware and can take precautions to stay safe.

If you are unsure about any of these aspects, contacting a local wildlife expert or pest control professional can help you navigate safe and legal options for squirrel control.

 

When hunting gray squirrels, firearms and air rifles are popular choices. The best type depends on your local laws, the range, and the accuracy needed. Here’s a breakdown of common options:

Firearms:

  1. .22 Long Rifle (LR)
    The most popular choice for squirrel hunting. It’s accurate, lightweight, and delivers enough power for humane kills. It can be used in both rifles and pistols. Ideal for medium-range shots.
  2. .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)
    A faster, flatter-shooting round than the .22 LR. It is great for longer-range shots, but may be a bit overpowered for small animals like squirrels if you’re not careful.
  3. .22 Magnum (WMR)
    Slightly more powerful than the .22 LR, the .22 Magnum offers greater range and stopping power, which is useful for taking down squirrels at longer distances, but it’s not as commonly used.
  4. Shotguns (20 gauge or 410 bore)
    These are less common but can be used for close-range hunting. The smaller shot sizes, such as #4 or #6, are most effective for squirrel hunting.

Air Rifles: These will be the best option around building and structures!!

  1. .177 Caliber Air Rifles
    These are the most common for small game like squirrels. They are accurate, have good velocity, and are quieter than firearms. They are ideal for short-range hunting.
  2. .22 Caliber Air Rifles
    Offering more power than the .177, these air rifles can be used for squirrels at slightly longer ranges. They are especially useful for hunters looking for more knockdown power without going to a firearm.
  3. Pre-charged Pneumatic (PCP) Air Rifles
    These are high-performance air rifles that use compressed air to shoot pellets. They offer high velocity and accuracy, making them a good choice for squirrel hunting.

Things to Consider:

  • Accuracy: You want a rifle that is accurate at the distances you plan to hunt.
  • Noise: If hunting in a populated area, air rifles tend to be quieter than firearms, which could be an important factor.
  • Local Regulations: Be sure to check local hunting laws regarding the use of firearms and air rifles for hunting squirrels.

For hunting gray squirrels, the ammunition used varies depending on the type of firearm you’re using. Here’s a breakdown for shotguns, rifles, and airguns:

1. Shotgun:

  • Shot size: For gray squirrels, #4, #5, or #6 shot is commonly used. These sizes are small enough to take down a squirrel humanely while avoiding excessive damage to the meat.
  • Shotgun gauges: A 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun is typically used for squirrel hunting. A smaller gauge, like a 28-gauge or .410, can also work if you prefer a lighter, less powerful load.

2. Rifle:

  • Caliber: Commonly used calibers for gray squirrel hunting include .22 Long Rifle (LR) and .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire). Both calibers offer enough accuracy and power to take down a squirrel without causing excessive damage to the meat.
  • Ammo type: For a .22 LR, you would typically use hollow-point or soft-point ammunition to ensure quick, humane kills. For the .17 HMR, you would use varmint-specific ammo, usually designed for small game.

3. Airguns:

  • Caliber: For airguns, the .177 and .22 calibers are the most common for squirrel hunting.
    • .177 caliber: Great for target shooting and smaller game, though less powerful than .22.
    • .22 caliber: Preferred for squirrel hunting, as it provides better penetration and a more humane kill.
  • Pellets:
    • Domed pellets are commonly used for their accuracy and ability to penetrate effectively.
    • Hollow-point pellets are also a good option as they expand upon impact, providing more lethal energy transfer.

Each firearm and ammunition combination has its specific advantages, but in general, the .22 LR rifle and a shotgun with the right shot size are among the most common choices for hunting gray squirrels.

Squirrel Trapping

Trapping can be used for various purposes, including managing wildlife, controlling pest populations, or even relocation. There are both lethal and humane options when it comes to trapping. Here’s a breakdown of both:

1. Lethal Traps (For Humane Euthanasia)

Lethal traps are typically used to kill the squirrel upon capture. Always ensure the traps are in compliance with local regulations, as there may be restrictions on lethal traps depending on your area.

  • Type of Trap:
    • Conibear Traps (Body-Gripping Traps): These are commonly used for gray squirrels and are designed to kill quickly by snapping the squirrel’s neck or chest. The most common size for squirrels is the 220 or 160 model.
    • Snap Traps (Victor or similar): These are smaller traps that quickly kill the squirrel by snapping the trap shut when triggered. These can be set in places where squirrels frequent, such as in attics or near food sources.
  • Proper Set:
    • Conibear Traps: Place these traps along squirrel travel paths, such as near trees, at the entrance of dens, or inside squirrel tunnels. They should be set perpendicular to the ground to ensure a clean kill. It’s important to set the trap in such a way that the squirrel runs directly into it, triggering the mechanism.
    • Snap Traps: These are often placed in areas where squirrels are active, such as along rooflines, around food sources, or in attics. You can bait them with nuts, peanut butter, or seeds.

