Last month, I wrote about my time on the range with Springfield Armory’s Model 2020 Rimfire, setting it up for squirrel hunting. Since then, I’ve spent more time on the range, getting comfortable with this bolt-action rifle and scope. It’s essential to make an ethical shot for a quick kill. Although I’m excited to head into the woods for the squirrel hunt, I want to set myself up for success in finding those critters and them not finding me.
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In the fall, squirrels are busy gathering nuts and storing them in trees or burying them in the ground. They generally eat hard mast like acorns, hickory nuts and beech nuts. Knowing what these trees look like, the shape of the leaves, color in the fall, bark, and nuts is an excellent start to a successful squirrel hunt.
Once you find those trees, look on the ground for signs of squirrel activity. Look up and search for a squirrel nest, which is a bunch of messy leaves and twigs piled in the crotches of tree limbs. Look down for disturbed leaves where squirrels have been busily searching for or hiding nuts. Then, look around for cracked nuts on fallen trees or stumps. These are all signs the critters are nearby.
Now that you’ve found an area where the squirrels will likely be, it’s time to find your squirrel hunting spot to sit. Ideally, you’ll want to be at a distance you practiced on the range, knowing you can make the shot. Try to have the sun on your back; this makes it more difficult for the squirrel to spot you. Also, being near a tree or stump that you can use as a gun rest is helpful for stability while shooting.
Once you’ve gone squirrel hunting a few times, you’ll know what you want to bring. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Once settled in your squirrel hunting spot, it’s time to sit silently, listen and wait. If you’ve ever spent time in the woods deer hunting, you know how loud squirrels can be as they scurry around or when dropping nuts from trees. I affectionately refer to them as “squirrelephants” during deer season. They will also make a barking or chattering sound when they notice you. Once you hear any of those sounds, it’s time to start searching with the naked eye or binoculars. Look high and low while moving very slowly and quietly.
When you spot a squirrel, be patient. Wait for it to stop moving before aiming, taking notice of what’s behind the target for a safe shot. Calm your breathing, focus on its head and press the trigger when you’re ready.
If you find yourself sitting for an extended amount of time with no squirrel activity, you may want to move to another spot. Hopefully, you already had another spot in mind from your scouting. If not, walk quietly while keeping your eyes and ears open. Once you have signs of squirrel activity, settle in and start over again.
Be sure to check with your state’s game agency for the hunting regulations for small game in your area. Know the season dates, bag limits and the need for wearing an orange vest. Checking the regulations is much less expensive than paying a fine.
If you’ve had success squirrel hunting, watch this step-by-step video from the Ohio Division of Natural Resources about processing a squirrel.
If you’re squirrel hunting with squirrel dogs, that’s a whole ‘nother scene. The most important thing in this situation is safety – for other hunters with you and for the dogs. Be aware of your target and what lies behind it. Keep the safety on, till you’re ready to fire. Pick up your feet, and keep your muzzle in a safe direction, because you’ll be moving fast when the dogs start baying.
Check out Springfield Armory’s full line of Model 2020 rimfire rifles.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and GTM Original. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
The heart/lung boiler room is bigger than the brain, so I rarely do head shots, in spite of being raised on Davey Crocket and Daniel Boone stories. This link will give you a target showing the approximate boundaries. At 50 feet, the lines nearly disappear. Real squirrels don’t come with lines! https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8tforPmgcwlZjAzMTIwYWUtOGJmNC00YjMwLTk4NzctZGRhNGFmMDE2NjY4/edit?pli=1&resourcekey=0-CGOUpcR0pEaoLfmVG-pGmg Every kid should grow up learning how to hunt squirrels and groundhogs!