Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- If there’s one game animal that could use some additional attention in Pennsylvania, it’s squirrels. Pennsylvania Game Commission field officers report squirrel populations are strong in most areas of the state.

Gray squirrels continue to be found across Pennsylvania in sizable numbers, and the black-phase gray squirrel isn’t hard to find north of Interstate-80 and east of the Ohio line all the way into the state’s north/central counties.

Fox squirrels also are becoming increasingly available as they continue to push east of the Allegheny Front and north through Pennsylvania’s ridges and valleys. Fox squirrels can be found as far east as the Susquehanna River.

Squirrel populations have been enjoying the benefits of declining hunting pressure and the maturation of habitat in the state for some time. These factors have spurred fox squirrel range expansion and recovery.

Squirrels Abound In Pennsylvania’s Forests And Woodlots

“Gray squirrels are our most abundant game species and are found throughout Pennsylvania,” said Tom Hardisky, Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist. “Look for mast-producing trees such as walnut, butternut, oak and hickory when searching for the best hunting areas. In agricultural areas, woodlots in the vicinity of standing cornfields often support large numbers of squirrels. They can be found throughout deep woods areas. The black squirrel is actually a color phase of the gray squirrel. In general, black squirrels can be found in the northern half of Pennsylvania. Squirrels with this black color variation often occur in local concentrations scattered about their northern Pennsylvania range.

“Fox squirrels are up to 50 percent larger than gray squirrels and weigh about two pounds,” Hardisky explained.

“Fox squirrels have been expanding their range eastward in recent years and now inhabit much of the western half of Pennsylvania. They prefer more open areas than gray squirrels and are not found in the deep woods. Fox squirrels favor open fields and pastures with large trees nearby. Small woodlots and forest edges are typical fox squirrel haunts. Although some gray squirrels may possess orange coloration along their sides and tails, fox and gray squirrels do not interbreed, nor do gray and red squirrels. Each squirrel species has some color variation, even within local populations. However, this color variation largely results from genetic differences. Local diet, habitat, and climate differences also may contribute to color variation.”

When hunting squirrels, look for large-trunked trees near a food source. Larger trees offer better protection from predators and are favorite den sites. Gray squirrels are most active during the early morning and evening, while fox squirrels often travel during mid-day.

Squirrel season opens on Oct. 15, and runs through Nov. 26. The season reopens on Dec. 12-23, and Dec. 26-Feb. 25. The daily limit is six.

Pennsylvania’s youth squirrel hunt opened on Oct. 8, and closes today, Oct. 14. The season open to youths 12 to 16 years of age who have successfully completed a Hunter-Trapper Education course and are properly accompanied by an adult. A hunting license is not required to participate.

Hunters also are reminded that squirrels are listed as a game animal that can be pursued by youngsters participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which permits those under the age of 12 to hunt under the guidance of a mentor.

Squirrel hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing, visible 360 degrees, at all times.

West Virginia Wild

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Dawn broke cool and quiet with only a hint of a breeze.

The aroma of fall leaves was drifting on the breeze. There was some fog rising from the valley below where the river wound its way through the bottoms and pastureland.

It had been a good year for hickory and the squirrels were already cutting in the shellbark and pignuts. In years past, the squirrels had often cut out the hickory and moved by the time the season opened around the 15th of October.

This year would be different. This early September season would provide some good shooting before the squirrels cut out the hickory and dispersed throughout the woods in search of acorns.

WV's Frank Jezioro Squirrel Hunting

The first sounds I heard were those of a few scolding crows. Then some songbirds woke up. I was concentrating on the birds when a rustle of leaves high in the hickory in front of me caught my attention. I could see the leaves moving and knew it was a squirrel pulling off hickory nuts, but I just couldn’t see him. I was hunting with a Winchester Model 52 Sporter and low velocity hollow points and needed a good clear shot at a sitting squirrel. I could hear the squirrel cutting the nut but couldn’t see it.

Then I caught another glimpse of movement and picked up a second squirrel scampering up the 60-foot-high shellbark. It too went out on a limb and pulled off a nut. The mistake it made was to then go back to where the limb joined the main trunk of the tree. There in the fork of the limb the big gray sat up and began to work on the nut. I squirmed into a good solid position, resting my hand with the forefend of the rifle against the trunk of the tree I was sitting by. The squirrel continued cutting as I put the tiny Lee Dot in the scope on his head. At the crack of the .22 the squirrel pitched out and hit the ground with a thud. The forest got quite again. I let it lie there while I began to again search for the first squirrel.

