The post-rut lull of hunting season no doubt leaves many hunters craving more hunting action. Whether your buck is still at the taxidermist or your strategies just didn’t pay off this year, the period following the rut is one of the most agonizing times for hunters; and the only satisfying solution to this problem is to get out in the woods and hunt.
However, as mentioned above, a window of time falls in between rut hunting and late season deer hunting that is generally inactive. The rut is closing, creating a period of time in which deer hunting is at a low. Also, not many other game animals are either in season or in a preferred hunting period. So, in these times, why not give squirrel hunting a try?
My first squirrel hunt was the day after shotgun season, a late-season hunt,as shotgun season here in Ohio always ends the beginning of December. Many details of that particular hunt have faded, but one that I have not forgotten is the level of squirrel activity. I was stunned at how active the squirrels were — so distracted that a squirrel sneaked up behind me, searching for a buried walnut, and caught me off-guard. Of course, the fact that he was at twenty-five yards — the range at which my .22 was zeroed — meant that he was soon to be relocated into our pot of stew. Walking out of the woods that day, I came to the realization that “late-season squirrel hunting” is exceptionally rewarding.
There are several good reasons to hunt squirrels in the late season. Not only are they a plentiful game animal, butthey also are very tasty. In addition to this, squirrels are larger in the winter months (compared to early fall) and usually fairly active. It doesn’t matter if you try to harvest your daily bag limit or only shoot trophies — late-season squirrel hunting is the perfect solution to satisfy your inner hunter during the “lull months.”
Another reason for pursuing bushytails after the deer rut is the fact that this improves your hunting skills for other types of hunting. Squirrels are a small target compared to most other game animals, and attempting to shoot one with a rifle — such as a .22 — can be a challenge. This works in your favor, however, improving your shooting abilities. After hunting squirrels with a rifle, a shot at a deer will seem easy.
For a late-season squirrel hunt, you must select with care the gear that you are going to use. Fortunately, many of the items needed for bushytail hunting in the winter are included in a deer hunter’s wardrobe. Make sure that you wear a heavy coat and coveralls — preferably designed to block the wind — or plenty of layers, a warm beanie and gloves. In addition to those items, take along a good pair of binoculars (utilized for identifying squirrels at long ranges), a rangefinder; a pad on which to sit (if you are hunting on the ground), and a squirrel call if you have one. Add your gun and ammunitionand you should be ready to go hunting.
The time following gun season is no doubt one of the best times to hunt squirrels. In my opinion, late-season squirrel hunting is actually easier than pursuing them in early-season. The foliage has fallen from the trees, making the task of spotting squirrels much easier, and squirrel activity is generally concentrated to the areas with the best food sources. Therefore, don’t stop hunting at the end of gun season; grab the .22 and hunt for squirrels. Most likely you’ll be reminded that late-season squirrel hunting is fun, rewarding, and skill-improving.