I’m getting more serious about my squirrel hunting and wanted to tap into the community’s experience here. I’ve read a bit about the best times of day to hunt squirrels, and I’m curious to hear what you all have to say.
Morning vs. Afternoon
From what I’ve gathered, mornings seem to be the favorite among many hunters. The squirrels are a bit more active after dawn, making it easier to spot them as they go about their business. I’ve tried hunting in the mornings a couple of times, and I’ve noticed some good activity, but I want to validate that. Do you all find this to be true?
Late Afternoon Insights
Some folks also mentioned that late afternoons can be quite productive. I’ve been thinking about scheduling a few hunts later in the day. Has anyone had any success with this? Maybe there’s something to the way squirrels behave as the day winds down?
Weather Conditions
One thing I noticed is that hunting after the rain can yield good results. Squirrels seem more active during and after wet weather, possibly because they come out to forage. Have any of you experienced this? Any tips on when to head out right after a rainy spell?
Strategies and Tips
Quiet Approach: I’ve learned that staying quiet is crucial. If you can move stealthily and minimize noise, your chances skyrocket.
Understanding Patterns: Observing their feeding times or trails can also help in planning my hunting schedule.
I’m really looking forward to hearing what you think! What worked for you? Any insight or personal anecdotes would be greatly appreciated. Let’s help each other improve our squirrel hunting skills!
Early mornings are the best time to hunt squirrels! They’re most active around dawn when they’re searching for food. Set up near oak or hickory trees where they like to forage.
I agree with you both! Around dawn, squirrels are a bit more careless. An optimal spot is under a large tree where they frequently visit. Just be patient!
I love hunting in the mornings too, but I’ve found that sometimes mid-morning can also be effective when they start foraging again. Just keep an open mind!
I have! It works wonders, especially during those early hours. Just make sure not to overdo it or you might get a crowd of squirrels instead of just one!
It’s never too early! I believe anywhere from half an hour before sunrise to an hour after is prime time. They’re most vocal and active during that window.
I’ve found that in the afternoon, squirrels are often more active foraging for food. The light conditions are pretty bright, which helps visibility. But as evening approaches, they start to settle in. It’s interesting to see how the changing light can affect their behavior.
Absolutely, Morgan. I think the lower light in the evening might make them a bit more cautious. They rely heavily on their sight, and as it dips, so does their confidence in moving around freely.
I’m more of an evening hunter actually! There’s something about the quieter atmosphere that appeals to me. Plus, I feel like I can catch them off guard when they’re settling in for the night.
While I agree with both views, I think it’s important to consider the season too. In late summer, squirrels seem to adapt to the light earlier, becoming less active by late afternoon. Anyone else noticed that?
Great point, Brian! The seasons play a huge role. In winter, I find them more active later in the day since they’re trying to find as much food as possible before it gets dark!