Squirrel Hunting Methods & Strategies

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Squirrel Hunting Methods & Strategies

Learn the advantages and drawbacks of using shotguns and .22s for squirrel hunting, along with key hunting strategies — stationary hunting, mobile hunting and stalking, and hunting with dogs.

Choosing Your Firearm

Your hunting site will determine whether you can use a shotgun or a .22 rifle. While statewide regulations allow either, many IDNR sites prohibit the use of .22s, so check your site’s rules before making a choice.

Consider:

  1. How do you want to hunt?
  2. Is a .22 a reasonable option for your site and season?

Many hunters prefer the .22 caliber when permitted, but shotguns can be more effective in certain conditions.

Squirrel Hunting with a .22

A .22 rifle is quieter and more precise than a shotgun, making it ideal for late-season hunting when trees are bare and longer shots are common. It is less effective early in the season, when foliage is dense or squirrels are moving quickly.

Squirrel Hunting with a Shotgun

A shotgun is best during the early season when trees still have leaves or when squirrels are on the move, as it requires less precise aiming. However, it is loud and can cause more meat waste, especially when the squirrel is close.

Stationary Hunting

Stationary hunting, also known as “sit and wait,” is similar to deer hunting.

How to Hunt Stationary

  • Get into position before sunrise and allow time for squirrels to start moving.
  • Sit 15–25 minutes in one spot; if you don’t see or hear squirrels, move to a new location.
  • After harvesting a squirrel, recover it, then sit for another 15–25 minutes to let the woods settle before moving again.
A rifle is propped up on a tree with a foldable stood standing next to it. At the butt of the rifle, in the leafy grass, is a squirrel that has been hunted.
Stationary squirrel hunting setup, photo by Kelly Tang
Two hunters in camo sitting against a tree holding rifles with scopes. One is looking through the rifle scope and aiming toward the tree tops.
Example of how you might position yourself when using the stationary method

Tips for Success

  • Remain as quiet and still as possible — squirrels have excellent vision and hearing.
  • Bring a cushion, pad, or small chair for comfort.
  • Listen for crackling leaves, bark scratching, or nuts and twigs dropping to the forest floor.

Mobile Hunting & Stalking

Mobile hunting is a great approach for introducing new or young hunters, as well as small groups. It allows quiet conversation and doesn’t require staying still for long periods.

This method works well:

  • Early season: Leaf cover helps to conceal movement.
  • Late season: Bare trees improve visibility, letting you spot squirrels farther away.
Two hunters dressed in orange and camouflage walk down a dirt and gravel road surrounded by forest.

Tips for mobile hunting:

  • Move quietly and use natural cover.
  • Avoid walking in straight lines; pause every few steps or double back occasionally.
  • Don’t waste time waiting for a squirrel that escaped — make a mental note of the tree and return later.
  • Never shoot a nest or into a tree cavity to scare squirrels out.

Hunting Squirrels with Dogs

It is legal to hunt squirrels with dogs in most areas of Illinois, but check Hunt Illinois’ site directory for site-specific regulations. Some sites prohibit dogs; others require them to be leashed.

Hunting with dogs is less stealthy but can be more exciting and rewarding. It’s a great way to bond with your dog and learn their cues and barks. Dogs are also helpful for recovering squirrels in dense ground foliage.

Once the dog trees the squirrel, position hunters on either side of the tree to prevent escape routes.

Hunting Squirrels with Dogs – Like Breathin’ Air – Project Upland Magazine
Ep. 115: This Country Life – Squirrel Dogs (Bear Grease)

Further Reading

Resources

Illinois Learn to Hunt
Email: contactlearntohuntil@gmail.com
Illinois Natural History Survey

Prairie Research Institute (link opens in new window)

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