How to Hunt Squirrels Successfully with a .22 Long Rifle (LR)

Let’s talk about hunting squirrels with a .22 long rifle (LR). It’s a classic outdoor activity that’s as fun as it is challenging. It’s probably the first real hunting activity most of us as kids did. But, if you’ve never hunted squirrels before or just want some tips to improve your success rate hunting bushytails with a .22 LR, then you’re at the right place.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior: Squirrel Habitats and Feeding Patterns

First things first, you’ve got to know your quarry. Squirrels aren’t just cute little critters scampering around your backyard. They’re smart, quick, and have some interesting habits we can use to our advantage.

Squirrel Habitats

Squirrels love hardwood forests. They’re nuts about nuts, pun intended! Oak, hickory, and beech trees are like squirrel magnets. In the fall, you’ll find them busy gathering acorns and other nuts for their winter stash.

Keep an eye out for signs of squirrel activity. Chewed nuts on the ground, bark stripped from trees, or even their leafy nests high up in the branches are dead giveaways.

Seasons change, and so do squirrel hangouts. In spring and summer, they might be more spread out, munching on buds and fruits. Come fall, they’ll be concentrated around nut-bearing trees.

Squirrel Feeding Patterns

Squirrels are early risers, just like us hunters. They’re most active in the early morning and late afternoon. That’s when they’re out foraging for food, making it prime time for hunting.

What’s on the menu? Acorns, hickory nuts, beechnuts, you name it. They’ll also munch on berries, mushrooms, and even tree bark when times are tough.

In fall, squirrels go into overdrive, stockpiling food for winter. That’s when you’ll see them most active, and it’s a great time to hunt.

Choosing the Right .22 Long Rifle for Squirrel Hunting

Now, let’s talk about your trusty sidekick – the .22 long rifle. It’s perfect for squirrel hunting. Light, accurate, and doesn’t make too much noise to spook the whole forest.

Popular .22 Rifle Models

There are tons of great .22 rifles out there. The Ruger 10/22 is a classic. It’s reliable, accurate, and won’t break the bank. The Marlin Model 60 is another solid choice, especially if you’re going the durable route.

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, the CZ 457 is hard to beat for accuracy. And for those who like a challenge, a bolt-action like the Savage Mark II can be a lot of fun. It’s also ideal if you want to teach the kids how to hunt with bolt-action rifles.  

When choosing a rifle, look for one that feels comfortable in your hands. Accuracy is key, so a good trigger and sights are important. I suggest you go with a red dot sight – quick close-range target acquisition rate and doesn’t add too much weight to your rifle. It’s my favorite type of scope to use for squirrel hunting.

And don’t forget about maintenance – you want something that’s easy to clean after a day in the woods. 

Ammunition for .22 Rifles

For squirrel hunting, you can’t go wrong with Winchester .22 Long Rifle ammunition. It’s affordable, widely available, and gets the job done.

Hollow point bullets are popular for hunting. They expand on impact, making for a clean, humane kill. Solid points can work too, especially if you’re a crack shot and can nail those headshots. But, I prefer the latter. 

Whatever ammo you choose, make sure it cycles reliably in your rifle. And always, always handle it safely. Treat every gun like it’s loaded, even when you know it’s not.

Check our intuitive .22 LR trajectory calculator below to help you gauge distances for when hunting squirrels with .22 LR ammo. 

Techniques for Successful Squirrel Hunting with a .22 Long Rifle

Alright, now for the fun part - actually hunting these little acrobats.

Still Hunting with a .22 Long Rifle

Still hunting is all about moving slow and quiet. And I mean slow. Like, "I think I just saw that tree grow" slow.

Find a good spot near some nut-bearing trees and settle in. Use natural cover to break up your outline. A tree trunk or some brush works great.

Patience is key here. Squirrels have a knack for freezing when they sense danger. But if you stay still long enough, they'll eventually go back to their business.

Spot and Stalk with a .22 Long Rifle

If sitting still isn't your style, try spot and stalk. Use your ears as much as your eyes. Squirrels make a racket when they're moving through the trees or digging for nuts.

Once you spot a squirrel, plan your approach carefully. Move when the squirrel is behind a tree or distracted. And watch your step - a twig snap under your boot will send that squirrel flying.

Remember, squirrels have sharp eyes. If you can see them, chances are they can see you. Use the terrain to your advantage and always be ready for a quick shot.

Best Times and Seasons for Squirrel Hunting

Seasonal Hunting Tips

Fall is prime time for squirrel hunting. The leaves are falling, making it easier to spot them, and they're busy gathering food for winter.

Spring can be good too, especially early in the season when the trees are still bare. Just be mindful of nesting season - we want to be ethical hunters, after all.

Always check your local regulations. Hunting seasons and bag limits can vary within counties and states.

Weather Considerations

Squirrels don't like getting wet any more than we do. On rainy days, they'll often hole up in their dens. But right after a rain can be a great time to hunt as they come out to forage.

Wind can be your friend or your enemy. A light breeze can cover the sound of your movement, but strong winds will have the squirrels hunkering down and harder to spot.

Cold mornings often mean active squirrels as they try to warm up. But if it's too cold, they might stay in their dens longer.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Hunting Regulations

Before you head out, make sure you're up to date on local hunting laws. You'll need a valid hunting license, and there might be specific seasons for squirrel hunting in your area.

Pay attention to bag limits too. We want to make sure there are plenty of squirrels for future seasons.

And remember, hunting on private land requires permission from the landowner. Don't be that guy who trespasses.

Safety Tips

Safety first, folks. Always treat your rifle like it's loaded, even when you know it's not. Keep that muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot.

Know your target and what's beyond it. A .22 LR round can travel a long way, and we don't want any accidents.

Let someone know where you're hunting and when you plan to be back. And it's not a bad idea to carry a basic first aid kit. Better safe than sorry, right?

Key Takeaways

• Squirrels are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Preferred habitats: hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees.
• Indicators of squirrel activity: chewed nuts, stripped bark, and leafy nests.
• Essential characteristics for a .22 rifle: light, accurate, and quiet.
• Recommended ammo: .22 Long Rifle, hollow points for humane kills.
• Still Hunting: Move slowly, use natural cover, and be patient.
• Spot and Stalk: Use both sight and sound, plan your approach, and utilize terrain.
• Fall is the optimal season for squirrel hunting.
• Stay updated on local laws, have a valid license, and respect bag limits.
• Treat rifles as loaded, maintain muzzle discipline, know your target and backdrop, inform someone of your plans, and carry a first aid kit.