Winter Squirrel Hunting

I bought my first .22 when 12 years old, picking up the mail-order treasure and riding it home on my bicycle. For years after that, squirrel hunting was a favorite pastime in the hills around Mound City. It’s been a long time since then, but I still enjoy this small game hunting opportunity. And if you’re looking for a challenging way to stretch hunting season, this is it in the Kansas woods. Be warned: wild squirrels are extremely wary, nothing like their city cousins that bask around feeders. If you treat this hunt lightly, you’re likely to enjoy a long walk with few shooting opportunities. But if you’re patient and stealthy, this basic hunting could renew the good times of youth. It’s also a great way to teach young hunters. Squirrel season is open statewide until February 29, so there’s plenty of time to get out there. Here are some tips to get you back in the game for this underutilized Kansas hunting. First, look for sign. Lots of leafy nests in trees are good indicators, and old timber with numerous tree holes provide winter squirrel dens. Nut trees like hickory and walnut are good food sources, and cuttings on the ground beneath trees can show favorite feeding places. Winter squirrels also like to eat developing buds. Water is important, and timbered small creeks or seep streams offer perfect habitat. Camouflage clothing helps hide a hunter from sharp eyes, and slow, quiet movement is essential. Dry leaves are the nemesis of a moving squirrel hunter, since walking noise alerts nearby squirrels to danger. Sneaking in damp conditions helps. Otherwise, slip along deer trails or down dry creek beds to keep noise at a minimum. Often, simply sitting in good habitat to wait for squirrels is the most effective way. Set up around feeding habitat and let your eyes do the work. Squirrels are easy to spot in the bare winter woods, and a hunter is too. That’s why a stationary hunter has the advantage. Especially with squirrels, Solunar tables may help pick the best hunting times. Wild game and fish usually feed on predictable daily schedules that are correlated with sun and moon phases during each month. Check these on the Internet, or they are programmed into some watches. Try to hunt the major peak on the day you are hunting, when squirrels are most apt to be active. Squirrel calls can be useful at times. Luring squirrels out of hiding can be accomplished with a bellows type squirrel call. Squirrel distress whistles are good for summer hunting, but they don’t work so well in winter. Shotguns can be used, but most squirrel hunters prefer scoped .22s and long rifle ammunition. Moving squirrels are hard to hit, so wait for them to stop. Shoot off of a dead rest whenever possible to avoid missing or wounding game. Good squirrel shots are usually taken at 25 yards or less. Always be certain of your target and what lies beyond it for safety. Kansas squirrel hunting is usually close by, provides a challenging hunt, and can lead to tasty eating. Plenty of good hunting exists on public lands, and you’ll seldom have competition. As always, get permission before hunting on private lands. Give squirrel hunting a try in this season without bugs, sweat, ticks, and chiggers. The daily limit is five. I’m Mike Blair for KDWPT.