A few months into the annual Michigan squirrel hunting season, local hunters are bagging many squirrels already. During the colder days, these little critters run around in search of food to store for the winter months and to search for nesting materials.

At daybreak, the woods burst with the sounds of birds singing, chipmunks and squirrels rooting around in the leaves and other wildlife starting their day. This is the best time to grab a weapon of choice and get the feel of the hunt. Squirrels are most active during the mornings, mid afternoons and evenings. When hunting squirrels, these are the best times to head to the woods and attempt to kill one.

From my own experiences, the best weapon would be a .20 gauge shotgun. I have taken down many squirrels with my .20 gauge while shooting birdshot. The .20 gauge will get the job done, as it is used to kill small animals such as rabbits all the way up to deer. Talking to many local squirrel hunters, they have also said the best weapon would be a .20 gauge shotgun.

However, for sharp shooters, the gun in mind would be a .22. This gun is also useful for killing squirrels, because it gives the hunter more of a challenge. Instead of shooting a group of pellets, the hunter is shooting a small bullet.

When hunting squirrels, the best place to hunt is in a patch of woods filled with oak, hickory and walnut trees. Woods with these nut-bearing trees are hotspots for squirrels. The area to sit when in the woods is under one of these trees. It is best to let the squirrels come to the hunter. When sitting, keep the eyes and ears open. Squirrels aren’t quiet animals and are very curious.

If squirrels haven’t been spotted, rustle a stick in the leaves in a broken pattern to imitate a squirrel searching for food. This action will catch the attention of any nearby squirrels and help encourage them to come out to feed. Another trick is rubbing two small rocks or nut shells together for a short period of time, imitating a squirrel feeding. Squirrels feel more comfortable with other squirrels around, because it gives them more protection from predators.