After a few minutes it, too, began to cut on a nut. This time, its movement betrayed it sitting high on an outer limb. Another crack of the .22 and a second hit the ground, adding to the ingredients needed for a great dinner of squirrel, gravy and biscuits.

The options for hunters in September are many and varied. Over the years, the Division of Natural Resources has searched for ways to increase hunting and fishing opportunities. Providing more time in the fields and on the streams is a priority. When reviewing any change to the seasons or bag limits, the first consideration has to be the welfare of the resource. We must be ever vigilant to make sure that any change doesn’t have a negative impact on the game and fish.

After several years of consideration and review of information, it was decided that we could in fact provide some early hunting for squirrels, bow hunting for deer and muzzleloader hunting for deer. This year, our hunters will add squirrel, dove, goose, deer and coyote to the game that can be hunted in September. Whatever your pleasure, the opportunities are there this September. If at all possible, introduce another person to the out-of-door activities of hunting and fishing, especially a youngster or two.

That old axiom still rings true that “if you take your children hunting you won’t wind up hunting for your children.”

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The beginning of squirrel season is just around the corner, are you ready? Often revered as a celebrated American fall tradition, squirrel hunting provides the perfect opportunity to introduce youth or a novice to the sport of hunting.

Unlike some big game hunts, the pursuit of bushytails often involves more action for energetic youth, providing a greater level of interaction with the outdoors.

Georgia Squirrel Hunting Season Opens August 15Th

Beginning August 15, 2011 and lasting through February 28, 2012, hunters can pursue both gray and fox squirrels. The maximum daily bag limit is 12 per hunter.

“Prior to the successful restoration of white-tailed deer, pursuing squirrels in the fall became a significant cultural hunting tradition in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s Game Management assistant chief. “Squirrel hunting provides one of our best opportunities to introduce youth to hunting, instill in them our responsibilities to wildlife conservation and provide exposure to the outdoors. Additionally, it’s fun, inexpensive and provides constant action.”

Squirrel hunting, especially with squirrel dogs such as feists, terriers and curs, is a great way to introduce youth to hunting and the outdoors. In terms of number of hunters and harvest, squirrels are the second most pursued small game species in Georgia, behind doves.

Georgia’s wildlife management areas offer access to nearly one million acres of hunting opportunity for only $19 a year, and squirrel hunting is allowed on WMAs at specified times during the statewide squirrel season. Hunters are advised to check the hunting regulations for specific WMAs and dates.

The two species
Both the gray and fox squirrels can be found throughout Georgia. The gray squirrel, abundant in both rural and urban areas is the most common species. Though mostly associated with hardwood forests, grays also can be found in mixed pine/hardwood forests. Predominantly gray, with white under parts, gray squirrels appear more slender-bodied than fox squirrels, weighing anywhere from 12 ounces to one-and-a-half pounds.

Fox squirrels have several color phases, varying from silver-gray with a predominantly black head, to solid black, to a light buff or brown color tinged with reddish-yellow. Generally larger than grays, fox squirrels range in weight from one pound to nearly three, and are more closely associated with mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats and especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.

For more information on the 2011-2012 squirrel hunting season or other small game hunting seasons, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com . To renew or purchase a hunting license, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/recreational-licenses .

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY MO --(Ammoland.com)- The fourth Saturday in May marks the opening of squirrel season in Missouri. Hunters may pursue gray and fox squirrels from May 28 through Feb. 15, 2012, with rifles, shotguns or archery equipment. The aggregate bag limit is 10 squirrels and the possession limit is 20.

“Aggregate” means hunters may harvest any combination of fox and gray squirrels so long as they do not exceed 10 squirrels total in one day.

If hunters bag a daily limit two days in a row, they will have a possession limit of 20 squirrels. After that, they must eat or give away some squirrels before going hunting again in order to stay within the possession limit.

Hunters also may take squirrels with cage-type traps, as long as they label traps with their full name and address, or their Conservation number. Squirrel traps also must have openings measuring 144 square inches or less, for instance, 12 inches by 12 inches. Hunters must attend their traps daily. The same regulations apply to rabbits and groundhogs during their respective seasons.

