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

A Platter Of Revolvers
A Platter Of Revolvers

Spring Plinking: A Seasonal Rimfire Roundup

What’s in Your Picnic Basket? A spring plinker round up for your trigger time pleasure. As the weather breaks, it’s time to get outside, pack a picnic and send some lead downrange. Let’s look at some fun options to pack along in your picnic plinking adventures. 

New for 2026: Gritr 3-Slot Rifle Mag Pouch

Gritr has introduced the new 3-Slot Rifle Mag Pouch, a hook-and-loop organizer designed to provide secure storage and quick access to rifle magazines and essential gear.

Drones for Downed Game Recovery

Ready to launch your shiny new Mother’s or Father’s day drone to locate that trophy buck hideout? Doing so nearly anywhere in the U.S. makes you a poacher. There is, however, a growing roster of states that allow the use of drones to locate downed game.

Cartridge Legacies: The .308 Winchester Family Tree

I suppose it is fair to say that if you want to find the true legacy of a cartridge, you could look to its offspring and the successes and/or failures of the family. Let’s look at the .308 Winchester’s family tree, at the instant successes, and those children which have lagged behind over the years.

New for 2026: Primary Arms Optics PLx Compact 1.5-12x36

Primary Arms Optics has released its PLx Compact 1.5-12x36mm FFP RDB, the latest addition to its PLx Compact lineup. The optic pairs Japanese ED glass with a 1.5-12x magnification range and Red Dot Bright diffractive reticle technology, all on a 30mm chassis that measures 9.75 inches long and weighs 19.67 ounces.

Hardware Review: Springfield Model 2020 Boundary

Looking for an accurate bolt action that can tackle just about any sort of terrain? Look no further than the Model 2020 Boundary, from Springfield. Check out David Herman's Hardware Review of the gun here.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.