Hunting for Red Squirrels: A Complete Guide
Red squirrels—also called pine squirrels or “pineys”—are among the most vocal and energetic small-game species in North America. Though smaller than greys or fox squirrels, they offer challenging, fast-paced hunts in dense northern forests and conifer stands. Their quick movements, territorial nature, and preference for thick cover make them excellent training quarry for new hunters and a fun challenge for experienced small-game enthusiasts.
This guide covers the habitat, gear, shooting tips, and field tactics you need for consistent success. If you’re looking to expand your hunting season beyond small game, or browse guided options for big-game adventures, Find A Hunt makes comparing outfitters simple and reliable.
Understanding Red Squirrel Habitat
Red squirrels thrive in colder regions and conifer-heavy forests.
Prime Habitat Includes:
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Spruce, fir, pine, and mixed conifer stands
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Edges of bogs, beaver ponds, and northern hardwoods
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Areas with abundant cones, seeds, and fungi
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Blowdowns, deadfalls, and rotting logs
Unlike greys, red squirrels often stay in tighter core areas—making scouting easier.
Behavior to Watch
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Highly territorial: They chatter loudly when intruders approach.
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Active all day: Especially during cold-weather months.
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Fast and erratic movers: Expect quick shot opportunities.
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Use elevated vantage points: Often feed and travel along limbs.
Understanding these behaviors helps you anticipate patterns and position yourself for clean shots.
Essential Gear for Red Squirrel Hunting
Firearms
Red squirrels are small targets—precision matters.
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.22 LR rifle (most popular and ethical choice)
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.17 HMR for longer-range clarity
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.22 air rifles for quiet, close-range woodland hunts
Choose a rifle with a clear scope (4x–9x) for accurate shot placement.
Clothing & Footwear
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Quiet layers for creeping through hardwoods
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Waterproof boots for damp, northern terrain
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Lightweight gloves for better trigger control
Useful Accessories
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Small binoculars
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Sling for rifle stability
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Game pouch or vest
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Compact knife
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Shooting sticks for steady aim
Scouting for Red Squirrels
Success starts with knowing where pineys feed and move.
Key Signs:
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Fresh cone cuttings piled on logs
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Stripped pine cones (“pineapple cores”)
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Chewed fungi and bark
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Tiny tracks in snow or soft ground
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Loud chatter or tail flicking
Early morning and late afternoon produce the most movement, but red squirrels stay active throughout the day.
Hunting Strategies for Red Squirrels
1. Still-Hunting Through Conifers
Move slowly and quietly:
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Take a few steps, pause, scan branches
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Look for movement rather than full body outlines
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Watch for squirrels hopping through treetops
Red squirrels often reveal themselves with chatter—use their calls to direct your approach.
2. Sit-and-Wait at Feeding Trees
Find a productive spruce or pine covered in fresh cuttings:
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Set up quietly with a stable rest
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Wait for squirrels to return to feed
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Ideal during colder months when movement patterns tighten
3. Spot-and-Stalk in Mixed Forests
When you hear a squirrel scolding:
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Identify the direction of the call
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Move in using trees and brush for cover
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Watch the mid-level branches and trunk transitions
4. Snow Tracking
In winter, tracks lead directly to feeding zones:
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Follow fresh trails to trees with recent cone debris
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Set up 20–30 yards away for a clean shot
Shot Placement & Ethical Harvesting
Aim small, miss small. Because red squirrels are tiny, ethical shooting is essential.
Best Shot Locations:
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Head or upper chest for quick, humane harvests
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Avoid body shots with high-velocity rounds to reduce meat loss
Use steady rests whenever possible—tree trunks, shooting sticks, or your knee.
Field Care & Cleaning
Red squirrels dress quickly in the field:
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Make a small incision across the back
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Peel hide forward and backward
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Remove innards and keep meat cool
Red squirrel meat is lean, flavorful, and excellent when cooked properly.
Cooking Ideas:
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Pan-fried saddle cuts
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Squirrel stew or soup
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Slow-cooked legs for tenderness
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Cajun-style skillet recipes
Safety Considerations
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Be mindful of background and trajectory in dense woods
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Identify your target fully—never shoot at movement alone
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Keep muzzle pointed safely when navigating deadfalls or thick brush
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Wear blaze orange when sharing woods with big-game hunters
Good safety habits ensure enjoyable small-game outings year after year.
FAQs: Red Squirrel Hunting
Are red squirrels good to eat?
Yes—especially when prepared in stews, fried, or slow cooked.
What’s the best time of day to hunt them?
Mid-morning and late afternoon, though they stay active most of the day.
Do red squirrels stay on the ground?
Sometimes, but they spend much of their time in trees and mid-level branches.
Can you hunt red squirrels with an air rifle?
Absolutely—air rifles offer quiet, precise shots in thick timber.
Are red squirrels aggressive toward other wildlife?
They can be. Their territorial nature often leads to loud scolding and defensive behavior.
Plan Your Next Small-Game Hunt
Hunting red squirrels blends sharp shooting, quiet movement, and close observation—making it one of the most rewarding woodland small-game pursuits. With the right tactics and gear, you can enjoy steady action throughout the season.
To explore additional hunting opportunities or compare outfitters for your next big adventure, start browsing options through our hunt marketplace and plan with confidence.