Lonnie Hansen, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s resource scientist in charge of squirrel management, explained that squirrel numbers in the Ozarks are somewhat dependent on acorn production while squirrels have a more diverse and dependable food base in northern Missouri thanks to agricultural crops. As a result, squirrel populations are more stable there, and hunting is uniformly good from year to year.

“We had a tremendous acorn crop last fall so squirrel numbers should be building in the Ozarks,” Hansen said. “Squirrel numbers should also be high elsewhere. I think squirrel hunting should be excellent this year.”

Squirrels – A Great Primer for Young Hunters

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- October kicks off the bulk of our fall and winter hunting seasons.

We will see our sportsmen and women running in different directions, depending on their heritage and traditions.

Probably the greatest number of hunters will be out trying to arrow a nice fat whitetail – buck or doe. There will be others scratching on their various turkey calls just waiting for the chance to “bust up” a flock of fall turkeys. Grouse and woodcock hunters have waited all year for the opportunity to follow their bird dogs into the uplands at this most beautiful time of year. But for a handful of hunters, it is the bushytail that holds their attention.

Most of the hunters of my generation, I would say those 50 and older, started their hunting careers with a pain in the neck from looking up while sitting under a big hickory or oak tree. But for the past 20 years or so, the emphasis has been on deer hunting. With the explosion of deer numbers and the improvements in our guns and bows, it became much easier to kill a deer. With deer so visible, it is no wonder that there’s so much interest.

But in reality, it is probably the small game hunter, and especially the squirrel hunter, who has the greatest knowledge that we will refer to as “woodsmanship.”

By this I mean the squirrel hunter will learn the stealth of making a sneak or stalk. They learn to walk softly and to move when their noise is covered by a rush of wind, or maybe a plane or other vehicles going by. The squirrel hunter, by necessity, will probably have a greater knowledge of the woods, its trees, shrubs and fruit trees. To be successful, the squirrel hunter needs to be able to recognize food trees such as white oak, red oak, beech nut, hickory nut, butternut, walnut and even dogwood trees. Point is, at various times of the fall and winter, and depending on what “mast” “hit,” the squirrel hunter will have to find these food sources to find the squirrels. Squirrels do move or migrate and they will go until they find a solid food source.

Frank Jezioro Squirrel Hunting in West Virginia

Why do I consider the squirrel hunter to be one of the better woodsmen, you ask?
Well, I have set out what the squirrel hunter learns about the woods and how to locate his quarry. On the other hand, we have developed a generation of deer hunters who think the way to hunt deer is to put your four-wheeler in the back of your truck, throw a sack of corn on the back, drive the truck to within about 200 yards of your tree stand or ground blind. Then you ride your four-wheeler the 200 yards to your stand or blind because you certainly don’t want to walk and maybe get some good exercise. Then you dump the corn on the ground or in the feeder and the wait begins. So instead of hiking through the woods and “hunting” for your game, you sit and wait for the game to find the food.

Let me point out that this is perfectly legal and, if this is the way you prefer to hunt, more power to you. And there is good reason for this type of hunting. For one, it is easier than hiking through the mountains looking for a squirrel, turkey, and especially grouse hunting, which requires a lot of miles.

One reason for this popularity is that we are inundated with blind and stand deer hunting. I might venture to say that 70 percent of the TV shows that are so popular on the outdoor channels depict this type of hunting. Even if they don’t show the bait being used, you only have to use your head to know why it is that 10 deer, five of which are trophy bucks, walk out of the Texas Brush country and all of a sudden stop to eat on a dirt road.

My concern is that we are not teaching woodsmanship or hunting as much as we are teaching “shooting.” Now understand I come from another generation and if however you are hunting is your personal choice, and if you are having fun, go to it. Any way people want to hunt, within the legal and ethical guidelines established by law or principal, is better than not hunting at all. But in a time when we are concerned with people having an outdoor experience that presents some exercise and throws in some outdoor education, you might want to introduce your youngsters or first time hunters to squirrel or rabbit hunting. The thing that brings back these types of hunters is success and action.

I see and hear about taking very young kids hunting and, while they are waiting for something to come by the blind to shoot, they are completely engrossed in the video game they have brought along. So they sit there, fingers gong feverishly, completely oblivious to what is going on in God’s great outdoors around them.

