Fredd

This is my first year hunting so i'm starting out with squirrel and need some help. I've been out 3 times this year and i'm using a Ruger 10/22 but that's irrelevant because i haven't seen any squirrels yet! Actually the first time out, i spotted one in a tree in my first 10 minutes and thought "oh, this will be easy". Shot and missed and that was the last squirrel i saw. Its' frustrating because i crossed paths with deer hunters a couple times who said they saw squirrels out there on the ground but i didn't see any.

Like i said, i'm new at this but i've read a lot about it and also talked to a lot of people to figure out the best technique. I start between 8-9AM, walk in the woods until i see some trees with nuts then sit down for 45 minutes to an hour and just wait. After an hour i go to another spot. I THINK i hear some squirrels occasionally but i can never see them. Even scanning the area with binoculars. I think they're there but just can't see them. I've read the tips and tricks section for help. Is there a knack to looking around for squirrel so you can spot them?

Am i doing something wrong? Is it better to walk around slowly then sit in one place?
will it be easier when the leaves fall off the trees? I'm thinking they'll be easier to spot then.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm usually out there about 2 1/2 hours. I'd stay out longer if i saw some action but it gets frustrating.

Bocajnala

You're doing all the right stuff.

It will be easier when the leaves are off.

Often people think of city squirrels when they hear about squirrel hunters. A wild squirrel in the big woods is a total different animal. Especially if you're in an area with lots of predators.

They hide well. They can freeze on a branch for a long time waiting for you to leave.

Keep hunting the food sources. You'll find them.

Some areas have less than others of course. Keep at it.

john1984

What state and region you hunting in ? If your able , I would be in the woods a half hour before sunrise.

Fredd

Thanks. They do seem to be a lot more stealthy than the squirrels in my neighborhood! I'll keep at it.

I'm in the Cincinnati, OH area. I was thinking about getting there before sunrise but i figured if i'm having trouble seeing them in the daylight, i'd never see them in the dark.

olehunter

my advice is to walk as quietly as possible and only stop if you see a sq. some times the sq will run a little way or up a tree and then stop to figure out what you are, thats your shot. if you are spotted and the sq is spooked try to stop and sit and watch to either side . sometimes they are curious and will circle around around for a closer look.