Squirrel Hunting Opportunities in Illinois are Abundant

Small game hunting has historically been a major component of the traditional pathway for people aspiring to becoming a hunter. Whereas small game hunting includes rabbit, dove, upland birds, and other species, the focus of this article will be on the most accessible of small game opportunities, the squirrel. A recent survey by the Human Dimensions Program at the Illinois Natural History Survey found that on average, Illinois hunters began hunting for squirrels at a younger age (average age of 13.9 years) compared to deer firearm hunters (average age 21.6 years). However, squirrel hunting is not just an entry point for young or aspiring hunters, but also an opportunity for lifelong hunters to get afield. During the past several decades, participation in squirrel hunting among Illinois hunters has continually decreased. During its heyday in the late 1950s, more than 250,000 squirrel hunters harvested around 3 million squirrels annually. In 2007, an estimated 50,000 Illinois hunters participated in squirrel hunting; by 2018, this number decreased to roughly 30,000 hunters.

In addition to spending time in nature and sourcing wild game, squirrel hunting is a great chance to perfect your hunting skills and gain confidence for even the most-seasoned hunters. The best part? Good hunting for squirrels can be readily found on most Illinois public sites and doesn’t require specialized or even expensive gear to get started. The barebone essentials are a shotgun (or other legal method of take), appropriate clothing, and the correct legal credentials required to hunt squirrels (e.g., hunting license, FOID card). See the Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for full details. You will also need a little patience and keen observation skills.

With liberal seasons dates for squirrels, hunting opportunities can be found throughout the year. For example, are you primarily an archery deer hunter that counts down the days for the upcoming season beginning in October? With squirrel season beginning on August 1, perhaps combine your scouting efforts for the upcoming deer season with a squirrel hunt. Maybe you’ll find that honey-hole stacked full of deer sign, or perhaps you’ll find a new love for small game hunting.

If you are new to squirrel hunting, focus on timbered areas that are primarily composed of hickory and oak stands. If you are having trouble identifying oak and hickory trees, simply look for hickory nuts or acorns scattered on the forest floor. If oaks or hickories are present, chances are, squirrels are also present. To confirm the presence of squirrels in an area, look at the fallen hickory nuts and acorns. If there is heavy squirrel activity in an area, you will see “cuttings” or chew marks on the acorns or hickory nuts indicating active feeding. Also, keep a keen lookout for squirrel nests, referred to as dreys. These dreys will be a nest high in the canopy comprised of leaf litter and twigs. Once you find an area that appears to have a high squirrel presence, sit down for 20 minutes, remaining still and quiet. If you don’t see a squirrel in 20 minutes, move spots and try again. Pretty soon you’ll be on your way to making squirrel and dumplings or any other favorite dishes.

If you are interested in learning how to hunt, the Illinois Learn to Hunt program has free workshops and online learning courses to get you started. Visit Illinois Learn to Hunt for more information or to begin learning today.

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Dan Stephens is a Hunter Recruitment Specialist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. The Illinois Learn to Hunt program is a statewide program designed to teach adults (18+) why, where and how to hunt a variety of species in Illinois. Visit Illinois Learn to Hunt for more information or to sign-up for an event near you.