So as you prepare to expose someone to hunting, you might want to consider squirrel hunting as the perfect primer. And if you want to take it a step further, you can use a .22 rimfire rifle and scope and make the squirrel hunt a mini big game hunt.

Pick your targets carefully, make sure of your backstop, sight where will the arrow, shot charge or bullet go if you miss, and get out and enjoy the beautiful October mountains of West Virginia.

Visit: blogs.wvcommerce.org/blogs/West-Virginia-WILD/

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(AmmoLand.com)- The small game hunting seasons in West Virginia began Oct. 10 with the opening of squirrel season.

“Squirrel season is very popular with many West Virginia sportsmen,” said Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

“It is a time when hunters can participate in one of their favorite sports and also enjoy the fall beauty of the mountain state.”

• · Squirrel – The above-average hickory and walnut crop in 2008 resulted in good over-winter squirrel survival and good reproduction in 2009. A recent mast survey conducted by DNR indicates that statewide, oak, hickory, and walnut production this summer was significantly lower than last year. Squirrels will be concentrated in areas that have mast available. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six.
• · Ruffed Grouse – The ruffed grouse season opened Oct. 17 and closes Feb. 28, 2010. Brood counts for ruffed grouse were higher in the mountains and southern regions of the state when compared to 2008 brood numbers. Unfortunately, they were lower in the Eastern Panhandle, central and northern regions. Grouse hunters should look for areas that provide ample cover and soft mast species such as grape, hawthorn, dogwood and greenbrier. Mast survey results indicate that these species did not produce as well this summer as in 2008. The daily bag limit for grouse is four.
• · Raccoon – Hunting season for raccoons opened Oct. 17and will continue through Feb. 28, 2010. Favorable mast conditions in recent years have allowed raccoon populations to increase. Food sources are not as plentiful this year as in recent seasons. However, hunters and their hounds should still have a very successful season. Raccoon hunters are reminded that the daily bag limit is four.
• · Cottontail rabbit and other small game species – Opening day of cottontail rabbit season is Nov. 7. Rabbit populations are expected to be higher than last year. Old fields and brushy pastures are the best habitat types in which to pursue cottontails. Snowshoe hare, bobwhite quail, bobcat, red fox and gray fox hunting seasons also open Nov. 7. Hunters should be aware of daily bag limits and season possession limits for each species.
• · Trapping seasons – Nov. 7 also marks the opening of trapping season for fur bearing animals in West Virginia. Populations of beaver, bobcat, fox, mink and raccoon are good, and trappers should be very successful. Trappers are reminded that season closing dates vary for the different species.

For more complete information on season dates and bag limits, consult the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations brochure available at all hunting and fishing license agents, DNR District Offices and the DNR Web site, www.wvdnr.gov.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)-If there’s one game animal that could use some additional attention in Pennsylvania, it’s squirrels. Pennsylvania Game Commission field officers report squirrel populations are strong in most areas of the state.

Gray squirrels continue to be found across Pennsylvania in sizable numbers, and the black-phase gray squirrel isn’t hard to find north of Interstate-80 and east of the Ohio line all the way into the state’s north-central counties. Fox squirrels also are becoming increasingly available as they continue to push east of the Allegheny Front and north through Pennsylvania’s ridges and valleys. Fox squirrels can be found as far east as the Susquehanna River.

Squirrel populations have been enjoying the benefits of declining hunting pressure and the maturation of habitat instate for some time. These factors have spurred fox squirrel range expansion and recovery. Game Commission field officers believe squirrel hunting will be good to excellent in many of the state’s forests and woodlots.

For county-specific details on game populations, habitat conditions and where-to-go hunting information, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Reports filed by Wildlife Conservation Officers, Land Managers and foresters are available from every county. To access them, just click on the “Field Officer Game Forecasts” link found on the homepage.

“Gray squirrels are our most abundant game species and are found throughout Pennsylvania,” said Tom Hardisky, Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist. “Look for mast-producing trees such as walnut, butternut, oak and hickory when searching for the best hunting areas. In agricultural areas, woodlots in the vicinity of standing cornfields often support large numbers of squirrels. They can be found throughout deep woods areas. The black squirrel is actually a color phase of the gray squirrel. In general, black squirrels can be found in the northern half of Pennsylvania. Squirrels with this black color variation often occur in local concentrations scattered about their northern Pennsylvania range.

