Hunting Eastern Gray Squirrels: A Complete Guide
Eastern gray squirrels are one of the most accessible and enjoyable small-game species for hunters across the eastern United States. Found in hardwood forests, creek bottoms, suburban woodlots, and mixed timber stands, they offer fast action, steady shooting opportunities, and excellent table fare. Because grays are active throughout much of the day and respond well to patient, woodsmanship-based tactics, they’re a perfect choice for both new and experienced hunters.
This guide covers the gear, habitat, techniques, and seasonal strategies that consistently produce results. If you’re exploring more small-game or big-game adventures, compare vetted outfitters and guided opportunities through Find A Hunt.
Understanding Eastern Gray Squirrel Habitat
Gray squirrels thrive anywhere hardwood mast is abundant.
Prime Habitat Features
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Oak ridges and mixed hardwood stands
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Creek bottoms with hickory and walnut
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Mature timber with thick midstory
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Suburban woodlots (where legal)
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Forest edges near agricultural fields
Key Food Sources
Gray squirrels rely heavily on:
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Acorns (white and red oak)
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Hickory nuts
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Walnuts
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Beechnuts
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Fruit and berries
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Corn or grain near field edges
Soft mast carries squirrels early in the season; late-season action centers on cut hickories and red oak acorns.
Seasonal Behavior & Daily Movement
Early Season (Warm Weather)
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Squirrels feed heavily in the morning
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Higher activity in leafy canopies
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Most feeding occurs on soft mast, insects, and early acorns
Mid-Fall
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Peak feeding on hard mast
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Increased ground movement
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Exceptional morning and late-afternoon action
Winter
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Shorter feeding windows
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Squirrels focus on remaining mast and cached nuts
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Best hunting is during warm, sunny mid-day periods
Understanding these patterns helps you time hunts correctly.
Essential Gear for Squirrel Hunting
Firearms
.22 LR Rifle
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Quiet, accurate, ideal for headshots
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Perfect for meat preservation
Shotgun (20 or 12 gauge)
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Best for leafy early season or fast-moving squirrels
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Use #6 or #7½ shot
Clothing & Accessories
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Lightweight, quiet camo
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Binoculars for spotting squirrels high in trees
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Blaze orange hat or vest (check state requirements)
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Comfortable boots for still-hunting
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Small game bag or vest
Additional Tools
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Shooting sticks for .22 rifle stability
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Squirrel call (bark or distress)
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Rangefinder in open hardwoods
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Knife for quick field dressing
Scouting for Squirrels
Look for:
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Cuttings (freshly chewed nut shells)
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Bark debris beneath feeding trees
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Active den trees or leafy nests
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Mast-producing trees with recent sign
Binoculars are invaluable—scan the upper canopy for movement, shaking branches, or tails flicking.
Proven Techniques for Hunting Eastern Gray Squirrels
1. Sit-and-Wait (Stand Hunting)
The most reliable method.
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Set up near active trees or fresh cuttings
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Stay still for 10–20 minutes at a time
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Listen for cutting, scurrying bark sounds, or leaf noise
Squirrels calm quickly—patient hunters often get multiple opportunities.
2. Still-Hunting
Perfect in quiet conditions:
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Take a few slow steps, then pause and scan
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Use binoculars to pick out small movements
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Move when wind rustles leaves or birds make noise
This method works especially well in open hardwood ridges.
3. Spot-and-Stalk
Useful in winter or after spotting cutting activity:
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Glass a hillside or treetop
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Move quietly using trees as cover
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Take steady, controlled shots
Great with a .22 LR for precise headshots.
4. Calling
Squirrel calls can draw curious grays:
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Bark calls simulate territorial chatter
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Distress calls trigger curiosity or mobbing behavior
Use sparingly—overcalling can spook pressured squirrels.
Shot Placement & Ethical Harvest
For rifles:
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Headshots are ideal for clean kills and preserving meat
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Body shots work but may damage edible portions
For shotguns:
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Aim slightly ahead of running squirrels
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Be mindful of backgrounds—avoid shooting into treetops where visibility is limited
Always confirm a clear, safe backdrop before shooting upward.
Field Care & Meat Handling
Gray squirrels offer excellent, mild-flavored meat.
Quick Field Care
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Skin as soon as practical—warm squirrels skin more easily
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Remove glands and rinse meat clean
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Keep cool during warm weather
Cooking Ideas
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Fried squirrel with gravy
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Slow-cooked legs for stew
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Grilled squirrel quarters
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Squirrel pot pie or dumplings
Older squirrels benefit from slow, moist cooking methods.
Safety Tips for Squirrel Hunting
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Be aware of your shooting angles—shots into the canopy require extra caution
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Always identify targets beyond doubt
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Wear blaze orange in states that require it
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Watch footing on steep ridges or leaf-covered slopes
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Keep shots within ethical and safe range
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Know your backdrop before shooting a .22 LR—bullets travel far
FAQs: Eastern Gray Squirrel Hunting
What’s the best time of day to hunt squirrels?
Early morning and late afternoon during fall; warm mid-days during winter.
How far do squirrels travel?
Not far—most activity centers around mast trees and den sites.
Are squirrel calls effective?
Yes, especially bark and distress calls in mid to late season.
Is a .22 or shotgun better?
Both work. .22 rifles are ideal for precision; shotguns excel in thick foliage.
Do squirrels detect movement easily?
Very—stay still and avoid sudden motions.
Plan Your Next Small-Game Hunt
Hunting Eastern gray squirrels builds woodsmanship, offers steady action, and makes excellent use of hardwood forests throughout fall and winter. With the right gear, smart scouting, and patient techniques, you can enjoy productive squirrel hunts all season long.
If you want to explore more hunting opportunities—from small game to big game—compare guided trips and outfitters through our hunt marketplace.
