Know-How: Shake a Stick at Spring Squirrels

by
posted on May 16, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
shake_stick_squirrels_f.jpg

Want to bring squirrels out of hiding this spring? Here’s a killer tactic for the early seasons in many states.

All of that bushytail love that was going on in January and February has resulted in young squirrels venturing from the nest. And just like most animals, parental instincts for squirrels are innate. Exploit those instincts by simulating an attack on the young from an owl or hawk. The result: Every momma and papa squirrel in the vicinity will come out of hiding to shake their tails and bark at the attacker. In doing so, they provide you with a short window to fill your strap—if you’re quick enough on the trigger.

• Step 1: Cut and carry with you a leafy branch that you can easily control with one hand.

• Step 2: Shake that branch and rake it amongst nearby greenery to cause a ruckus then hit a squirrel-in-distress call. Kick the leaf litter and add some dying squeaks to send the message home.

• Step 3: Keep your eyes high and be ready for quick shots; you may get only a few seconds to pull the trigger.

Latest

LEDE Composite Image
LEDE Composite Image

Standout New Hunting Guns of 2026

This year’s standout hunting firearms reveal an industry focused on refining proven ideas. Manufacturers are increasingly embracing features once reserved for premium models and including extras that a few years ago were considered aftermarket additions. Whether you’re chasing game close to home or venturing deep into the backcountry, today’s new hunting guns arrive more capable than ever before.

Massive Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

The Department of the Interior recently announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service is also making more than 1,000 modifications to existing regulatory provisions, reducing complexity and making it easier for hunters and anglers to understand and comply with applicable rules. 

Behind the Bullet: The .25 WSSM

Quarterbores are back, so let's take a look at a fan favorite released just after the turn of the millennium: the .25 WSSM.

Henry Repeating Arms Introduces the Founding Fathers Collection

Henry Repeating Arms has introduced the Founding Fathers Collection, a series of seven Tribute Edition rifles honoring the men who shaped the American republic: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton.

Rethinking Ragù: Venison Ragù Bianco

In Italy, ragù simply refers to a slow-cooked meat sauce. Bolognese—ragù alla Bolognese—is just one regional variation that originated in Bologna and traditionally incorporates tomatoes, wine, milk, and finely minced meat simmered low and slow until deeply rich and complex. But some of the most beautiful ragù dishes in Italy contain little or no tomato at all. This version uses axis deer simply because that’s what I happened to have in the freezer, but this sauce works beautifully with almost any species of venison.

USFWS Releases 2026 Waterfowl Population Survey Results

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has released its 2026 Waterfowl Population Status Report. This report contains results from surveys and population estimation methods conducted by the USFWS, Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous state and provincial partners.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.