“Fox squirrels are up to 50 percent larger than gray squirrels and weigh about two pounds,” Hardisky explained. “Fox squirrels have been expanding their range eastward in recent years and now inhabit much of the western half of Pennsylvania. They prefer more open areas than gray squirrels and are not found in the deep woods. Fox squirrels favor open fields and pastures with large trees nearby. Small woodlots and forest edges are typical fox squirrel haunts. Although some gray squirrels may possess orange coloration along their sides and tails, fox and gray squirrels do not interbreed, nor do gray and red squirrels. Each squirrel species has some color variation, even within local populations. However, this color variation largely results from genetic differences. Local diet, habitat, and climate differences also may contribute to color variation.”

When hunting squirrels, look for large-trunked trees near a food source. Larger trees offer better protection from predators and are favorite den sites. Gray squirrels are most active during the early morning and evening, while fox squirrels often travel during mid-day.

Squirrel season opens on Oct. 17, and runs through Nov. 28. The season reopens on Dec. 14-23, and Dec. 26-Feb. 6. The daily limit is six.

Pennsylvania’s youth squirrel hunt will be held Oct. 10-16 and is open to youths 12 to 16 years of age who have successfully completed a hunter-trapper education course and are properly accompanied by an adult. A hunting license is not required to participate.

Hunters also are reminded that squirrels are listed as a game animal that can be pursued by youngsters participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which permits those under the age of 12 to hunt under the guidance of a mentor. For more information about this new program, visit the Game Commission’s website and click on Mentored Youth FAQs in the “Quick Clicks” box in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.

Information on both of these youth hunting programs also can be found on page 13 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer.

Squirrel hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing, visible 360 degrees, at all times. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(AmmoLand.com)-The Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will sponsor a Beyond BOW (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) Women’s Squirrel and Archery Deer Hunt, Oct. 15-17, for women interested in squirrel hunting and/or archery deer hunting.

There is no structured instruction, but a number of women will be available for assistance. All participants will need a valid hunting license. Early registration is recommended as space is limited.

Participants will stay the nights of October 15, 16, and 17 at the Lantz House, a farmhouse owned and operated by Wheeling Jesuit University, which adjoins Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area near Jacksonburg in Wetzel County.

• · Archery Hunt: If you choose to take part in this hunt you must be an experienced archer with your own equipment and be able to show proficiency.
• · Squirrel Hunt: You must bring your own .22 caliber rifle or shotgun with appropriate ammunition. Blaze orange is not required, but recommended.

“We are also planning a Beyond BOW Women’s Deer Hunt December 5-7,” said event organizer Billie Shearer. “This antlerless deer hunt will be in Lewis County. Participants will receive instruction on basic firearms safety, deer hunting techniques and field dressing. There will be a trip to the rifle range to sight in your firearm and for target practice.”

To participate in this antlerless deer hunt, you must be at least 18 years old and preference will be given to those who have attended a BOW workshop, a BOW hunter safety class, and those who have not attended a previous BOW hunt. Participants will need a valid hunting license and a Class N stamp. All participants will need to bring their own firearm and ammunition. All licenses may be purchased at any license agent or online at www.wvhunt.com.

Applications are now available, but space is very limited. For more information, please contact Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771 or billieshearer@wvdnr.gov.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ —-(AmmoLand.com)- Cooler temperatures signals that fall is finally here, and Friday, Oct. 2 marks the opening day for quail (Gambel’s and scaled) and tree squirrel hunting.

To add to the fun, rabbit season for cottontails and jackrabbits is open all year round.

All of these species offer affordable, healthy outdoor recreation, exciting hunting pursuits, and dandy table-fare.

Equipment needed to hunt this quarry is minimal, requiring a general hunting license, a shotgun (.410- to 12-gauge), plenty of No. 7 ½ or 6’s upland shot shells, and a good pair of boots. Young hunters 13 and under (when accompanied by a licensed adult) do not need a hunting license.

Each species is a challenging quarry and hunting them will take you to just about anywhere you would like to go in Arizona – a great excuse for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Quail and rabbit can be hunted in the open spaces of the lower desert up to the rolling hills of scrub oaks and manzanita bush of the mid-level desert. Squirrel hunting is your passport to the towering ponderosa pine forests of the mountain region, during a time when leaves are changing and the air is crisp.

