Squirrel hunt can be some of the most fun, fast-paced hunts you’ll ever experience. It’s a game of listening for movement, finding the squirrels, and shooting before they can move again. Aside from the fun, squirrels also can put meat in your freezer for delicious stews during cold winters. You’ll likely need much more patience hunting late-season squirrels than you will earlier on. Outdoor News‘ Jay Nehrkorn says September squirrels are harder, but not hopeless.
squirrel-huntinglg Photo by Ohio DNR

Each year after the heavy nut cutting subsides, squirrels slip into what I call the “September lull.” Their bellies are full, the air is still hot, and the time for storing winter food is still a few weeks off, so squirrels tend to move less and their feeding activity becomes lethargic compared to the frenzy of early to mid August. They are also far less distracted, so sneaking into position for a shot without being noticed becomes much more difficult — hence the barking.

Photos: Arizona Game and Fish Department (top); Ohio Department of Natural Resources (above)