Hunting Fun

If you’re looking for something to do with your son or daughter, or even just on your own, squirrel hunting is a great outdoor activity. There are many positive results from squirrel hunting:

Gets you off the couch and outside for some fresh air You get some great exercise by walking in the woods You get to see, hear and smell nature You learn firearms skills such as patience, accuracy, and safety

Many areas have a squirrel-hunting season that allows for a wide range of times that you can hunt. In Missouri, the squirrel-hunting season begins around Memorial Day and lasts until mid February each year. The long season provides for hunting opportunities in the spring, summer, fall and winter months. Squirrel hunting is a great opportunity to teach your kids the values of hunting for your food and proper safety in the woods.

All it takes to start squirrel hunting is:

Small caliber rifle or shotgun Hunting license (check your local hunting laws) Pair of camouflage clothing (not absolutely required) A place that is safe and legal to hunt

There are differences in hunting techniques based on the time of year that you are hunting and each season of the year provides for unique outdoor opportunities.

Spring and Summer

In the spring and summer hunting season, there are an increasing number of leaves on the trees that provide more cover for the squirrels. During this time of year, the technique of walking slowly and quietly through the woods seems to be very effective. You can enjoy the sights and sounds while you walk through the woods looking for squirrels that are actively on the ground or in trees. A shotgun is a great choice of weapon during the spring and summer, because of all the vegetation that is growing. The shotgun allows you to hit squirrels that you see hiding behind leaves and on the ground, without the need to be precise, like with a rifle.

Fall and Winter

During the fall and winter months, the number of leaves are decreasing and there is less cover in the trees. At this time of year, I like to use the technique of arriving early to the woods before the squirrels begin to stir and sitting still in an active squirrel area. I like to use a small caliber rifle during the fall and winter, because you can shoot at squirrels that are farther away before they have a chance to see you and get spooked. The reduced amount of vegetation allows for more opportunities to get a precise shot with your rifle.

After the hunt, you can enjoy your success by having a great meal. You can take pride in the fact that you harvested your own meat and got outside for a while. Squirrel hunting with your kids can also build some lasting memories for you and them both. I can remember many times that my dad and I would get up early and enjoy the morning in the woods hunting together.



By: Adam Whittom

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