For hunting tips, seasonal outlooks, hunting dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting and choose “small game outlook.”

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ —-(AmmoLand.com)- The overall outlook for small game this year is ‘good’ — not great and not bad – but good. And, that’s good, because in Arizona we are blessed with an incredible array of wildlife species to hunt in the fall. Even if one species isn’t flourishing, there are others that offer challenging pursuit.

Squirrel and rabbit hunting offer the brightest lights in the forecast, with Gambel’s quail coming up a little short this year. With that said, dedicated and resourceful quail hunters will still find some areas where populations are doing well by keying in on seasonal rainfall information and be able to have productive hunts. Scaled quail should be fair to average, which is enough to make the trip south worthwhile.

Mearns’ quail this year won’t measure up to the back-to-back “very good” seasons we had. However, the rolling grasslands and drainages in southern Arizona should still offer some decent hunting for one of the most unique quail species. One thing for certain, a trip down south offers a mixed bag of opportunities for dove, rabbit, and possibly another species of quail – maybe all three.

Another potentially bright light is waterfowl season, which starts Oct. 9 (mountain zone). Duck numbers are up in the Pacific Flyway, and Utah has reported a strong local population. If an early cold winter hits the northern states, Arizona could see plenty of migrating ducks in our waters.

As the season progresses, late season dove opens on Nov. 20 and it should not disappoint. As the desert begins to green up from the fall moisture, desert water tanks should become productive hunting spots.

For hunting tips, seasonal outlooks, hunting dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting and choose “small game outlook.”

Happy hunting, and be safe.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

West Virginia DNR

West Virginia --(AmmoLand.com)- West Virginia’s youth waterfowl season has been set for Sept. 26, 2009, and the youth squirrel season is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2009, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources.

“These special youth hunts provide an excellent opportunity to introduce youngsters to our state’s strong hunting heritage,” said Taylor. “The mild days of early fall are a great time to be afield with our youth, and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced hunters to mentor our youngsters on the various aspects of hunting such as the safe handling of firearms, hunter ethics and wildlife conservation.”

Youth Waterfowl Season Sept. 26
Youth waterfowl hunters must be less than 16 years of age on the day of the hunt to participate in the youth waterfowl season. Youth hunters age 14 and under are not required to have a hunting license. Those who have reached their 15th birthday must possess a valid state hunting license (A, XJ, XXJ, AB-L or A-L) and HIP registration card, or be a qualified resident landowner. The youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age. Landowners over 15 years of age are not exempt from the requirement to carry a valid migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp, commonly called the duck stamp. The daily bag limit for the waterfowl hunt is the same as during the regular season with several species restrictions.

Youth Squirrel Season Oct. 3
Youth squirrel hunters must be less than 15 years of age on the day of the hunt to participate in the youth squirrel season. Youth hunters are not required to have a hunting license; however, they must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years of age or older. The supervising adult may not hunt or carry a firearm or bow and must remain near enough to the youth to render advice and assistance. The daily bag limit for the youth squirrel season is six squirrels.

For additional information, hunters should check the 2009-2010 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2009-2010 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations. These publications are available at all license agents, DNR offices and the DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(AmmoLand.com)- Whether still, stalk or squirrel dog hunting is your preference, the beginning of squirrel season is just around the corner.

Often revered as a celebrated American fall tradition, squirrel hunting provides the perfect opportunity to introduce youth or a novice to the sport of hunting. Unlike some big game hunts, the pursuit of bushytails often involves more action for energetic youth, providing a greater level of interaction with the outdoors.

Beginning August 15, 2009 and lasting through February 28, 2010, hunters can pursue both gray and fox squirrels. The maximum daily bag limit is 12 per hunter.

“Prior to the successful restoration of white-tailed deer, pursuing squirrels in the fall was a significant cultural tradition in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s Game Management assistant chief. “Squirrel hunting can provide one of our best opportunities to introduce the younger generation to hunting and instill in them our responsibilities to wildlife conservation. Additionally, it’s fun, less expensive and provides constant action.”

Squirrel hunting, especially with squirrel dogs such as feists, terriers and curs, is a great way to introduce youth to hunting and the outdoors. In terms of number of hunters and harvest, squirrels are the second most pursued small game species in Georgia, behind doves.

