Understanding Red Squirrel Behavior
Red squirrels behave differently than gray or fox squirrels—more territorial, more vocal, and often more active in colder climates.
Habitat Preferences
Look for areas with:
-
Conifer stands (spruce, pine, fir, hemlock)
-
Mixed woods with heavy mast crops
-
Deadfall, brush piles, and downed logs
-
Pinecone cuttings (middens) near feeding zones
Red squirrels often forage along the edges of timber openings and logging cuts but retreat to thicker cover when pressured.
Feeding Patterns
Red squirrels rely heavily on:
-
Pine cones and conifer seeds
-
Nuts (hazelnuts, beech, acorns)
-
Mushrooms and fungi
-
Occasional insects and berries
You’ll often hear them before you see them—chattering, scolding, or knocking cones from trees.
Best Times to Hunt Red Squirrels
Early Morning
This is the most productive time. Squirrels leave their nests to feed, travel, and chase rivals. Cooler temperatures keep them active longer.
Late Afternoon
Another high-activity period, especially near feeding zones and along timber edges.
After Light Rain
Moist leaves soften footfalls and amplify squirrel movement as they shake moisture from branches.
Cold, Clear Days
Red squirrels thrive in cold climates. Crisp mornings often mean heavy feeding activity and more vocalizing.
Windy Days
Not ideal—squirrel movement decreases when treetops sway heavily. Focus on sheltered pockets or low draws.
Field Techniques for Red Squirrel Hunting
1. Sit-and-Watch Method
Find a good vantage point overlooking:
-
Pine stands
-
Brushy edges
-
Transition areas between conifer and hardwood timber
Sit quietly for 10–15 minutes. Red squirrels often reveal themselves with chatter or movement along logs and branches.
2. Slow Still-Hunting
Move a few steps at a time, stopping often to scan treetops and downed logs. Look for:
-
Tails flicking
-
Branches shaking
-
Cones falling
-
Flash of red or tannish fur
Still-hunting is incredibly effective once you learn to detect subtle sounds.
3. Calling Squirrels
Squirrel calls can work surprisingly well:
-
Bark or chatter calls mimic territorial behavior
-
Distress calls may bring in curious squirrels looking for danger
-
Use sparingly—once or twice per stand is enough
4. Targeting “Middens”
Red squirrels create piles of cone scales and debris. These middens mark heavy feeding zones. Sit quietly nearby for quick action.
5. Spot-and-Stalk on Snow
Fresh snow makes tracking simple:
-
Follow hopping squirrel tracks to feeding trees
-
Look for fresh “snow showers” from cone cutting
-
Expect quick shooting opportunities
Choosing the Right Firearm or Airgun
Rimfire Options
-
.22 LR: Classic, quiet, and effective with precise shots
-
.17 HMR or .22 WMR: Flat shooting but more power than needed—best for longer ranges
Airguns
Modern air rifles (.177 or .22) are perfect for quiet, low-impact squirrel hunting at closer ranges.
Shotguns
A .410 or 20 gauge with light loads works well in thick brush or when shooting moving squirrels.
Optics
Use low-power scopes (2–7x or fixed 4x) for quick target acquisition in tight timber.
Shot Placement & Ethical Considerations
-
Aim for the head or upper shoulder for quick, clean kills.
-
Avoid risky shots into treetops where you lack a clear backdrop.
-
Recover squirrels promptly—falling game can become tangled in branches.
-
Identify your target carefully; red squirrels can mix with protected species in some regions.
Always follow local season dates and bag limits—small-game management is crucial for sustainable populations.
Field Gear for Red Squirrel Hunts
-
Quiet, earth-toned clothing
-
Lightweight boots with good grip
-
Compact binoculars for spotting in heavy cover
-
Game vest or small daypack
-
Knife and game shears
-
Safety orange when required by law
-
Gloves for cold-weather hunts
Lightweight gear keeps you mobile and quiet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Moving too fast—red squirrels pick up motion quickly.
-
Ignoring the wind in cold weather—squirrels hunker down on gusty days.
-
Rushing shots—these small animals require precise aim.
-
Not watching overhead—squirrels often move high in the canopy.
-
Skipping productive micro-habitat like deadfall and middens.
Patience and slow movement win far more squirrels than speed.
FAQs About Red Squirrel Hunting
Q: What’s the best time of year to hunt red squirrels?
Early fall through late winter is prime, but seasons vary by state or province.
Q: Are red squirrels good to eat?
Yes—lean, flavorful meat ideal for stews, frying, or slow cooking.
Q: Do red squirrels respond to calls?
They can. Bark calls and distress calls work well during territorial or curious moods.
Q: How far do red squirrels travel?
Not far—they usually live within a few acres, making it easy to pattern their movements.
Q: Can I hunt them without a dog?
Absolutely. Most red squirrel hunts are done by still-hunting or sitting.
Final Thoughts
Hunting red squirrels is a classic small-game adventure—quick-paced, affordable, and accessible across vast forests and mixed-wood regions. When you learn to read their behavior, move slowly, and capitalize on morning or late-afternoon activity, you’ll find consistent action and rewarding table fare.
When you're ready to explore small-game hunting trips or compare outfitters offering relaxed, family-friendly hunts, visit Find A Hunt and start planning your next adventure in the woods.
