Small Game Hunting Information

Most hunters began their career outdoors pursuing small game.  Whether it was chasing cotton-tailed rabbits with the family beagle over the rolling hills of the Midwest or spending time with grandpa hunting for a squirrel with your first .22 caliber rifle, small game hunting holds a special place in the heart’s of most hunters.  Small game hunting is both affordable and accessible as there are huntable populations of small game in most of the lower forty eight states.

Rabbit Hunting

The pursuit of wild rabbits is a great way to teach a youngster how to safely hunt.  Most rabbit hunting is done with a shotgun. 

The most popular rabbit species to hunt is the cotton-tailed rabbit.  It is also the most numerous species to hunt in this country.  You can hunt rabbits on foot or with the use of dogs.  Old woodlots that contain a variety of tree species with a brushy under story represent great rabbit habitat. 

There are several effective techniques that may be utilized to hunt rabbits including stomping brush piles, walking slowly through abandoned farmsteads or along brushy fencerows and stalking wooded draws.  Remember the old adage of food, cover and water. 

The most effective rabbit hunting dog is the beagle and this breed also makes an excellent family pet.  There are numerous beagle clubs that offer dogs for sale and group training opportunities that can teach proper rabbit hunting techniques. 

Rabbit meat makes a delicious stew and is quite popular in many gourmet European wild game recipes.  Be sure and check the local hunting regulation requirements as many fish and game departments require a special non game hunting license to hunt rabbits.

Squirrel Hunting

Squirrel hunting is actually quite challenging and requires good marksmanship to be successful. Most squirrel hunting is done with a small caliber rifle like a .22 caliber rifle. 

The fox and gray squirrels are the two most sought after species.  Most squirrel hunts begin early in the fall, usually in September, and often coincides with upland game bird hunts. 

Squirrel populations typically peak following good nut or mast years.  In most Midwestern states white, bur and red oak’ produce acorns that benefit squirrels.  The previous year’s acorn crop influences the current years squirrel population.  Check local fish and game department websites for fall squirrel population forecasts and license requirements.

Guided Small Game Hunts

In the deep south there is a fine tradition of hunting squirrels with specially trained spotting dogs.  Outfitted squirrel hunters and their squirrel hunting guides use these dogs to spot the squirrel high in the forest canopy.  The guided squirrel hunter will be provided a shotgun to make the shot.  These types of guided squirrel hunts are action packed and fun for the entire family. 

Similar to hound hunting for other big game species the sound of a baying hound under a treed squirrel is a memory that will endure.  Most of the small game outfitters will also provide comfortable lodging and exquisite meals.  Small game hunters that are not familiar with the local area will benefit greatly by opting for a guided small game hunt.

Small Game Hunting Equipment

Small gauge shotguns and small caliber rifles are used for small game hunting.  Many rifle manufacturers offer special high accuracy small game rifles.  Many small gauge shotguns are collectible and can be passed down to younger generations. 

Mid weight, fall hunting clothing is essential.  Since small game hunting occurs earlier in the fall than other hunting seasons you need hunting clothes that will breathe and be comfortable in warmer temperatures. 

Hunting optics, like good binoculars, are also needed to spot many species of small game in the field.  Check out online deals during the off season to enjoy savings on small game hunting gear.