Why Hunt Squirrels in the Fall?
Fall provides ideal conditions:
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Abundant mast crops draw squirrels into predictable feeding zones
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Cooler weather increases daytime movement
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Leaf drop improves visibility later in the season
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Perfect for youth hunters or preseason woodsmanship practice
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Open seasons and low pressure on many public lands
Squirrels may be small, but they offer some of the best hunting action of the year.
Understanding Fall Squirrel Behavior
Food Rules Everything
In fall, squirrels key on:
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Acorns (white oaks early; red oaks later)
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Hickory nuts
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Walnuts
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Beechnuts
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Soft mast (persimmons, fruit)
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Corn or soybean edges
Find active food, and you’ll find squirrels.
Movement Peaks
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Early morning feeding
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Late afternoon movement
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Midday activity in cool weather or on calm days
Squirrels move a surprising amount when temperatures dip.
1. Scout with Your Ears and Eyes
Look for Sign
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Fresh cuttings beneath oaks and hickories
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Shells scattered below feeding trees
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Bark flakes where squirrels travel up trunks
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Leaf movement on calm mornings
Squirrels often reveal their presence through noise long before you spot them.
Listen for:
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Cutting sounds
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Barking or chattering
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Rustling leaves
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Falling nuts
Sound carries far in fall woods.
2. Choose the Right Firearm or Bow
Rifle Options
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.22 LR: The gold standard—accurate, quiet, minimal meat damage
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.17 HMR: Longer range, flatter shooting
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Air rifle: Great for low-impact, quiet hunts
Shotgun Options
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20- or 12-gauge with #6 shot for moving squirrels or thick cover
Archery
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Small-game heads on light arrows
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Best for close-range ground squirrels or stump-sitting setups
Pick a tool that fits your terrain and style.
3. Slip Through the Woods Slowly
Still-hunting is one of the best fall squirrel tactics.
How to Still-Hunt
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Take a few steps, then stop and scan
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Use trees as cover
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Pause longer than you want—squirrels often reappear
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Move quietly: soft boots, slow pace, calm breathing
The quieter you are, the more you’ll see.
4. Find Productive Mast Trees
White Oaks
Prime early-season food—squirrels hammer them first.
Red Oaks
Become important later as tannins mellow.
Hickories
A top favorite—loud cutting gives away squirrels easily.
Mixed Hardwoods
The best spots often have 4–5 mast sources in close proximity.
Set up within sight and earshot of these trees.
5. Sit and Listen—The Easiest Way to Limit Out
Once you identify hot sign, sit quietly.
Benefits of Sitting
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Reduces noise and movement
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Lets the woods settle
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Squirrels resume feeding naturally
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Great for new hunters or youth
Most fall limits come from patient ambush, not chasing.
6. Hunt the Leaf Drop Smartly
As fall progresses and leaves fall:
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Visibility increases
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Longer rifle shots become possible
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Squirrels spend more time on the ground
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You can locate them more easily in treetops
Late fall offers some of the best action of the season.
7. Prioritize Calm, Cool Days
Best Weather for Fall Squirrel Hunting
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Clear, crisp mornings
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Light wind or no wind
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Post-frost conditions
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Days following light rain (quiet woods)
Windy days make it harder to hear squirrels and harder for them to feel safe.
8. Learn Squirrel Sounds & Reactions
Warning Barks
Indicate danger. Sit tight—other squirrels may still move.
Leaf Thrashing
Usually squirrels cutting nuts or chasing each other.
Tail Flicking
Visual communication—watch for movement around active trees.
Understanding behavior helps you plan shots.
9. Use Binoculars
Small, lightweight binoculars help:
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Identify squirrels in treetops
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Spot movement in dense limbs
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Confirm shot angles
Glassing is surprisingly effective in squirrel hunting.
10. Clean Shots & Ethical Recovery
Shoot for the Head or Upper Shoulders
Protects meat and ensures quick kills.
Know Where Squirrels Fall
Mark the exact tree and landing zone—leaf litter hides animals fast.
Have a Retrieval Plan
Use:
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A long stick
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A partner
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Careful scanning of fall zone
Don’t lose track after the shot.
Gear Checklist for Fall Squirrel Hunts
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.22 rifle, air rifle, or shotgun
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Light backpack
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Binoculars
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Quiet boots
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Seat cushion
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Gloves and hat
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Game vest or pouch
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Small knife or game shears
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Water bottle
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Bushnell or tight-pattern ammo
Quality gear boosts comfort and success.
Common Mistakes in Fall Squirrel Hunting
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Moving too quickly
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Walking past active mast trees
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Losing track of shot squirrels
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Hunting windy days
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Not using binoculars
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Overlooking midday opportunities in cool weather
Fix these, and your success rate climbs quickly.
Why Fall Squirrel Hunting Is So Rewarding
Because it offers:
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Fun, active hunts with steady action
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Excellent opportunities for new hunters
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Great practice for deer-season woodsmanship
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Delicious, versatile wild meat
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Beautiful autumn scenery
Few hunts combine simplicity, tradition, and skill like fall squirrel hunting.
FAQs: Fall Squirrel Hunting
What is the best time of day to hunt squirrels in the fall?
Early morning and late afternoon, with good midday action during cool weather.
Do squirrels move after rain?
Yes—woods quiet down and they feed actively.
Is a .22 LR enough for squirrels?
Absolutely—it’s the most popular and effective option.
Where do squirrels bed?
Leaf nests, tree cavities, and thick branches.
Do squirrels run patterns like deer?
They follow food and cover, but food sources dictate movement.
Ready to put these fall squirrel strategies into action—or explore guided small-game and mixed-bag hunts? Browse opportunities now through Find A Hunt.
