We can use the instincts mother nature gave to squirrels as an advantage in hunting. One of the many instincts in squirrels is food gathering. Squirrels find nuts, and bury them for winter. Usually, they never find them again, or another squirrel does, but that's what they do! Try planting bulbs in the fall. The squirrels will have them dug out and replanted an hour after you planted them!

Back on task! Squirrels have to find these nuts under an Oak tree. The tip in this paragraph is hunt where the Oak trees are. NOTE: careful - nuts tend to fall on the hunters head! 

It is true that squirrels are active all day long. However, they are most active when the sun is high. In all of my hunting trials, I've noticed that squirrels are most active when the leaves are just falling off the trees (only if you live in the temperate forest), to the first good snow. Also, weather conditions affect squirrels. Just like human nature, squirrels are active most on windless, sunny days. They probably are just as active on windy days, just you can't hear them. 

PART I section 3: My question is ammo! -:)

It is definatly not a good idea to use a bb-gun. They have little power and no range. At least the .177 models. When getting into higher models like a .22 caliber, you then can start to use a PELLET gun. To read more about high quality pellet guns, go to this address:

PART I section 4: Give me the approach -:)

That is simple. Pretend you're walking on eggs. You don't want them to break, so you walk lightly. Also pretend that there are razor sharp nails randomly placed between the eggs. You don't want to get a nail in the foot, so you'll make sure not to step on the nails. In reality, the eggs are leaves, and the nails are sticks and twigs. You will never have a problem scaring squirrels if you walk that way! Just make sure you stop enough so that you are looking up, more than down.

To find squirrels, listen for the splitting sound they make when they eat nuts, or listen for the "squirrel bark". Another giveaway is looking for branches in trees that are moving like crazy. It may be a bird, but it may be a squirrel. Just remember, know what is behind your target, and make sure that you have a clean shot when shooting into a tree. 

Tip from Harold:
Pinch the skin on the back in the area over the ribcage. Slit the skin at the pinch to make a cut. Insert the forefinger tip of the right and left hand, into the slit, and pull hard in opposite directions, pulling towards the head and towards the tail. The skin will tear from the slit around to the abdomen as the skin is pulled down the body. Snip the base of the tail through with tin snips to free the tail, and continue to pull the skin down to the feet. Cut off feet at ankles and the lower part is done.

It takes me about two minutes per squirrel to do them in this manner. It sure is faster than a traditional skinning operation. 

This year, during turkey hunting, and now during bow hunting, I cannot believe the number of squirrels in Southern NY. If fact, I've got a friend that works in the NYS Conservation Department. He said that the squirrel population is Western NY is up by 230%. Numbers like those can't be just for one area. My guess is, that all states are having the same squirrel explosion.

Knowing this, if you are a beginner squirrel hunter, which a few members are, this year will be a great learning year. If you are a medium - pro hunter, you will be able to get enough squirrels to make that squirrel-skin rug you've always wanted! (Stew for everyone)
--Jeff 

STANDARD MAILING LIST LINGO:
To send comments about The Squirrel Exchange, write to: SquirrelDigest@geocities.com
To be deleted from the mailing list, write to: Squirrel-Exchange@usa.net

Good hunting! The next edition is due to go out November 16. (just in time for opening day)

--The Squirrel Exchange