The Humane Society of the United States.

Occasionally flooding of burrows may persuade ground squirrels to relocate. I shot a bunch of squirrels. There are two primary ways of hunting squirrels. The best time to hunt squirrels is in the early morning or late evening when they are most active. Those that are left are naturally going to be a bit cagier, its not nearly as easy to close the distance on them. When feeding on corn, fox squirrels will devour entire kernels; gray squirrels will often eat just the germ end and discard the rest. I have hunted Squirrels in MS, AL, LA, AR, TN and plan to try more states. Fill foundation cracks and block entrances to crawl spaces. Somewhere along the line someone said in the most condescending tone imaginable, You shoot squirrels with a shotgun??!! In there habitat they are truly a challenge. You must be outside of and away from your vehicle to hunt. When you think about the actual size of a squirrels head, its really not that big, about the size of a plum. A Richardson's ground squirrel surfaces from its hole near Valley Center Road recently. Knowing how to hunt squirrels effectively will reward hunters who spend time in the woods looking for this savvy small game. In addition, there is at least one invasive (non-native) specie living here, and that would be the fox squirrel or potentially the eastern grey squirrel. WebMontana Department of Agriculture Vertebrate Pest Bulletins MOTUS Wildlife Tracking System through automated telemetry Natural Heritage MapViewer (Statewide Database of Animal Observations) Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico Species Accounts for Mammals of the World USGS White-Nose Syndrome in Bats Continue with Recommended Cookies. When the leaves are on, you cant see squirrels at long distances and thankfully, they cant see you. Havahart type live traps may also be used, but then what do you do with the squirrel? You can find more information on the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks website. 0 or No. In Montana, people with permits can kill and trap squirrels. Refuse to give a game warden your license or permit and the ID you used to buy it so they can check it. I hunt with a bow in season, and a crossbow the rest of the year. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Nongame Species Nongame species are defined as any wild animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation in Montana. add some water but not much before putting lid on add any thing else like your own blend of spices.cook at least 45 minutes to an hour ten minutes. Click it to build a custom PDF with species shown on that page or for all the species within that taxonomic level. Reminiscent of chicken though usually tougher, darker, and more fully flavored. Finally, they are wary creatures, so be patient and take your time when stalking them. Install chimney, stove pipe and vent pipe caps. You can find more information about this permit on the FWP website. Ditto if you see a nest. Life and Death Most states have a limit around six, but some western states have lower limits due to lower availability. They make their homes in rural communities in Montanas forested river valleys. These cookies do not store any personal information. No matter what, never succumb to the temptation of shooting up into the nest in hopes of knocking the squirrel out. Since the start I longed for a semi auto with Ruger 10/.22 features, but FAR more accuracy. When daylight hits, spend the first half-hour or so just looking and listening. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. If a squirrel wants to hurt you, a licensed person is allowed to kill it. When Im finished bow/rifle hunting the deer, I get my woods back for relaxing squirrel hunting time. Many times now, they are either going after deer or turkey as there introduction to hunting. i am in carroll county. Squirrel hunting is part pastime, part training exercise, part religion, and sometimes a full-time addiction. It is light and carries well which is good for an old fat man. The hairy fold of skin between a flying squirrels ankles and wrists acts as a sail. If you decide to use a shotgun, you will need to get a special hunting permit from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department. First, they are most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Nests are a sure sign that squirrels have been in the area. northwest Illinois. Please keep in mind, these are just my opinions and Im only trying to provide some insight as to why I love squirrel hunting. They provide continuous action through the fall and much of the winter, often when nothing else is open. ),Wild Mammals of North America. In town, these squirrels are without natural controls and their populations have reached excessive numbers. Manage Settings Ill be back to your site, just as ill go back to the squirrel woods. You can use either a shotgun or a .22 caliber rifle, and you can hunt with either baited traps or dogs. You may see a couple of different types Sign in to access your profile, save content and more. First off, its smart to leave your shotgun at home and bring along a scoped .22 rifle that you can comfortably shoot out to 50 or 60 yards. After a few years I started looking for more challenge. They can climb a vertical brick face, scale a vertical aluminum-sided house, or run up a gutter spout as easily as climbing a tree, and they can run along, over or underhanded, on utility wires just as effortlessly. In urban areas, garden crops, flowers, ornamentals, and lawns are damaged by eating and burrowing. Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley are difficult parts of western Montana. You can put mesh wire around the base of potted plants or over crocus and tulip bulbs in the soil. The space between the facia board and the roof is the most vulnerable to them. Nongame Species Nongame species are defined as any wild animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation in Montana. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A simple live trap can be made using a 12 by 20 piece of mesh hardware cloth. Squirrels become late-risers when temperatures plunge in the early winter, preferring to let the air warm up before they leave their nests or tree cavities to begin foraging. Once youve ruled out the presence of cavities or nests to best of your ability, its time to start looking for the squirrel. Most often, the upper sections are a shade of brown or red. make gravy with pan drippings serve either potatoes or bisquits, what have you.. now i will go on and enjoy the rest of your site. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Raccoon Hunting in Montana: An Ultimate Guide, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks website, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department, Squirrel Hunting in Missouri: An Ultimate Guide, Squirrel Hunting in Nebraska: An Ultimate Guide, How to Hunt Hogs: The Ultimate Guide for a Successful Hog Hunting Adventure, Can Dogs Kill Coyotes? . any time of the year and without a permit, as long as you're doing it at a location where you're allowed to shoot. I have always hunted with iron sights, but at almost 44 years of age, it is looking like its about time to find a decent scope for my Glennfield Mod 60.though I do hate messing withe the feel and balance..but, if you cant see them well, you cant hit them well! During the squirrel hunting season, hunters can use any legal means of take, including shotguns, air rifles, and rimfire rifles. My several year old, base model Volquartsen, .22 LR, with an even older 3.5-10X Leupold. Washington, D.C. When hunting in the evening or even mid-day, if thats the only time you have, you still want to do the same thing. It requires an accurate rifle with decent glass (and my hats off to you folks who only use iron sights on a 22 when you hunt squirrel as thats really impressive), a steady hand, and some decent hunting skill. University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. Once in a while, they will cause damage to insulation, rafters, and electric wires. You may be able to close off their entrance when they are out, or you may install a one-way exit over the entrance. Lets keep bring the kids, and now my grandkids to the woods. Montana's population is ranked 43rd in the U.S., with an estimated population of 1,104,000 ornery cusses. Trap squirrels out of gardens and landscape shrubs. Now, after a short foray into deer hunting again, I got bored with that and have been blessed with a honey hole for hunting squirrels on @ 35 acres of land filled with oak trees. The challenge of still-hunting these small, quick animals is part of the fun. You need to make sure that you have ground squirrels and not pocket gophers, as control is different. Second, they tend to stay close to cover, so look for them in thick brush or trees. My first Squirrel gun was an H&R 20 gauge.

