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

Ledehiviz Shooting Systems Celebrate
Ledehiviz Shooting Systems Celebrate

HIVIZ Shooting Systems Celebrates 30 Years of Innovative Excellence

HIVIZ Shooting Systems, a leader in high-visibility sight solutions, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1996, the company has offered products that improve sight visibility and performance through cutting-edge fiber-optic and tritium-based systems.

Know How: Prairie Dogs for Practice

Use a dog town to warm up for big-game seasons, test gear and more.

Heritage Outdoor Group Acquires Badlands

Heritage Outdoor Group ("Heritage") has announced the acquisition of Badlands, a hunting backpack, gear and apparel brand, from W. C. Bradley Co. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

#SundayGunday: Winchester 250th Anniversary Ammunition

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a walk down memory lane, celebrating Winchester Ammunition and its salute to the greatest 250 years a country has ever lived. This limited-edition run of USA 250th Anniversary Edition ammunition pays homage to the red-blooded Americans who sacrificed themselves for the betterment of a nation.

What Summer Buck Sightings Tell Us

Dreaming of fall? Here are some things to look for during your summertime scouting.

One Out of Every Four Hunters Won’t Hunt in 2026

One out of every four hunters who hunted the 2025 season will not hunt in 2026. That startling statistic was arrived at by Southwick Associates after conducting a survey of 28,447 hunters in 20 states.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.