6 of the Best Places to Hunt Squirrels This Fall

As fall rolls in and the leaves start changing color, the woods become alive with wildlife. For small game hunters, this signals the prime time to hunt squirrels. Whether you are an experienced hunter or a beginner, knowing the best places to hunt squirrels and some key strategies can make you more successful. Let’s get into the best habitats and locations for fall squirrel hunting.

Best Places to Hunt Squirrels – Top 6 Unlocked

Squirrels can be found in many habitats including urban, mature forests, and agricultural areas. These tasty little mammals may be everywhere; however, they can be elusive when hunting season comes around. Although if you get into these best places to hunt squirrels, your chances go way up.

Mature Hardwood Forests

One of the prime spots to find squirrels during the fall is in mature hardwood forests. These forests provide an abundance of the squirrel’s favorite food sources, such as acorns, hickory nuts, and beechnuts. Mature oak and hickory trees are particularly important because they produce large quantities of nuts, which squirrels actively gather and store for the winter.

When hunting in these areas, look for trees that are dropping nuts or that have recent signs of squirrel activity, such as broken nutshells on the ground. Additionally, squirrels tend to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon, as they search for food and prepare their nests. By focusing on these times and habitats, you can position yourself in areas where squirrels are likely to be.

Edges of Agricultural Fields

Another great place to hunt squirrels in the fall is near the edges of agricultural fields, especially if they border woodlots. Squirrels are opportunistic feeders and will often venture out into fields that grow corn, soybeans, or other crops. Just like the boundary between a forest and a field creates an ideal place to hunt doves, it is also a great place to set up for a squirrel hunt.

When scouting these areas, keep an eye out for small trails or paths that squirrels use to travel between the woods and the fields. Set up near these travel routes, and you’ll likely see squirrels moving back and forth as they gather food. A strategy that works well is still hunting along the edge of the field and moving slowly into the woods to intercept squirrels as they come out to feed. Logging these areas in your TrophyTracks hunting app will allow you to recall these key areas.

Streamsides and Other Water Sources

Squirrels, like all animals, need water to survive, and during the fall, their activities often bring them closer to water sources such as creeks, rivers, and ponds. These riparian zones tend to attract squirrels not only because of the water but also because of the dense vegetation and trees that provide additional food sources like berries and seeds.

Look for areas where the forest canopy opens up slightly, allowing sunlight to reach the ground and create lush vegetation. Squirrels are known to frequent these spots, using the tall grasses and shrubs as cover while they forage for food. Hunting along creeks or riverbanks can provide some excellent opportunities, especially if the surrounding area has a mix of hardwoods and underbrush.

Thickets and Dense Underbrush

While hardwood forests and fields are one of the best places to hunt squirrels, don’t overlook areas with dense underbrush and thickets. During the fall, squirrels start to gather nesting material and build up their nests, which are often found in dense, sheltered areas. These thick cover areas provide safety from predators, and squirrels will use them as staging grounds before venturing out to forage.

Hunting in these spots can be challenging because of the thick vegetation, but with patience and proper hunting gear, it can yield great results. The key is to move slowly and quietly through the thickets, using binoculars to spot movement in the trees above. Sometimes, sitting near a known food source within the thicket will give you a chance to catch squirrels moving to and from their nests.

Clearings and Power/Gas Lines

Clearings, power/gas lines, and logging roads that run through forests can also be prime locations for squirrel hunting in the fall. These open areas allow sunlight to reach the forest floor, promoting the growth of low vegetation, which attracts both insects and seeds that squirrels feed on. The edges of these clearings also provide good cover for squirrels as they move from tree to tree, foraging along the way.

Setting up along the edge of a clearing or power line cut allows you to observe squirrels moving between trees, giving you clear shooting lanes. Early in the morning, squirrels often venture out into these areas as they search for food, making it a great time to set up your stand or hunting spot.

Old Growth Pine Forests

Although hardwood forests are generally preferred, don’t discount old growth pine forests. Squirrels will often nest in the pines while foraging on the nuts and seeds produced by nearby oaks or hickories. These forests can also provide excellent opportunities for hunters looking to get away from more heavily pressured areas.

The key to success in these mixed environments is to find areas where food sources are abundant. Check for signs of squirrel activity, such as chewed pine cones or nut shells, to identify the best places to set up your hunt.

Wrapping Up the Best Places to Hunt Squirrels

Squirrel hunting in the fall can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know where to look. From mature hardwood forests to agricultural field edges and riparian zones, squirrels tend to frequent areas where food and cover are abundant. By understanding their habits and focusing on these locations, you’ll greatly improve your chances of success.

Patience, observation, and proper positioning are key to a successful squirrel hunt. Take your time to scout the area, pay attention to the squirrels’ movement patterns, and always stay alert. With the right approach and a good location, your fall squirrel hunting experience will be both enjoyable and fruitful.