Squirrel Hunting in North Carolina
Squirrel hunting is a popular pastime in North Carolina. It’s a great way to connect with nature and hone your hunting skills, and it’s accessible to hunters of all experience levels.
The state offers two distinct seasons for squirrel hunting: a fall/winter season and a spring season. While this article will provide information applicable to both seasons, we’ll primarily focus on the unique aspects of the spring squirrel season.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to squirrel hunting in North Carolina, covering everything you need to know about regulations, techniques, safety, and the specific opportunities and considerations for hunting squirrels during the spring season.
North Carolina Squirrel Hunting Seasons and Regulations
If you’re planning to hunt squirrels in North Carolina, it’s crucial to know the regulations set by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Here’s a breakdown of the seasons, bag limits, and rules you’ll need to follow.
General Season Dates and Bag Limits
North Carolina offers both a fall/winter and a spring squirrel hunting season:
- Fall/Winter Season: This season typically begins in [Insert Date – Check NCWRC Regulations] and runs through [Insert Date – Check NCWRC Regulations]. During this time, the bag limit for gray squirrels is 8 per day.
- Spring Season: The spring season is shorter, usually taking place in May. For example, in 2024, the season ran from May 12-26. Dates can change slightly from year to year, so always check the NCWRC website. The bag limit for gray squirrels remains at 8 per day.
General Hunting Regulations
It’s important to understand what the state means by “take” and to adhere to general restrictions:
- Definition of “Take”: According to the NCWRC, “take” includes any action related to capturing, killing, pursuing, hunting, harming, or even possessing wildlife. So, the regulations apply to more than just shooting.
- General Restrictions: Hunters must follow specific rules about the methods and equipment they use. Make sure you’re up-to-date on these before heading out.
- Shooting Hours: Generally, you can hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Keep in mind North Carolina has specific rules about hunting on Sundays:
- Firearm Restrictions: Hunting with firearms is not allowed between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. This is a long-standing tradition in the state.
- Exceptions: There are exceptions to this rule. For example, controlled hunting preserves and hunting with archery equipment are often permitted during those hours.
Always consult the official NCWRC regulations before hunting. Regulations can change, and it’s your responsibility to be informed.
What are the legal methods of take?
North Carolina has specific rules about the types of equipment you can use when hunting squirrels, and you’ll want to be aware of these before you head out to the woods.
Firearm Regulations
If you’re using a firearm, here are the regulations you need to know:
- Shotguns: You can use a shotgun to hunt squirrels, but the shotgun can’t be larger than 10-gauge.
- Pistols: You can use a pistol, but only a .22-caliber rimfire pistol.
- Rifles: Rifles are permitted for squirrel hunting.
Archery Equipment
If archery is more your speed, here’s what you need to know:
- Legal Archery Equipment: Longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows are all allowed for hunting squirrels.
- Minimum Pull Strength: Keep in mind that North Carolina has minimum pull strength requirements for archery equipment, and these requirements vary depending on the animal you’re hunting.
Blackpowder Firearms
In North Carolina, you can use blackpowder firearms during certain designated seasons.
Hunting with Dogs
Want to take your canine pal along on the hunt? Here’s what to be aware of:
- Permitted in Most Areas: Squirrel hunting with dogs is generally okay throughout the state.
- Restrictions: Be sure to check local regulations for any specific county restrictions on hunting with dogs.
Spring squirrel hunting: unique opportunities and considerations
North Carolina’s spring squirrel hunting season gives hunters an extra chance to get out in the woods during mild weather, and when other hunting seasons are closed.
Is a spring season biologically sound? The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has determined that a spring hunting season doesn’t hurt the squirrel population.
The spring season actually came about because squirrel hunters asked for it. The NCWRC listened and made it happen.
What’s spring squirrel hunting like?
Hunters report good hunting in the spring, maybe even better than in the fall. Squirrels seem to be more active, especially during breeding season.
Squirrels are following scent trails and gathering together. Hunters refer to these groups as “scurries.”
Spring squirrel diet and hunting techniques
In the springtime, squirrels tend to munch on green pine cones and hardwood leaf buds.
Stalking, using calls, and tracking scents are all good ways to hunt squirrels in the spring. Some hunters use a “Mr. Squirrel” call to attract them.
You can also shake a branch against the ground to imitate the sound of a squirrel struggling. This may attract the attention of other squirrels in the area.
Calm weather or a day with a light wind is ideal because it’s easier to spot squirrels moving around. Some hunters prefer foggy mornings or misty days to improve their visibility.
A word of caution: fleas and safe handling
Fleas can be a problem in the spring, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your game.
If you harvest a squirrel, you can kill the fleas on it right away by spraying it with isopropyl alcohol or eyeglass cleaner.
Once you’ve done that, put the squirrel in a zippered plastic food storage bag to keep the fleas from spreading.
Hunting techniques and strategies
So, you’re ready to head into the woods in search of some squirrels? Here are a few strategies that might help you have a successful hunt.
Scouting and identifying squirrel habitat
Before you even think about raising your rifle, spend some time scouting the area to find the best places to hunt. Look for:
- Food sources. Squirrels love oak, hickory, and beech nuts. If you can locate groves of these trees, chances are good you’ll find squirrels nearby.
- Signs of squirrel activity. Search for nests (also called dreys), gnawed nuts, and squirrel droppings.
Calling techniques
Calling can be a great way to lure squirrels into your hunting area, especially if activity is low. There are several types of calls you can use:
- Squirrel distress calls
- Bark calls
- Chatter calls
Stalking techniques
Stalking involves moving slowly and quietly through the woods, trying to spot squirrels before they spot you. Here are a few tips:
- Pay close attention to the sounds of the forest.
- Use trees, bushes, and other natural cover to conceal your movement.
Still hunting
Still hunting involves finding a good vantage point and waiting for squirrels to come to you.
- Choose a spot with good visibility.
- Be patient and watch for squirrel movement.
Safety and ethical considerations
As with any kind of hunting, there are some important safety and ethical considerations to bear in mind when you’re out hunting squirrels.
Hunter safety
- Hunter orange. Wearing hunter orange is a must to make sure you’re visible to other hunters. North Carolina mandates hunter orange attire for various hunting activities.
- Firearm safety. Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, and be aware of everything around you, including what’s beyond your target.
- Safe handling of game. It’s best to avoid direct contact with blood and body fluids. Wearing gloves when you’re handling squirrels can help protect you from pathogens.
Ethical hunting practices
- Fair chase. Ethically, you want to give the animal a fair chance. Don’t stack the odds in your favor to the point where the hunt isn’t sporting.
- Respect for wildlife. It’s important to avoid any unnecessary harm to the animals.
- Landowner permission. Always get the landowner’s permission before hunting on private property. Trespassing is against the law.
Responsible hunting practices help preserve wildlife populations and habitats for future generations. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe, ethical, and enjoyable squirrel hunting experience in North Carolina.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s squirrel hunting season provides opportunities for both fall and spring harvests. To make the most of your time in the woods, it’s important to understand the current regulations, practice effective hunting techniques, and, above all, prioritize safety.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, I encourage you to participate responsibly and ethically, always respecting wildlife and private landowners.
Squirrel hunting can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity for hunters of all skill levels. With the right preparation and a commitment to responsible hunting practices, you can have a safe and successful season and enjoy the beauty of North Carolina’s natural landscapes.