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Knimrod
11-01-2005, 10:27 AM
One More Cast: Squirrels: Small critters are big hunting challenge
Monday, October 31, 2005
Chris Engle
Gaylord Herald Times

Of the many species of game animals open to hunting this time of year, the squirrel stands out as one of the most challenging, enjoyable and rewarding to hunt among small game fare.

This area is home to some excellent squirrel hunting real estate and an abundance of state land that features many ski, hiking and ORV trails. While selecting an area to hunt, a key aspect to search for is hilly terrain loaded with hardwoods like oak and maple trees. Scope out these areas carefully, looking for acorn-littered ground, leaf bundles (squirrel nests) in trees, and fresh clumps of oak leaves on the ground. These leaf clumps are called cuttings - thin, acorn-clustered oak branches that tree-dwelling squirrels have snipped with their teeth and let fall to the ground, allowing for easy gathering of the nuts. Finding these fresh green cuttings is a good sign that squirrels are actively foraging in the area. Squirrels will be found at, or near, their food source.

As the season changes, so should hunting tactics. In early to mid-fall, walking, or “pushing” through the woods while pausing occasionally to absorb the surroundings is an effective method. Listen and watch for acorns dropping from trees, leaves on the ground and branches rustling, and any bird-like sounds. When a squirrel detects your presence, it will often scale a tree, perch on a branch and open up into a hail of chirping and chatter, leading you right to its location. While a .22-caliber rifle is ideal for hunting this animal, this time of the season is also a great opportunity to hunt with a .22 pistol. Close-range shooting in early and mid-autumn with a pistol can make the hunt more challenging and exciting. Avoid using shotguns for squirrel hunting, since they make excessive noise and can result in extensive damage to the harvested animal.

Later in fall, after most of the leaves have dropped from the branches, squirrels are able to spot hunters from much greater distances. A .22 rifle with a low-power scope does the trick. Hunting tactics should change from pushing to still-hunting. Find a comfortable oak tree to rest against on the top of a ridge, and face down the slope. Move to a different location every once in a while, but always settle in an area where visibility is at its best and longest distance in order to make full use of your scope.

If you are planning to rifle deer hunt this season, use squirrel hunting as an opportunity to search for a good deer area. Look for deer trails, beds, rubs and scrapes, droppings and any other signs of the presence of white-tails. Prime squirrel land also makes for prime deer territory.

There is no better time to introduce your child or children to the sport of hunting than small game season. A squirrel hunt is the perfect chance to get your kids into the woods and teach them sportsmanship. Practice gun safety while walking down the trails and over the ridges of the woods and set an example of safe gun handling. Make it a hands-on experience for the child by letting him or her handle the rifle, load the magazines, and help field dress the squirrels. Also, taking the life of an animal helps show the reality of what a firearm is capable of, and encourages a child to respect guns and gun safety. This, paired with a great time in the woods enjoying the colors, smells, and excitement of the hunt is a story your children will want to share with their peers and make them look forward to the next hunting trip.

Link to article (http://www.gaylordheraldtimes.com/articles/2005/10/31/news/sports/sports12.txt)