Grey squirrel hunting tactics

Sunflower seeds unsalted and wait aa day for them to get comfortable eating them.

They are very patient and will wait in a safe place for a long time if they feel threatened so really the most effective tactic—if permitted in your locale—is a feeder and a hide. Notice I said effective, not sporting. No doubt it’s why the guys in the UK do it that way. Black oil sunflower seeds and/or yellow corn will bring them in by the dozens.

In the wilderness they are particularly wary of any unusual sights or sounds so it’s a challenge to stalk in. Typically finding a natural food source and staking out there will be more effective. A hickory tree in the fall will be a favorite dining spot, and they will give away their location with the sound of cutting hickory nuts.

In suburbia, some become rather nonchalant about being in the proximity of people. 

Squirrels are where the food is. Early part of the season they will be in the treetops cutting nuts and can be quite difficult to spot. Later they will be gathering the nuts they hid earlier but without foilage to cover them they are very vary as you won't be the only thing trying to make a meal of them. If you can find some nests close to a den tree that is a good bet in the winter. They will group up with several in one nest during the day and will come out dust before dark to go to the den tree. If one comes out of the nest and you shoot him don't move as there will probably be more.

I've hunted grey squirrels all my life and still do it as often as I can. I just started hunting them with an air rifle this season. I've always used a .22 Long Rifle previously. Without dogs, there are two ways. Still hunting or walking. I prefer to still hunt. Find you an area of the woods that has nice hardwoods (oaks preferably). This lets you know that they have a good food source. I find what I think will be a good spot where I have good visibility. I'll find me a nice tree and kick the leaves away about 2 feet from the base around the entire tree. This lets me move around the tree quietly so that I can shoot at any squirrel 360. I'll use the tree itself as a prop to steady my rifle when making a shot. Or...I'll find a fell tree and kick the leaves away and sit on the tree. Whatever. If I get antsy.....I'll slowly slip through the woods and stop every few feet and look for movement. I have always found that the best/prime time of the day for greys is EARLY morning or late afternoon. From about 2:00pm to dark. Usually it seems that about an hour before sunset......it can get really active!!! I've always killed plenty this way......and it's a very relaxing and peaceful way to hunt. Good mind clearing time....we all need that I think. I've killed quite a few with my springer this year.....somewhere around 12-14. I'd have to check my freezer...LOL! Regions may very on the best method. I live in the deep south....Alabama. This works well here.

Good look!!

TR

Edited:

Ah, nevermind.

Here in Wisconsin I have found that they get absolutely stupid for in the shell peanuts.

The most productive strategy for me (here in the Ozarks) is to scan a woodlot for big mature trees, the bigger and older the better, and stalk up on those. Around here we have acres upon acres of "pole timber" and while they may be loaded with leaf nests (dreys) it's rare to have much success with airguns in the pole timber. So I look into the woods and find the biggest oldest tree I can find and sneak up on that tree from the most advantageous direction.

Squirrel heaven (to me) would be a very old stand of hardwoods that hasn't been logged in the last 100 or so years.