Georgia’s wildlife management areas offer more than one million acres of hunting opportunity for only $19 a year, and squirrel hunting is allowed on WMAs at specified times during the statewide squirrel season. Hunters are advised to check the hunting regulations for specific WMAs and dates.

The two species

Both the gray and fox squirrels can be found throughout Georgia. The gray squirrel, abundant in both rural and urban areas is the most common species. Though mostly associated with hardwood forests, grays also can be found in mixed pine/hardwood forests. Predominantly gray, with white under parts, gray squirrels appear more slender-bodied than fox squirrels, weighing anywhere from 12 ounces to one-and-a-half pounds.

Fox squirrels have several color phases, varying from silver-gray with a predominantly black head, to solid black, to a light buff or brown color tinged with reddish-yellow. Generally larger than grays, fox squirrels range in weight from one pound to nearly three, and are more closely associated with mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats and especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.

What about the ‘lumpy’ variety?

This time of year, hunters and wildlife watchers often come across a few squirrels with an out-of-the-ordinary ‘lumpy’ appearance. These lumps and bumps are not tumors and actually are caused by warbles, which are bot fly larvae growing just under the squirrel’s skin.

Bot flies (cuterebra emasculator) naturally parasitize gray squirrels, fox squirrels and chipmunks throughout the eastern and midwestern regions of North America. Affected squirrels typically are observed during late summer and early fall – from mid to late July to the end of October.

Adult bot flies lay their eggs in the vicinity of the squirrel’s habitat or directly on the squirrel. Once the larva hatches, it enters a body opening and migrates to a location underneath the skin of the squirrel. The larva creates a warble pore where it grows for three to ten weeks, matures and exits, falling to the ground. There it burrows to pupate and the cycle repeats itself the following year.

Affected squirrels tend to recover quickly once the larvae exit from the warbles to the ground.

While the sight of a squirrel with warbles may be a bit unsettling, they generally pose no threat to uninfected squirrels, other wildlife, humans or domestic animals, and are perfectly safe for squirrel hunters to skin and eat.

For more information on the 2009-2010 squirrel hunting season or other small game hunting seasons, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact a local Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Squirrel hunting season begins Aug. 1, and Nebraskans have an opportunity to introduce young or novice hunters to a new outdoor activity.

Taking a new hunter along on a squirrel hunt in the woods can serve as an introduction to the pursuit of other game, such as waterfowl, pheasants, turkeys, and deer. It also may develop a novice’s sense of stewardship of natural resources and appreciation for conservation.

“Squirrel hunting is cheap, fun and a great way to experience the spirit of the hunt,” said Mike Streeter, hunter education coordinator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “It also should reward you with some great table fare.

“This is one of the best times of year and game animals to introduce a youngster to hunting,” he said. “If you are teaching someone to hunt, don’t get caught up in the harvest, let the youth concentrate on that part of the hunt. Just be their teacher, ensuring safety and ethics.”

The following are Streeter’s tips on hunting safely in the woods:

– Use insect repellent with DEET.
– Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
– Watch out for other hunters. If you see another hunter stalking the woods, call out to identify yourself.
– Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
– Be careful when loading and unloading a firearm.
– Always know where the muzzle is pointed and never point it at a person.
– Inspect and clean your firearm before the hunt.

A $14 hunting permit ($81 for nonresidents) is good for hunting squirrels through the end of the season, Jan. 31, 2010. The daily bag limit is seven squirrels and the possession limit is 28.

Squirrels prefer to eat the nuts of oaks, hickories and walnuts. They will eat other types of nuts and fruit when preferred food types are not available. Scouting locations for trees that bear mast could pay off when it is time to hunt.

Nebraska residents age 16 or older and all nonresidents, regardless of age, need a hunting permit to hunt squirrels. A habitat stamp is required for residents 16 and older and all nonresidents.

Hunting permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, AR – -(AmmoLand.com)- “Round and round the mulberry bush” is an old nursery rhyme. But a savvy Arkansas squirrel hunter in the spring will take a slightly different route.

The hunter will find that mulberry, a tree, back off a ways and wait quietly. The mulberry is a squirrel magnet in spring, according to a veteran wildlife biologist with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Mike Widner, AGFC’s small game program coordinator, offers a short and simple spring squirrel game plan: “Find a big mulberry tree with ripening fruit and camp out. Go no farther. Collect eight squirrels. Come back tomorrow.”