2. Live Traps (For Relocation or Release)

Live traps are used if you plan to capture the squirrel and release it elsewhere. However, some regions may have specific regulations about relocating animals, so check local laws before setting these traps.

  • Type of Trap:
    • Cage Traps: These are usually wire cages that allow the squirrel to enter, and once triggered, the door closes behind it. Popular brands include Havahart or Victor live traps. A trap size of 1.5 to 2.5 feet is typically adequate for gray squirrels.
  • Proper Set:
    • Placement: Set the trap along a squirrel’s usual travel routes, near feeding areas or in locations where they’ve been seen frequently. Placing the trap near a tree, on the roofline, or near a food source like bird feeders can increase success.
    • Baiting: Use foods that squirrels are attracted to, such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, nuts, or fresh fruit. Place the bait in the back of the trap to ensure the squirrel fully enters before triggering it.

General Tips:

  • Check traps regularly (at least once every 12 hours for live traps) to avoid unnecessary suffering for any trapped animals.
  • Avoid setting traps in extreme weather unless necessary, as squirrels and other animals may overheat or freeze in trapped conditions.
  • Keep traps in shaded, quiet locations to reduce the stress of the trapped animal.

Baits

To trap gray squirrels effectively, you need to use baits that are attractive to them. Gray squirrels are primarily seed and nut eaters, but they also enjoy fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the best baits for trapping gray squirrels and how to use them:

1. Peanut Butter

  • Why it works: Squirrels love peanut butter because it’s high in fat and protein. Its strong smell also draws squirrels in from a distance.
  • How to use: Smear peanut butter inside the trap, particularly on the trigger mechanism or along the trap’s walls. You can also smear it on a piece of bread or crackers as an additional treat.

2. Cracked Corn

  • Why it works: Cracked corn mimics the kind of food squirrels forage for in nature and is often a favorite of squirrels.
  • How to use: Scatter some cracked corn at the entrance of the trap to entice squirrels to come close. You can also place a small pile inside the trap to encourage them to enter.

3. Sunflower Seeds

  • Why it works: Squirrels love sunflower seeds, both the seeds and the hulls. They are highly attracted to the smell.
  • How to use: Scatter a small amount of sunflower seeds inside the trap, or place a pile near the trigger mechanism so they are encouraged to step inside.

4. Corn on the Cob

  • Why it works: Corn on the cob is another natural food that squirrels will recognize and find irresistible.
  • How to use: Attach a fresh ear of corn to the inside of the trap so the squirrel must enter to access the cob. This is often used in live traps where the goal is to trap without harming the animal.

5. Nuts (especially Walnuts, Almonds, or Hazelnuts)

  • Why it works: Nuts are a key part of a squirrel’s diet in the wild, and they are likely to respond to the scent.
  • How to use: Place a few nuts (unshelled works well) inside the trap. Walnuts, in particular, seem to be a squirrel favorite.

6. Apple Slices

  • Why it works: Squirrels are attracted to sweet fruits, and apples provide a combination of sugar and moisture that draws them in.
  • How to use: Place fresh apple slices or chunks near the trap entrance. Make sure they are fresh, as squirrels tend to be attracted to ripe, sweet-smelling fruit.

7. Trail Mix (without salt or other additives)

  • Why it works: A mix of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit can mimic natural foods that squirrels often eat.
  • How to use: Place a small handful of trail mix inside the trap, ensuring it’s close to the trigger.

General Tips for Using Bait in Squirrel Traps:

  • Use small amounts: Don’t over-bait the trap, as too much food may allow the squirrel to eat without triggering the mechanism.
  • Place bait near the trigger: Squirrels are inquisitive, so place the bait near the trap’s trigger mechanism to ensure they step on it when they reach for the food.
  • Secure the trap in an area where squirrels are active: Squirrels are more likely to be attracted to your trap if it’s placed near trees, gardens, or other places they forage.
  • Be patient: It may take a day or two for the squirrels to get used to the trap. Try not to disturb the area too much.

By choosing the right bait and setting up the trap properly, you can increase your chances of trapping gray squirrels effectively.