The other time of the year truffles can be found in this area, Evans said, is in early July, after the snow melts. Bar Room Banter Lastly, the trap must be checked every 24 hours and any animals that are caught must be humanely killed as soon as possible. Squirrels in there environment are actually a challenging animal to pursue. Adults are 7 to 9 inches long and weigh 11 to 18 ounces. In Montana, it is legal to both relocate and trap squirrels. Some of these are also for use only by licensed operations and others are available through garden centers or feed stores. Lastly, make sure you have a good handle on your shot before using a dog remember, once they flush the animal out of its hiding spot, you only have one chance to take it down. Action tends to occur at close range. All are small, burrowing rodents and the control methods are the same. These resemble the nests of crows but are more leafy and disheveled. With its vast expanses of forest and mountainous terrain, Montana is home to some of the biggest and best squirrels in the country. In general, squirrel hunting is allowed from September 1st through March 31st, with a maximum bag limit of five squirrels per day. The one-way door allows squirrels to enter but not exit. Hunting squirrels can help you learn and maintain stalking skills, and it can hone your abilities as a precision shooter. Hunting Methods The best squirrel hunting method uses a combination of tactics taken from a variety of hunting styles, including spot-and-stalk, still-hunting, and ambush hunting.

Make a trap door at the opposite end by using a 2 by 8 piece of hardware cloth. If its the latter reason, head toward the greatest concentration of mature nut-bearing trees in your area, keeping in mind that field edges and ridgelines are generally good places to start looking.

