Hunting for Squirrels in the Fall: Tips and Techniques

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Hunt Squirrels

Fall is peak season for squirrel hunting. The woods are alive with movement, acorns and hickory nuts are dropping, and cool mornings make for long, comfortable days afield. For many hunters, squirrels are the first big lesson in patience, stealth, and marksmanship. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodsman, learning to hunt squirrels in the fall will sharpen every skill you need for larger game.

Squirrels are especially active this time of year as they gather food for winter. Understanding their feeding behavior, habitat preferences, and movement patterns will dramatically improve your success rate.

1. Know Where to Find Fall Squirrels

Follow the Food

Food determines everything for fall squirrels.

• Hickory trees are the top draw early in the season—squirrels love green hickory nuts.

• White and red oaks become key once acorns start dropping.

• Beech, walnut, and pecan trees are favorites later in the fall.

If you see shredded nut hulls and chewed husks under trees, that’s a sign you’ve found a busy feeding area.

Find Cover and Travel Routes

• Look along ridges, hardwood flats, and creek bottoms with mixed timber.

• Brushy edges and thickets near mast-producing trees give squirrels quick escape routes.

• In agricultural regions, focus on field borders, old fence lines, and woodlots near corn or soybeans.

2. Time Your Hunts

Early Morning & Late Afternoon

These are the most active feeding times.

• At first light, squirrels leave their nests and head straight for feeding trees.

• Late afternoon brings a second burst of movement before they return to rest.

Midday Opportunities

Don’t pack up too early—on cool, calm days, squirrels often feed intermittently through the afternoon, especially after a rain or cold front.

Weather Watch

• Calm, cool mornings are ideal—you can hear them rustling leaves or cutting nuts.

• After a storm, squirrels move quickly to feed while damp leaves mask your steps.

• Windy days are toughest; movement and noise make spotting and hearing squirrels difficult.

3. Choose the Right Gear

Firearms

• .22 rifle – The classic squirrel gun. Accurate, quiet, and perfect for precise headshots that preserve meat.

• 20-gauge shotgun – Great for beginners or thick woods where shots are close and fast. Use #6 or #7½ shot.

Optics & Accessories

• A 2–7x scope or a small pair of binoculars helps you pick squirrels out of treetops.

• Carry a game vest or small pack for squirrels, water, snacks, and field gear.

• Use a comfortable seat or cushion if you plan to sit and wait near feeding areas.

Clothing

• Choose quiet camo or muted earth tones that match your surroundings.

• Layer up—mornings can be cool, but you’ll warm up quickly when still-hunting.

• Wear soft-soled boots for silent movement.

4. Effective Fall Hunting Tactics

Still-Hunting

Move slowly and listen constantly.

• Take a few steps, then stop for a full minute or more.

• Listen for rustling, nut cutting, or pieces of shell dropping.

• Keep your gun ready—you’ll often spot squirrels moving along limbs or the forest floor unexpectedly.

Sit-and-Wait Hunting

If you find a productive tree or patch of mast, set up and stay put.

• Sit downwind of the feeding area with a clear view and natural back cover.

• Squirrels will often return to the same tree every 20–30 minutes.

• This method is great for rifle hunters who prefer stillness and precision.

Hunting with a Partner

Team hunting can double your success.

• Move slowly and quietly in tandem.

• One hunter still-hunts while the other remains stationary to catch circling squirrels.

• Communication and safety awareness are key—always identify your partner’s location.

5. Reading the Woods

Experienced squirrel hunters know that sign tells the story.

• Fresh cuttings: Green shells mean squirrels have been there recently.

• Scold calls and barking: Vocal squirrels reveal territory disputes and active zones.

• Tail flicking: A defensive gesture—spot this, and you’ve likely been seen.

Learn to read subtle clues—sounds, nut litter, shadows—to locate your quarry before they spot you.

6. Shot Placement and Field Care

Shot Placement

• Aim for the head or upper shoulder to ensure quick, humane kills.

• Always identify your target fully and confirm a safe backdrop before shooting into trees.

• Wait for clear shots—branches can easily deflect small-caliber bullets.

Field Care

• Retrieve squirrels promptly and field dress within an hour in warm weather.

• Cool meat quickly to preserve flavor.

• Clean squirrels carefully to avoid damaging edible portions—legs, backstraps, and loins are the best cuts.

7. Safety and Ethics

• Treat every firearm as loaded—maintain muzzle control at all times.

• Be aware of what’s beyond your target—bullets travel far in open woods.

• Respect property lines and private land boundaries.

• Take only ethical shots and avoid waste.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Moving too fast: Patience kills more squirrels than speed ever will.

• Shooting through leaves or brush: Wait for clear lines of sight.

• Ignoring the wind: Squirrels use sound and scent—move with stealth.

• Lack of scouting: Don’t waste time in empty woods—find mast first.

• Noisy gear: Loose straps, zippers, or metal clanks ruin close encounters.

9. Quick Fall Squirrel Hunting Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time of day is best for squirrel hunting in the fall?
A: Early morning and late afternoon are the most active feeding periods, though midday can produce action after rain or cool fronts.

Q: How long should I stay in one spot?
A: If squirrels are active, stay at least 30–45 minutes. In good mast areas, squirrels often return to feed multiple times.

Q: What’s the best way to stay quiet while still-hunting?
A: Move slowly, step on solid ground (not leaves), and use natural pauses to scan ahead. Silence is your greatest tool.

Q: Are calls effective for squirrels?
A: Yes—bark or distress calls can trigger curiosity or defensive responses, especially when activity slows.

Final Thoughts

Squirrel hunting in the fall is both a relaxing and skill-building pursuit. It rewards patience, observation, and stealth—qualities every successful hunter needs. As the leaves turn and the woods come alive, few experiences rival the satisfaction of a crisp morning hunt and the sound of cut hickory shells raining down.

For more resources, guided hunts, and small-game adventures near you, visit Find A Hunt—your trusted marketplace for connecting with quality outfitters across North America.