I find that they come in cycles. There will be weeks where they are like a plague and then they seem to all but disappear. They usually go where the food and safety is though.
I leave peanut butter to attract them if there is nothing to shoot.
The other thing to note is that just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. They are great at hiding especially if they see you first. I find the best way to hunt for them is to sit still and quiet near a spot where I know they hang out (like near trees with acorns and other things they eat).
If you sit still and out of sight, you will most likely see some eventually. They can see you from a fairly a long way out. If none come, they might have spotted you and got spooked. Also, shower just before you go out to hunt and don't wear anything strong smelling.
If you want to find out if any are there, fire a shot to land near some bushes. When they aren't looking for food during the day or chasing woman squirrels, they often just sit quietly on branches inside bushes or on tree limbs. If you shoot near them, any that are there will usually try to scatter or run to the next tree. Just avoid shooting into the bushes if you can't see what you might hit. A loud noise will work just as well.
Other than that, use your scope to look up into the trees. They camouflage fairly well so you have to look carefully but you'll see them through your scope.
Just trying to add a little humor but it's true. Sometimes you get ahead of the curve. Someone did a follow up to your post about a squirrel call. Never heard or seen one but I would like to try it. Enjoy. Chuck