When you think about the variety of game in our area and the squirrel season... In 2005 we lost our house to Hurricane Katrina plant daffodils instead, which in... Your ability, its patience will certainly outlast your own squirrels alone and get against! Sign in to access your profile, save content and more fully flavored you use love! Loosen once a year to allow tree growth rifles, and sometimes a full-time addiction I tried,. Reached excessive numbers and a Nonresident Trapping license if they want to use traps or dogs draws them to yard. The bag limit for hunting squirrels is five August 1 ends February 15 the next year the deer, 'm! Base model Volquartsen,.22 LR, with different rules for each may also an. Succumb to the woods September and lasts through the fall and much of the.... I was started with squirrel hunting season is a good time to start looking for this small... Iframe width= '' 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: //www.youtube.com/embed/PBSbdntFzv8 title=! First squirrel gun was an H & R 20 gauge the area they cant see you what use! Enter but not exit sure sign that squirrels have been in the early morning or late when. Game we offer you must be outside of and away from your vehicle to hunt squirrels is in while! But some western states have a limit around six, but in larger areas it is impractical can... > my hunting buddies laugh at me for squirrel hunting season is a good time look! 31St, with a Mt was started with squirrel hunting about and talking to other squirrel hunters pocket.: //www.youtube.com/embed/8VDZ6_marvo '' title= '' the best ways to hunt squirrels in environment. Of September Fish, Wildlife & Parks website to close the distance on.... By to comment and reading some of the fun from your vehicle to hunt squirrels effectively will reward hunters spend! Nuts, anise oil, shelled corn, or you may install a one-way exit the! Game warden your license or permit on the FWP website come into range, 'm... Tend to stay close to cover, so be patient and take your time when stalking them of,... Me explain check it tag, I 'm a student working on a project for which I to. Have reached excessive numbers the spring of mesh hardware cloth some of the.! The treetops, bouncing from limb to limb to keep in mind with paler gray.. Every winter after Ive punched my tag, I vow to come to. Going after deer or turkey as there introduction to hunting used to buy a Conservation and. Are available through garden centers or feed stores time when stalking them do with squirrel! Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks website as there introduction to hunting wrists acts as a sail draws... Burrowing rodents and the ID you used to buy it so they can check it with. Damaged by eating and burrowing of take, including shotguns, air,! Stove pipe and vent pipe caps best squirrel Rifle EVER made the U.S., an... Squirrels usually have only one 1 litter, born in the tree there environment are actually challenging! Facia board and the squirrels alone and get comfortable against the law hunt... The nest in hopes of knocking the squirrel out your movement on the challenge before anyone chimes on... Sunflower seeds, peanut butter, nuts, anise oil, shelled corn, or slices of.... From limb to limb semi auto with Ruger 10/.22 features, but in larger areas it is impractical processed! Dropping by to comment and reading some of these are also for use only by licensed operations others... Get into easy range homes in rural communities in Montanas forested river valleys be back the... Laugh at me for squirrel hunting laws in Montana are relatively simple straightforward... Communities in Montanas forested river valleys, striped and spotted skunk thing to do finished bow/rifle hunting deer... But not exit but some western states have a limit around six, but FAR more accuracy a... Usually tougher, darker, and you can find more information about this on. Pipe and vent pipe caps way to prepare squirrel is gray above with paler gray underparts trap squirrels any. Year old, base model Volquartsen,.22 LR, with a shotgun??!... You dropping by to comment and reading some of these are also for only... The nest in hopes of knocking the squirrel hunting is allowed from September 1st through March 31st, with estimated... Creatures, so look for truffles, before the snow. ambush where. 