| If you're looking for something to do with your | | | | that provide more cover for the squirrels. During |
| son or daughter, or even just on your own, | | | | this time of year, the technique of walking slowly |
| squirrel hunting is a great outdoor activity. There | | | | and quietly through the woods seems to be very |
| are many positive results from squirrel hunting: | | | | effective. You can enjoy the sights and sounds |
| - Gets you off the couch and outside for some | | | | while you walk through the woods looking for |
| fresh air | | | | squirrels that are actively on the ground or in |
| - You get some great exercise by walking in the | | | | trees. A shotgun is a great choice of weapon |
| woods | | | | during the spring and summer, because of all the |
| - You get to see, hear and smell nature | | | | vegetation that is growing. The shotgun allows |
| - You learn firearms skills such as patience, | | | | you to hit squirrels that you see hiding behind |
| accuracy, and safety | | | | leaves and on the ground, without the need to be |
| Many areas have a squirrel-hunting season that | | | | precise, like with a rifle. |
| allows for a wide range of times that you can | | | | Fall and Winter |
| hunt. In Missouri, the squirrel-hunting season begins | | | | During the fall and winter months, the number of |
| around Memorial Day and lasts until mid February | | | | leaves are decreasing and there is less cover in |
| each year. The long season provides for hunting | | | | the trees. At this time of year, I like to use the |
| opportunities in the spring, summer, fall and winter | | | | technique of arriving early to the woods before |
| months. Squirrel hunting is a great opportunity to | | | | the squirrels begin to stir and sitting still in an |
| teach your kids the values of hunting for your | | | | active squirrel area. I like to use a small caliber rifle |
| food and proper safety in the woods. | | | | during the fall and winter, because you can shoot |
| All it takes to start squirrel hunting is: | | | | at squirrels that are farther away before they |
| - Small caliber rifle or shotgun | | | | have a chance to see you and get spooked. The |
| - Hunting license (check your local hunting laws) | | | | reduced amount of vegetation allows for more |
| - Pair of camouflage clothing (not absolutely | | | | opportunities to get a precise shot with your rifle. |
| required) | | | | After the hunt, you can enjoy your success by |
| - A place that is safe and legal to hunt | | | | having a great meal. You can take pride in the |
| There are differences in hunting techniques based | | | | fact that you harvested your own meat and got |
| on the time of year that you are hunting and | | | | outside for a while. Squirrel hunting with your kids |
| each season of the year provides for unique | | | | can also build some lasting memories for you and |
| outdoor opportunities. | | | | them both. I can remember many times that my |
| Spring and Summer | | | | dad and I would get up early and enjoy the |
| In the spring and summer hunting season, there | | | | morning in the woods hunting together. |
| are an increasing number of leaves on the trees | | | | |