Out for one of the most popular game animals in North America.
As the leaves turn shades of amber and crimson, it signals my favorite time to be out in the woods: the beginning of the new squirrel hunting season! For many hunters, the pursuit of squirrel with an air rifle is more than a pastime—it’s a time-honored tradition and a test of patience, marksmanship, and fieldcraft. In this blog post we’ll talk about preparing for the new season, highlighting regulations, equipment, techniques and the challenges that come with this pursuit.
Squirrel seasons are typically established by state and provincial wildlife agencies to help manage healthy populations and protect the ecological balance. Most seasons begin in mid-September, I hunt in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana mostly, and this timing aligns with the squirrels’ heightened activity as they gather food for winter. Hunters eagerly anticipate the release of the new season dates, which vary by location and can be affected by factors such as climate, population surveys, and conservation needs.
Hunting regulations exist to ensure ethical harvests and protect wildlife populations. Most regions require a small game hunting license, and some may have specific requirements for hunting with air rifles. Legal shooting hours, bag limits (often 5-10 squirrels per day), and regulations around equipment must be understood and followed. It is the responsibility of each hunter to consult local wildlife agency websites or handbooks for the most up-to-date information before heading afield.
The air rifle holds a special place in the tradition of squirrel hunting, as this is where many kids get their first experience of hunting. Airguns are well suited for this due to their quiet operation, inherent accuracy, optimal power for small game, which makes it the perfect tool for both newcomers and seasoned hunters. Compared to traditional firearms, air rifles create less disturbance, less carrying range, and I believe allow for a more immersive experience in nature and the potential for multiple shots in one outing.
When selecting an air rifle for squirrel hunting, several factors should be considered. With respect to caliber, .177 and .22 caliber are the most popular choices, with .22 historically preferred for the balance of effectiveness, cost and availability of guns and ammo this caliber offers. However, in more recent years .25 and even .30 have gained traction for their superior knockdown power. On one hand this is more power than you will need, on the other it is still lower than a .22 rimfire which has been the most common firearm for small game hunting for generations.
The rule of thumb for power output is that the rifle must deliver enough energy (typically at least 12 foot-pounds) to ensure a clean, ethical shot. However, 12 fpe is the low end of the spectrum and has become a threshold because in countries such as the UK, this is the most powerful gun a citizen can have without a license. My preference is for guns in the 25 – 70 fpe range, I don’t think there is a downside to a more powerful gun, except maybe the ammo is slightly more expensive though we are still talking pennies per shot. I pay more attention to accuracy, precision is critical; a well-placed shot is necessary for a swift, humane harvest. I think that whatever range you intend to shoot, you and your gun can consistently print sub-inch groups.
Quality optics improve shot placement, especially at the small vital zones of a squirrel. There is no problem with shooting open sights if you can meet the sub-inch group requirement with them. My eyes aren’t as good now as when I was a teen, but even though my vision is still pretty good I like a scope to ensure a clean shot. I also like the improved visualization they offer in low light scenarios.
Successful squirrel hunting begins before the season opens. Pre-season scouting involves observing likely habitats: mature hardwood forests, oak and hickory stands, and brushy edges. Look for signs such as cut nut hulls, nests (dreys) in the treetops, and areas with heavy leaf litter. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times to spot squirrels as they forage and play.
If I’ve had time to scout an area, I’ll set up in a hidden area and wait for squirrels moving between den and food source in ambush. I often hunt in distant areas that are not practicel for me to scout in person, though I will use Google maps to look for hardwood, water sources, and fields to get an idea of where squirrels might be found, then still-hunt those areas. Once I find good areas, I mark them on onX for future use.
A well-prepared hunter carries more than just an air rifle. It may seem like overkill, but I will often wear camouflage clothing appropriate for the season. I’ll often wear a camo shirt or vest, gloves, hat and a facemask, and think that a facemask and gloves are absolutely necessary at the very least. I also carry mid-power binoculars for spotting squirrels at a distance, in the shadows, or in dense vegetation. A small backpack with water, snacks, and field dressing supplies (with knife), a First-aid kit and insect repellent is also a good idea. In the past I would carry a game bag or wear a vest to carry the squirrels I shot, but this can get really messy, really fast. My preference these days is a game stringer such as those used by bird hunters, and hang it from my pack.
The foundation of all hunting seasons is ethical behavior—respect for the quarry, the land, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Ethical squirrel hunting involves taking only legal, safe, and ethical shots, harvesting within bag limits, recovering all game and using it responsibly (squirrel meat is lean and flavorful, perfect for stews and roasts), and leave no trace—packing out all litter and respecting private property boundaries. Not only are these ethical guidelines, but codified into law in many jurisdictions.
Tips I would suggest to new hunters are to learn the habits and calls of both gray and fox squirrels, and also Alberts squirrels if you are lucky enough to live in their range, to locate them more effectively. Move slowly and sit quietly; patience often brings the best rewards. This is also a good time to glass the area with those binoculars, as you will often spot squirrels otherwise missed. Practice marksmanship before the season to ensure clean, humane kills, and remember to shoot from the field positions and rests (shooting sticks, bipods, etc) you intend to use in the field. Just a reminder that there are not many benchrests in the woods to shoot game from. Field dress squirrels promptly to preserve the quality of the meat.
Squirrel hunting isn’t only about the pursuit; it’s also about enjoying the results. Across North America, classic recipes such as squirrel and dumplings, Brunswick stew, and fried squirrel have been a staple on tables for generations. Sharing wild game with family and friends strengthens bonds and continues the enduring traditions of the hunt.
The new season for hunting squirrel with an air rifle offers a chance to reconnect with nature, test one’s skills, and participate in one of the most enjoyable field sports to be found. By approaching each hunt with preparation, respect, and a well honed set of field skills, hunters ensure that this tradition remains sustainable for years to come. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a newbie eager to learn, the changing seasons invite you to explore the woods, your favorite air rifle in hand, and discover the fun of squirrel hunting.
