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

Lead Photo
Lead Photo

Cartridge Legacies: The .30-06 Springfield Family Tree

At this point in time, 120 years after its introduction, we hunters should be very familiar with the .30-06 Springfield. But the .30-06 Springfield is also a great dad, having a lineup of famous sons which have earned great reputations for themselves. Let’s dig deeper into the family tree.

First Look: Daisy Red Ryder 250th Anniversary Editions

Daisy Outdoor Products has released three special Red Ryders commemorating our county's 250th Anniversary.

NRA YHEC Nationals Happening in Arkansas

The NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) Nationals are currently in Bentonville, Ark., running from July 19 to 26, 2026.

Hardware Review: Leupold VX-4HD

Matt Foster reviews the Leupold VX-4HD 4-16x50mm CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter.

First Look: ScentLok Savanna Fuse Warm Weather Quarter Zip

Early-season whitetail hunting is a mental and physical grind against the thermostat. ScentLok's Savanna series has long served as the blueprint for warm-weather concealment, and its latest iteration—the Savanna Fuse 1/4 Zip—continues that tradition.

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.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.