Squirrels are hunted by many more people in the fall and winter than in spring in Arkansas. Squirrels commonly are associated with nuts, a favorite food. Hickory, acorn, pecan, walnut – squirrels love them, but these are absent in the spring.

In spring, squirrels eat the buds and flowers of red maples, elms, oaks and other trees and later feed on fruits like mulberries and the winged fruits of red maple. These foods have high energy contents and also high moisture contents that supply squirrels’ water needs, although most squirrels will also drink from available ground water sources. Nuts are still on the squirrel menu, as they also smell out nuts which they buried in fall and winter.

Widner said, “Often, mulberry doesn’t start to ripen until later in the spring squirrel season, but it’s probably the No. 1 late spring squirrel food in areas where it is available. Trusten Holder (former AGFC wildlife researcher) was an advocate of planting mulberry trees for wildlife. Birds love mulberries also. Birds do a good job of planting as the seeds are spread in their droppings. Fox squirrels are still digging up walnuts they have buried, but most acorns are long gone.

“Other foods eaten by squirrels in spring are other early fruits, mushrooms, some buds and green twigs, seeds, insects and insect larvae, bulbs and roots of herbaceous plants, and later, developing crops such as corn and soybeans. Salt is also craved during spring months.”

Spring squirrel season in Arkansas this year is May 16 through June 14. Daily bag limit is eight. Dogs are allowed.

Spring squirrel hunters, though comparatively few in number, tell of some advantages.

The weather is better, excepting rain showers and thunderstorms. The woods tend to be damp, making for more silent moving around for hunters in contrast to fall hunts which can be over crunchy dry ground and brush.

Looking up into green tree tops sometimes lets a hunter see a squirrel more readily than in the fall when leaves are brown, and a reddish brown or gray squirrel blends in.

The woods are nearly empty of people. Turkey season has ended. For most of spring squirrel season, school is underway, making youngsters not likely to be roaming around on weekdays.

When a hunter bangs one or more squirrels this time of year, keeping the carcass cool is more of a factor than in cooler weather. A mesh bag like an onion sack is one choice over putting the squirrels into a game bag or pocket that doesn’t allow air circulation.

About:
The mission of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is to wisely manage all the fish and wildlife resources of Arkansas while providing maximum enjoyment for the people.

Kansas – -(AmmoLand.com)- February is a down time for many hunters, but one often over-looked game species is abundant and active in Kansas — the squirrel. But the season ends Feb. 28, and time is running out for those who want to hunt this elusive tree-dweller.

Kansas has two species of squirrels — the fox squirrel and the gray squirrel. Fox squirrels can be found throughout the state just about anywhere trees are abundant. They are at home in windbreaks and wooded riparian corridors, as well as larger forested tracts. Large, leafy nests in trees are a good indication of population density. Fox squirrels are active at midday and spend a good deal of time on the ground. Mature fox squirrels may weigh up to 3 pounds.

The gray squirrel’s range is limited to the forested regions of eastern Kansas. Smaller than fox squirrels, grays average about 1 pound. More difficult to hunt than fox squirrels, grays are most active around sunrise and sunset, usually spending midday hours in a tree hole.

Both squirrel species are usually hunted with a .22 rifle although novices often start with a small-bore shotgun. The best time to hunt is on calm, sunny days because squirrels often stick to dens when it’s windy. Winter hunting can be more difficult than summer or fall because trees are bare, but this shouldn’t deter the avid hunter. Move slowly into a wooded area where with nests and mast (nut) trees. Then sit quietly and listen for the cutting sound of a squirrel cracking nuts or scrambling through the trees. If the squirrels are out of range or don’t appear, move carefully after 20 minutes or so and take another stand. Many hunters use a squirrel distress call, especially in early fall, which can pull curious quarry in for a closer look. Chatter or bark calls work well, too.

Excellent squirrel hunting can be found on wooded public hunting areas, and there is typically little hunting pressure, especially in late winter. Permission to hunt on private land may also be easy to obtain due to lack of competition from other hunters.

The Kansas squirrel season runs June 1-Feb. 28 with a daily bag limit of five and a possession limit of 20. With only a few days in the season, it’s time to grab the .22 and head for the woods. To view a video on Kansas squirrel hunting, visit KDWP TV.