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

Ledeboone And Crockett Club Launches
Ledeboone And Crockett Club Launches

Fueled by AI: Boone and Crockett Club Launches Big Game Records Live 2.0

The Boone and Crockett Club recently launched Big Game Records Live 2.0, a major evolution of its digital platform that transforms the world’s oldest big game records database into an interactive analytics tool for hunters.

Lightweight AR-10: Building a Hunt-Focused Backcountry Rifle (Part 1)

Curious how to create a .308-chambered AR-10 that *doesn't* suck to carry into the backcountry? Dennis Bradley does just that, off a DPMS-pattern lower, and comes it at a shocking weight (read on for the exact number, but it is sub 2). Read on, to see how he does it.

ScentLok Launches Realtree XT-3 Apparel

ScentLok is going all-in on Realtree's new XT-3 pattern, dropping it onto more than half of its latest product introductions. This new look is headlined by the Savanna Fuse, Ridge and BE:1 collections.

New for 2026: Latitude Outdoors Whitetail Frame Packs

Mobile whitetail hunters have long faced a familiar compromise: carry a lightweight pack for the hunt, or haul a frame pack for the pack out. Latitude Outdoors has released a pack to solve that problem, with a frame system built from the ground up for the mobile whitetail hunter.

The Problem with Pressures: A +Peak Revolution?

The history of the projectile, and of the centerfire cartridge, is fascinating, and it seems as though we are ready to take the next step forward. Or are we? Let's take a look at how pressures have affected cartridges throughout history, and the evolution that seems to be currently starting.

More than $1.3 Billion Raised by Duck Stamp Sales

On June 26 the 2026-2027 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, aka Duck Stamp, went on sale. The fact it raises about $40 million for conservation annually gets the headlines, but there are underpublicized benefits for making the $25 purchase—even non-hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.