Squirrel hunting is a great way to practice hunting skills during the off-season. Whether you are an experienced hunter or just starting out, taking the time to hone your skills can make a significant difference in your success when it comes time to hunt larger game animals.
Squirrel hunting is a popular activity since it is relatively easy to find and hunt squirrels. They can be found in most parts of the country, and the hunting season is typically open year-round, making it an excellent way to get practice outside of the regular hunting season. Here are some reasons why squirrel hunting can be a valuable tool for out of season practice.
1. Squirrel hunting is a great way to practice your stalking skills.
Squirrels are small and quick, making them challenging to hunt, and getting close to them without being detected requires patience and stealth. By practicing your stalking skills on squirrels, you can improve your ability to move quietly and remain hidden from your prey. This skill will come in handy when it’s time to hunt larger game animals, such as deer or elk, where stealth and patience are crucial to success.
2. Squirrel hunting provides a great opportunity to practice your marksmanship.
Squirrels are small targets, and hitting them requires a high level of accuracy. By practicing shooting at squirrels, you can improve your aim and increase your confidence in your shooting abilities. Whether it’s making a moving shot with a shotgun or dispatching a curious squirrel with a single .22lr shot, you must master shooting to become a proficient squirrel hunter. This practice will be a huge benefit when it comes time to shoot at larger game animals, when you only get one shot and you have to make it count.
3. Squirrel hunting can help you practice scouting and identifying other game animals.
Squirrels can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and even urban areas. By searching for squirrels, you can learn to identify the types of habitats that different game animals prefer and become familiar with the signs that indicate their presence. This practice will help you when you are hunting for larger game animals, as you will be better able to locate them and plan your hunting strategy accordingly. Furthermore, squirrels are opportunistic eaters and will guide you to food that turkeys, deer, and hogs are likely to key in on during the year.
4. Squirrel hunting can help you practice field dressing and preparing game animals for consumption.
Squirrels are small animals, but they still require proper cleaning and preparation before they can be cooked and eaten. The large bag limits will mean you have plenty of practice with a knife by the end of a successful hunt. By practicing these skills on squirrels, you can get better at handling larger game animals, which can be more challenging to clean and dress.
Credit: Venku staff Bryce Vogt’s Stringer of Squirrels
The points above are just a few of the many reasons that squirrel hunting is a valuable way to practice your hunting skills during the off-season. By practicing your stalking, marksmanship, scouting, and preparation skills on squirrels, you can improve your chances of success when it comes time to hunt larger game animals. Additionally, squirrel hunting is an enjoyable and exciting activity that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a great way to stay engaged with the sport of hunting throughout the year. So, if you are looking for a way to stay sharp during the off-season, consider taking up squirrel hunting as a way to improve your hunting skills and have fun in the process.