As avid small game hunters, let’s urge outdoor writers and
hunting media outlets to delve deeper into the topic of pursuing squirrels than
“they’re a great way to hone your skills for big game.” That tired line or some
reincarnation of it has been an annual cut and paste option for years. It’s
beyond worn out, wouldn’t you agree? We need thoughtful, insightful, honest
articles dedicated to squirrel hunting. Period.
Thanks to a decent hard mast crop over the past couple
years, the squirrel population across wide swaths of the US is plentiful. It remains
to be seen if we can overwinter animals to enjoy relatively high bushytail
numbers next fall. The 2013-2014 season has turned out to be a good one with
many reports coming in from across the country of successful hunts. The
plentiful squirrel level creates a situation where youth are more easily
engaged in the tradition of hunting because shooting opportunities abound and
outings are action-packed. Likewise, if you’re like me, a good squirrel year
makes training squirrel dog pups a breeze. Bountiful game is useful in tuning
up the skills of started dogs and assists in building their confidence.
I try to introduce at least a few new people of various ages
to hunting each year. One of the new participants, I am proud to say, if my
wife. Jess completed her Hunter Education Course and has jumped in with both
feet. She enjoys being in the timber, working dogs and of course – eating squirrels!
We’ve had a decent season ourselves despite being busy working professionals
with a young daughter and another child on the way. It’s always good to touch
base with old friends, make new ones and as I mentioned take folks new to
squirrel dogs out. One of our hunts we harvested 11 gray squirrels down in
Dinwiddie County, Virginia. The dogs did a great job as they generally do…It’s the
shooter’s fault most of the time! Another memorable trip was heading out to
hunt on our family farm in Missouri. Despite only a short period to hunt, in
the wind and extreme cold we were able to add 8 fox squirrels and 1 gray
squirrel to the game bag. Jess and I have had fun working young dogs this year.
Some states still have time in February to hunt. Remember, late
season is where a mountain feist or other squirrel dog breed can shine. It’s
difficult to pinpoint food sources and as squirrel populations fall, a good dog
can increase your success rate afield. A special note of appreciation is due
Mark Puckett (Small Game Coordinator) for the Department of Game & Inland
Fisheries for working with sportsmen and women to successfully extend the
squirrel season in Virginia. Increasing opportunities will hopefully lead to
increased participation in the great outdoors. I know that my family will be
out there. See y’all in the timber!
