Squirrel Hunting 101: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Squirrel hunting is one of the best ways for new hunters to learn woodsmanship, marksmanship, and safe firearm handling. It’s affordable, widely accessible, and consistently rewarding. Whether you're after gray squirrels in hardwood ridges or fox squirrels along river bottoms and farm-country edges, the fundamentals remain the same: basic gear, quiet movement, and understanding how squirrels use the woods.
This beginner’s guide covers the essential techniques, gear choices, and step-by-step tactics you need to start hunting squirrels confidently. If you're ready to explore more small-game or big-game hunts, you can compare trusted outfitters through Find A Hunt.
Why Squirrel Hunting Is Great for Beginners
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Low cost of entry—simple gear and licenses
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Abundant opportunities in most states
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Excellent introduction to fieldcraft
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Frequent shot chances to build marksmanship
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Tasty, versatile meat
Few hunts offer such high success rates with such accessible terrain.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Two species dominate most regions:
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Eastern Gray Squirrel – Common in hardwood forests; agile and fast
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Fox Squirrel – Larger, more colorful; found in open woods and farmland edges
Daily Movement
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Early morning: Peak feeding and movement
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Late afternoon: Second major activity window
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Midday: Slower but still productive on warm or windy days
Squirrels spend much of their time feeding, caching food, and traveling between den trees and feed sources.
Essential Gear for Beginner Squirrel Hunters
Firearms
.22 LR rifle
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Ideal for precision
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Quiet and affordable
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Perfect for clean headshots
20- or 12-gauge shotgun
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Best early season when leaves are thick
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Use #6 or #7½ shot
Clothing & Accessories
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Comfortable hiking boots
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Light camo or earth-tone clothing
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Blaze orange hat or vest (check state regulations)
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Binoculars (optional but helpful)
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Small backpack or upland vest
Useful Tools
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Shooting sticks
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Headlamp for early morning walks
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Knife for field dressing
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Water bottle and small first-aid kit
Keep your kit simple and lightweight.
Where to Find Squirrels
Key Habitat Types
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Oak ridges rich in acorns
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Hickory stands—prime mid-fall food
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Creek bottoms with walnut, sycamore, and elm
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Forest edges next to fields
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Den trees with visible squirrel nests (“dreys”)
Signs to Look For
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Chewed nut shells (“cuttings”)
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Fresh bark shavings
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Nest clusters in tree canopies
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Scurrying sounds in leaves
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Tracks and droppings near logs
If you find fresh cuttings beneath a tree, slow down—squirrels are likely nearby.
Techniques for Beginner Squirrel Hunters
1. Sit-and-Wait (Still Hunting Stationary)
This is the easiest and often most productive method.
Steps:
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Slip quietly into a good feeding area.
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Sit against a tree or stump.
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Stay still for 10–20 minutes.
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Listen for chewing, branch shaking, or leaf rustling.
Squirrels calm down quickly after you settle in.
2. Still-Hunting (Slow Walking)
Great for quiet mornings or snowy days.
Tips:
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Take a few slow steps, then stop and scan.
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Use binoculars to spot squirrels high in the canopy.
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Move during wind gusts to mask sound.
Patience is essential—squirrel hunting rewards slow movement.
3. Spot-and-Stalk
Useful when you see a squirrel from a distance.
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Watch its route or feeding tree.
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Use trees and brush for cover.
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Move only when the squirrel is distracted or behind branches.
A .22 rifle excels in spot-and-stalk situations.
4. Using Calls (Optional)
Squirrel calls can work but should be used sparingly.
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Bark calls mimic territorial chatter.
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Distress calls can bring curious squirrels back into view.
Great for locating squirrels in pressured areas.
Taking Ethical Shots
Best Shot Placements
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Headshots with a .22 for clean, humane kills
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Vital-area shots with a shotgun, especially in thick foliage
Safety Tips
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Always be sure of your backdrop—.22 bullets can travel far.
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Never shoot into the canopy without knowing what’s behind your target.
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Keep the muzzle controlled when crossing obstacles or climbing hills.
Field Dressing & Meat Care
Squirrel meat is mild, lean, and perfect for fall cooking.
Field Care Basics
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Skin warm squirrels for easier removal
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Remove glands during cleaning
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Keep meat cool and dry
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Store in breathable game bags or zip bags with air removed
Cooking Ideas
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Fried squirrel with gravy
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Squirrel stew or dumplings
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Smoked quarters
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Slow-cooked legs for tenderness
Older squirrels benefit from low-and-slow cooking.
Common Beginner Mistakes
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Moving too fast
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Not staying still long enough
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Shooting without a safe backdrop
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Ignoring wind direction
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Wearing noisy or uncomfortable clothing
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Overlooking fresh sign
Slowing down and observing the woods is half the hunt.
Safety Tips for New Hunters
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Always carry a safe, unloaded firearm when moving.
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Wear blaze orange where required.
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Identify your target fully before shooting.
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Be cautious of low-light shots.
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Carry a basic first-aid kit.
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Let someone know your hunting location and return time.
Small-game hunting is low-risk, but safety is non-negotiable.
FAQs: Beginner Squirrel Hunting
What is the best time of day to hunt squirrels?
Early morning and late afternoon.
Is a .22 or shotgun better for beginners?
Shotguns are forgiving; .22 rifles teach accuracy. Both work well.
Do squirrels respond to calls?
Sometimes—they’re helpful but not essential.
Is squirrel meat good?
Yes—one of the best-tasting small-game meats.
How far do squirrels travel?
Not far—most stick close to feeding and den trees.
Start Your Squirrel Hunting Journey
Squirrel hunting is one of the best ways to build foundational hunting skills—stealth, marksmanship, and awareness of the woods. With simple gear, basic techniques, and patience, beginners can enjoy consistent success throughout the season.
If you're ready to explore additional hunting trips or learn about guided opportunities across North America, compare options through our hunt marketplace.
