Identification
In Massachusetts, there are two species of squirrels you will commonly see: the red and gray squirrel. While both are huntable species, most hunters target gray squirrels because they are larger and contain more meat. Gray squirrels are typically grizzled or light gray, while red squirrels are typically rusty red or reddish brown.
Where to hunt
Seek squirrels in deciduous forests that contain mast-producing trees such as shagbark hickory, pignut hickory, American beech, northern white oak, and northern red oak. Squirrels rely on these trees for food and shelter. Squirrels frequently den in tree cavities or build nests, called dreys, high up in the forks of large deciduous trees. Dreys look like a large ball of leaves and sticks.
As seasons change, squirrels rely on different food sources.
- In the fall, squirrels start to feed on and stash ripe hickory nuts. Stands of shagbark or pignut hickory can sometimes yield large colonies of squirrels. In some cases, you can listen for the sound of dropping hickory nuts and the swish of moving leaf-covered branches as squirrels loot the forest canopy. American beech trees can also provide a surplus of food that squirrels use in the early fall months. Beech trees do not produce mast consistently from year to year, so some years this will not be an option.
- In the winter, once squirrels have exhausted available hickory and beech nuts, they typically move on to acorns. White oak acorns mature and drop earlier then red oak; both provide critical squirrel food for the late fall and winter months.
Squirrels are most active in the early morning and in the late afternoon.
Hunting in winter
Squirrel hunting in Massachusetts is open until the last day of February, leaving plenty of opportunities to get out in the woods during the winter months. Just remember to renew your hunting license at the beginning of the calendar year. Hunting in winter is often easier since squirrels are more visible in the bare trees and since tracks are visible if there is snow.
Tips for finding squirrels in winter
- Similar to hunting in the fall, look for stands of mast-producing hardwood trees like hickory and oak.
- If there is snow, you can easily tell whether squirrels are present. Look for tracks on the ground that move from tree to tree.
- Look for signs of feeding on the snow-covered ground. When squirrels dig up previously buried food, they leave small holes surrounded by dig marks.
- Look for dreys (squirrel nests made of clumps of leaves and sticks) high in tree canopies.
- If there is no snow cover, sitting down and being patient is a good tactic. Squirrels on the move make a lot of noise on frosted leaf litter.
What to pack
Pursuing squirrels allows hunters a lot of flexibility related to gear. Whether it’s your first squirrel hunt or if you’re more experienced, here are some items to consider bringing along:
- Upland vest, backpack, or sling-pack. You’ll need something to carry your gear as well as room to carry your squirrel out of the woods.
- Calls. There are a few different squirrel calls on the market that come with instructions for use.
Tip: Some hunters use two quarters as a homemade call. Try rubbing the edges of two quarters together to imitate the quiet sounds of squirrels chattering as they feed. You can also make some basic squirrel sounds using only your mouth. - Binoculars. Great for pinpointing squirrels high up in the forest canopy.
- Knife or game shears. A small, sharp knife is useful for making the initial cuts to skin the squirrels after harvest. Game or kitchen shears will help you quickly break down your skinned squirrel into pieces ready for cooking.
- Rubber gloves and bags. Wearing a pair of reusable kitchen gloves while skinning and gutting your squirrels in the woods will keep your hands clean and keep bacteria from your hands off your squirrel meat. Gallon-sized plastic bags can be used to store cleaned squirrels.
Hunting implements
Ideal shot placement for squirrels is the head or neck. A shot in this area ensures a quick kill, preserves the most meat, and makes skinning and gutting easier and cleaner. With this in mind, choose a hunting implement that will help you be effective and efficient. Before you head into the woods, review the basic rules of firearms safety.
.22 Rifle
Many squirrel hunters choose a .22 caliber rifle. Hunters of all skill levels can use a .22 to place an accurate shot.
Always be aware of what is downrange of your shot. Take shots when squirrels have a solid backdrop, like the tree they are climbing on, or once they have reached the ground. This takes patience, but will help you avoid sending a projectile too far down range.
Shotgun
The most common shotgun options are 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410. Many hunters prefer a 20-gauge shotgun for squirrel hunting since it is lighter and makes it easier to cover a lot of ground in the woods. Single shot, pump, semi-automatic, or over-and-under may be used for squirrel hunting.
If you have a single barrel shotgun with interchangeable choke tubes, it’s usually best to use a modified choke—although this can vary depending on your shotgun’s gauge. If you are looking to get the upper hand on the high-canopy dwelling squirrels, a full choke is a better option.
A few different shot sizes are considered appropriate when hunting squirrels. This can range from #7½ size shot, all the way to #4. Try #6 or #7½ size shot in 2 ¾ inch shells for a good spread along with the plenty of punch.
After the hunt
Wild game meat is a healthy and delicious source of protein. Learn how to clean, prepare, and cook squirrel meat.