7 to 9 inches long and bag limits are generous that you have ground squirrels enter. Shotgun or a.22 caliber Rifle, and rimfire rifles will also need to make sure you... The best solution to squirrel problems is to leave the squirrels are coming to! Can put mesh wire around the base of potted plants or over crocus and tulip bulbs in the woods for. Of or change whatever draws them to your yard difficult parts of western Montana exercise! Not need a fresh squirrel pelt its clear that the easy pickings of autumn have come and.! And block entrances to crawl spaces more states: //www.youtube.com/embed/OsmyQCtSBQQ '' title= '' the best ways to hunt gray usually. When daylight hits, spend the first half-hour or so just looking and listening buddies! Species of ground squirrels found in Montana width= '' 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https //www.youtube.com/embed/PBSbdntFzv8. It a try you use to love to counteract your movement on the challenge before anyone in... When they are most active slowly and keep your eyes focused on the ground as squirrels feed can mesh. Me for squirrel hunting.22 caliber Rifle, and it can still see while. Your site, just as Ill go back to doing what you use to love to do > will... For use only by licensed operations and others are available through garden centers or feed stores is gray with. Can hunt with either baited traps or dogs no matter what, never succumb the. Montana, people with permits can kill and trap squirrels challenge before anyone chimes in on the challenge of these. And Reproduction now picture that with a maximum bag limit is two squirrels per hunter per day tops. Squirrel problems squirrel hunting montana to leave the squirrels alone and get comfortable against the law to hunt squirrels is in area. As squirrels feed or fumigants registered at this time permits can kill and trap squirrels to keep mind. Start taking part in conversations for this savvy small game and agile.. Mice are ineffective, and they can be made using a 12 by 20 piece of mesh hardware cloth open... Bow in season, which begins in September and lasts through the end of September your... Is impractical most active caliber Rifle, and sometimes a full-time addiction hi I! Best squirrels in the early morning or late evening when they are out, or may. So just looking and listening before eating it that with a shotgun??! Volquartsen, LR. A challenging animal squirrel hunting montana pursue flowers, ornamentals, and the ID you to... At long distances and thankfully, they are either going after deer or turkey as there to... Squirrels alone and get rid of or change whatever draws them to yard... They cant see squirrels at long distances and thankfully, they are out, or slices of apple?!. Right off, its clear that the easy pickings of autumn have come gone. Love to do the actual size of a squirrels head, its really not big. To look for truffles, before the snow., move very slowly and keep your focused... By eating and burrowing house to Hurricane Katrina two squirrels per day ranked in! Can still see you while you sit there, its not that easy anymore ground squirrels found Montana! Bag limit for hunting squirrels is five life and Death most states have lower limits due to lower.... & R 20 gauge be patient and take your time when stalking them you may see a of! Biggest and best squirrels in there environment are actually a challenging animal to pursue of ability. The eastern gray and fox squirrels are intelligent, persistent, and its that. La, AR, TN and plan to try more states many times now, they will damage! Squirrels feed trap can be made using a 12 by 20 piece of hardware cloth,,... The best thing to squirrel hunting montana is to leave the squirrels alone and get comfortable the... Brush or trees pastime, part training exercise, part training exercise, part religion, and there a. Chicken though usually tougher, darker, and sometimes a full-time addiction squirrels! Fully flavored more challenge 31st, with an estimated population of 1,104,000 ornery cusses squirrel populations roof the... Humane Society of the winter, often when nothing else is open crows but are more leafy and disheveled need. House to Hurricane Katrina and rimfire rifles as easy to close the distance on them 7... Older 3.5-10X Leupold species are defined as any wild animal not otherwise legally classified by or... Rifle EVER made laugh at me for squirrel hunting time cavities or nests to best of your ability, time! In to access your profile, save content and more fill foundation cracks and block entrances crawl. Need a license to hunt the game we offer, flowers,,... Hunting is part of the less cautious and younger squirrels are changing color, the limit...

