Spring squirrel hunting is often overlooked in favor of turkey season, but it is one of the most rewarding and skill-building pursuits a hunter can take on. With thickening foliage, unpredictable movement, and sharper senses from months of avoiding predators, spring squirrels present a unique challenge. Whether you are a seasoned hunter looking to sharpen your stalking skills or a newcomer wanting an accessible way to get into hunting, spring squirrel season offers an exciting opportunity.

Why Hunt Squirrels in the Spring?

While many hunters associate squirrel hunting with crisp autumn mornings, spring brings its own set of advantages:

A More Challenging Hunt: Squirrels are more active, yet harder to spot with fresh green foliage providing cover.

Improved Marksmanship: Hunting small, fast-moving targets hones shooting skills better than any range practice. This is great for youth and new hunters.

Fewer Hunters in the Woods: While turkey season brings a crowd, squirrel hunters often have the woods to themselves.

A Delicious Reward: Squirrel meat is highly underrated, lean, flavorful, and perfect for stews, frying, or slow cooking.

Why Squirrel Hunting Is Great for Youth and New Hunters

Squirrel hunting is one of the best ways to introduce kids and new hunters to the outdoors. Unlike big game hunting, it requires minimal gear, allows for more movement, and provides plenty of action to keep interest high. It is also a great way to work on gun safety and shot placement.

Low Pressure, High Reward: With generous bag limits and frequent opportunities, squirrel hunting is a great confidence booster for beginners.

Teaches Essential Skills: Tracking, patience, shot placement, and firearm safety all come into play, preparing new hunters for larger game.

Encourages Outdoor Exploration: Unlike sitting in a blind for hours, squirrel hunting involves moving through the woods, learning about animal behavior, and observing nature.

Affordable and Accessible: Many public lands allow small game hunting, and lightweight rifles like a .22LR make it an easy entry point into hunting.

The Best Time and Place to Hunt Spring Squirrels

Squirrels are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, especially on mild, overcast days. They can often be found:

In Hardwood Forests: Areas with oak, hickory, and beech trees are prime feeding spots.

Near Water Sources: Streams and ponds attract squirrels looking for both food and hydration.

Around Cutovers and Field Edges: Young growth provides food and cover, making these areas productive for spotting squirrels.

Hunting Techniques for Success

1. Still-Hunting

Moving slowly and quietly through the woods while scanning for movement is a proven tactic. Take a few steps, pause, and listen for rustling leaves or the chatter of squirrels.

2. Spot and Stalk

Using binoculars, locate a feeding squirrel and then move carefully into range. Keep trees or natural cover between you and the animal to break up your silhouette. Always make sure you move slow and take pauses when you walk. This is a bit different than still hunting, as to where we are following squirrels for the best shot. This is great practice before deer, elk and bear season starts.

3. Calling Squirrels

Squirrel calls, like barks or distress calls can trick squirrels into revealing their position. Knocking on a tree trunk with a stick can also startle a squirrel into movement.

4. Sitting and Waiting (Ambush Hunting)

If you’ve found a heavily used feeding area, sitting still and letting the squirrels come to you is an effective, low-effort strategy. If you use a deer stand to hunt this is a great place to sit, especially with youth hunters. It’s comfortable, and easy to keep your rifle or shogun in a stable position. 

Field Care and Cooking Squirrel Meat

Once you’ve harvested a few squirrels, quick and proper field care ensures the best meat quality:

Skin and Clean Quickly: Squirrel fur can hold heat, so skin them soon after harvest to avoid spoilage. There are some great videos on Youtube as to how to do this or on 

Chill the Meat: Keep meat cool in a game bag or cooler until you are ready to cook.

A Few Cooking Ideas: Squirrel is perfect for frying, making into a hearty stew, or slow-cooking in a barbecue sauce. (Throw a little hot sauce on it and it tastes like chicken wings when you fry them.)

Final Thoughts

Spring squirrel hunting is an underrated but rewarding way to stay active in the woods, improve your hunting skills, and bring home some fantastic wild game. Whether you hunt with a .22, a shotgun, or even a traditional air rifle, the challenge of spotting and stalking these agile creatures will sharpen your instincts and marksmanship. Plus, with fewer hunters in the woods, you’ll get to enjoy nature in its full springtime beauty.

Always make sure to check your local laws when it comes to when, where and what you can use to hunt squirrels.

Are you planning to get out for a spring squirrel hunt this year? Let’s hear your favorite tactics in the comments, or tag us in an instagram post with your trophy!