The undervalued hunt for squirrels

Despite all the opportunities they provide, eastern gray squirrels don’t get the respect they deserve. I’ve heard hunters call them tree rats and nearly retch at the thought of con­suming one. If you ask me, this is just a classic case of familiarity breeding contempt. Since they are rodents, some people just assume they are not fit for the table. The truth is, once they forsake our parks and bird feeders for the hardwood canopies, our eastern gray squirrel is an entirely different animal. This less urban version keeps one eye open for food and the other peeled for predators. They can be difficult to hunt and worthy of the small game designation. The case for hunting squirrels is further bol­stered by the fact that they are readily accessible in the south and parts of central Ontario. They are one of the few truly reliable small game ani­mals left in the south. No one keeps their favou­rite squirrel covers secret. Heck, in agricultural areas, some farmers are happy to provide access to anyone who targets them. The spot & stalk One of the most productive ways to take squir­rels is by spot-and-stalk hunting. Find good cover and move slowly through it, choosing a route least disruptive to the rhythm of the woods. You focus, look, and listen with each quiet step. When you see a squirrel in range, you take the shot. If you see one that’s too far out, you figure out a way to ease into range undetected. It is simple in theory, but don’t forget, your target is constantly looking out for predators (including you). Watch the trunks, limbs, and crotches of trees to detect them. Don’t forget the canopy, either. Pay atten­tion to branches and leaves moving unnaturally or the sight and sound of nuts or fruit dropping. The black phase of the eastern gray squirrel is easy to see when not under cover, The gray ones do not stand out so much and can hide in plain sight. You might see one sitting frozen on a log or limb or flattened tight against a tree — which means you caught it off guard. You better shoot quick. There are occasions when I hear squirrels before I see them — and, frankly, I like that best. These are the squirrels I tend to put in the game bag most. In mixed woods, it’s not uncommon to