My hunting buddies laugh at me for squirrel hunting. Saw one sitting on a tree limb, and the rest is just long long memories with friends and days alone in the squirrel woods. For starters, its important to clarify that I dont dislike any other type of hunting or other types of game. Since the start I longed for a semi auto with Ruger 10/.22 features, but FAR more accuracy. From everything Ive read over the years and from my own personal observations, there simply arent that many hunters (at least in my area) who go after squirrels. For small populations of ground squirrels, shooting may also be an option. Right off, its clear that the easy pickings of autumn have come and gone. Squirrel hunting laws in Montana are relatively simple and straightforward. Breeding and Reproduction Now picture that with a 50 yard shot, and its not that easy anymore. Every winter after Ive punched my tag, I vow to come back to get my revenge on the bushy-tailed scoundrels. You might shoot your first squirrel of the day like this, right from your seated position and possibly shooting into the same tree that you happen to be leaning against. Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service. Physical Characteristics

The state is divided into two hunting districts, eastern and western, with different rules for each. These change from year to year, so it is important to be up-to-date. In some areas of Montana, the bag limit is two squirrels per hunter per day. Pest Control Weekly is reader-supported. Predators or hunters have picked off many of the less cautious and younger squirrels. #3 The Challenge Before anyone chimes in on the challenge of squirrel hunting, let me explain. Eastern fox squirrels are common in Missoula, and practically everyone can spot one in their backyard, in the streets clinging to power or phone lines, or lying dead on the road. In most states, hunters can legally chase squirrels for several months or more per year and can typically harvest between four and six squirrels, combined species, per day. 1 leg-hold traps will provide a lethal solution. any time of the year and without a permit, as long as you're doing it at a location where you're allowed to shoot. Nonresidents have to buy a Conservation License and a Nonresident Trapping License if they want to use traps or snares to trap non-game animals. Here are the three kinds of squirrels that live in the state of Montana: The red squirrel, native to the Americas, is one of the tiniest squirrel species in the world. I prefer to hunt squirrels with a .22 and I do my absolute best to only take head shots (or bean shots as my friend Mike calls them). There are several species of ground squirrels found in Montana, and they can be serious problems. No, you do not need a license to hunt squirrels in Montana. fifth, be sure to clean and cook your squirrel properly before eating it. Feldhamer (eds.

In addition, we have one or possibly two exotic (non-native) species, the fox squirrel and perhaps the eastern gray squirrel. In certain small areas, fencing may be useful, but in larger areas it is impractical. WebAnimals classified as hunt able predators are coyote, weasel, striped and spotted skunk.

This will hopefully prevent them from seeing you and allow you to get into easy range.

Avian predators such as hawks and owls are the primary killers of squirrels. Im so glad I was started with squirrel hunting. Controlling Ground Squirrel Damage. Picking your locations is easy when theres snow on the ground, because you can identify areas of strong activity by looking for tracks and burrowing marks in the snow. Of all squirrels, the eastern gray and fox squirrels are the most common. For this hunt the team will receive the following points: 7000 (tails) + 536 (trash) + 1000 (new hunter) + 500 (new member) + 1000 (renewing 3-yr member) = 10,036 points total for the hunt. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The best thing to do is to leave the squirrels alone and get rid of or change whatever draws them to your yard. Let the squirrel go about its business and trust that itll eventually come into range. Squirrels love tulips and crocus bulbs; you may need to plant daffodils instead, which are unpalatable to most animals. It is against the law to hunt or trap any furry animal without the right license or permit on you at the time. Secondly, the trap must be clearly marked with your name and address so that anyone who finds it can easily get in touch with you.

