Squirrel Hunting

[Rick in Muskoka]

I hunt mine in a mixed forest of maple, oak, hemlock, fir, etc. I am close enough to my tree stand in this forest, that I will put bait such as cheap bird seed down, every day for a week. I frequently sit in my tree stand and I will shoot 2 - 4 then retrieve them. They don't appear to fear danger from above as if they see me walking in the forest. My favourite way of preparing them is to cook 2 at a time in a stew.

[Tony Mo]

I have never hunted or eaten squirrel. But after watching Steven Rinella do it....they look delicious!
Is there a "best" time of year to hunt squirrel?

[jaycee]

I have never hunted or eaten squirrel. But after watching Steven Rinella do it....they look delicious!
Is there a "best" time of year to hunt squirrel?

Not trying to be smart, but you can only hunt them legally during the "open season '
Sept. 15 to Dec. 31
Sept. 25 to Dec. 31 , depending on which Wildlife Management Unit you hunt in.

[punkrockerpj]

imo best time to hunt squirrels is before the first snow fall when the leaves aren't rotted. mid november usually, although this year we basically had 2 weeks of fall before hell froze over. when the little buggers run around and you can hear them skitter, if you have a woodlot trained ear you can basically pinpoint where they are when you hear them.
now is a decent time too, depending on where you are, although they tend to hole up alot longer in the trees in this cold.

Tony, do me a favour and post a recipe you used after your successful hunt. love seeing the work pay off. To be honest between the deer and the ducks I hadn't really went bush wacking and kind of wish I had...

[sabmgb]

Haven't hunted squirrel in a few years, when it was only 2 week season it was always deer hunting. Now it is longer I will go if I have my tags filled, which isn't usually before the end of December. Although the landowner wants them gone, too much damage to his house and shed. I just can't see shooting squirrels in the bush I hunt deer in.

[neilselden]

there's quite a few videos on youtube about "squirrel wings". ive yet to chicken fry a squirrel. might be an order at some point this season.

Hi,
A long time ago (~27 years) I hunted squirrel and prepared them in two ways: first was a stew, which was delicious. Then I tried chicken fried squirrel and it was so tough - I didn't enjoy it at all.

Does anyone know a good trick to tenderize squirrel meat before frying? I'll probably get back to hunting this year or next.

Cheers,
Neil

[fratri]

Hi,
A long time ago (~27 years) I hunted squirrel and prepared them in two ways: first was a stew, which was delicious. Then I tried chicken fried squirrel and it was so tough - I didn't enjoy it at all.

Does anyone know a good trick to tenderize squirrel meat before frying? I'll probably get back to hunting this year or next.

Cheers,
Neil

For frying, I can't help you out but if you want it to be nice and tender without my prep, a crockpot is the answer.....

[Snowwalker]

Low heat and turn a lot don't cook too long. The low fat content of wild game makes it different.

[line052]

Most likely said a 100 times already but I learned about squirrels and how to hunt them just a few years ago.

Typically during rabbit hunts I would only see the occasional squirrel (but not legal ones). Then one day a 2 years ago I had set up a bunch of people for deer hunt..and I was only left with hardwood patch which I had zero chance to see a deer..oh well.

I set up my chair, bipod after walking 100 ft in woods. This same area I hunt grouse with good success. I settled in quietly and about 15 minutes after sitting still...the forests came back to life. What I mean by that is, normally I would be trudging through stomping bush for rabbits, or waiting on grouse flush. But, because I was still and making no noise, all the squirrels came back out and went about their business. This same area, I had never seen a black/Grey Fox Squirrel in, and it had a resident population of 5.

So what I learned was spot the nests, stay in hardwood, walk in, sit down and wait for 10-15 minutes, if they are there they will come back out. If nothing after that time, move on to new area. I only use 12 gauge with #4 shot, because bird shot #7.5 peppers them too much at 20-30 yards. I aim at head area so I still have meat.

Old dog can learn new tricks, even by accident.