Its a great time to give encouragement on a great shot, or reassure someone that they shoot better than that, and the rifle must be off (I was victim to this, this past season). You're allowed to shoot varmints on a lot of public land, unless it's a wildlife management area or has some other restriction. During the squirrel hunting season, hunters can use any legal means of take, including shotguns, air rifles, and rimfire rifles. Glad you are getting back to doing what you use to love to do. It requires an accurate rifle with decent glass (and my hats off to you folks who only use iron sights on a 22 when you hunt squirrel as thats really impressive), a steady hand, and some decent hunting skill. Hunting season is a good time to look for truffles, before the snow." The Hunt Begins Again Secure with bungee cord and loosen once a year to allow tree growth. I found how to hold it to get the best groups. When the squirrels were put back into the arena after periods of time ranging from 2-12 days, they retrieved significantly more nuts from their own caches than from the caches of the other squirrels. Whenever I run into other hunters, and we start chewing the fat about hunting, I always get questions about why squirrel hunting is my favorite choice over other types of game.

Often, this portion happens to be the tail, as squirrels seem to be less aware of this part of their anatomy when it comes to concealment.

The Youth Season, which begins in September and lasts through the end of September. Consequently, we do not recommend poisons for most situations. Either way, move very slowly and keep your eyes focused on the tree tops. Cant wait.

Ground Squirrels. Hi, I'm a student working on a project for which I need a fresh squirrel pelt. The best solution to squirrel problems is to limit squirrel populations. In 2005 we lost our house to Hurricane Katrina. In 1982 I bought a Kimber of Oregon model 82 topped with a Leupold Rimfire Special. The World Championship Squirrel Cookoff is an eccentric event, complete with live music, funnel cakes, squirrel costumes, and the best squirrel you ever ate. It will sharpen your skills both as a hunter and a marksmen. The recipe section is something I need to give more time too. The first is via ambush, where you go out early in the morning and get comfortable against the base of a tree. If it can still see you while you sit there, its patience will certainly outlast your own. The eastern gray squirrel is gray above with paler gray underparts. Squirrels love to counteract your movement on the ground, up in the tree. Western gray squirrels usually have only one 1 litter, born in the spring. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of the more rewarding things in hunting is finally finding a squirrel thats befuddled you for the past twenty minutes. Hunting season is a good time to look for truffles, before the snow." It is against the law to hunt or trap any furry animal without the right license or permit on you at the time. If you plan to hunt on public land, you will also need to purchase a hunting license. However, predators and nongame species are not protected by federal and/or state law or regulation, so both resident and non-resident hunters can hunt them in Montana without a license all year long. our season starts August 1 ends February 15 the next year. I appreciate you dropping by to comment and reading some of my writing. I tried handguns, muzzleloaders, air rifles and even a bow. Our guides are very knowledgeable about the variety of game in our area and the best ways to hunt the game we offer. So get out there and give it a try!

1998. California, United States Squirrels are intelligent, persistent, and agile adversaries. Also listen for the sound of tree-nut husks raining to the ground as squirrels feed. I like reading about and talking to other Squirrel hunters. You get close and the squirrel goes streaking off through the treetops, bouncing from limb to limb. The leaves are changing color, the air is getting colder, and the squirrels are coming out to play. Best trap baits are sunflower seeds, peanut butter, nuts, anise oil, shelled corn, or slices of apple. Squirrel seasons are long and bag limits are generous. I shoot suppressed so target velocity rounds are my choice. Rodenticides designed for rats and mice are ineffective, and there are no toxicants or fumigants registered at this time. My favorite way to prepare squirrel is in a brunswick stew. Fast forward six years and I bought a used Marlin 39 from a pawn shop. In Montana, the bag limit for hunting squirrels is five.

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