Post by Steve Sutton on May 6, 2010 17:56:41 GMT -5
Sportsmen wrap up their turkey hunting each spring just in time to prepare for the May 15 opener of squirrel season, one of Oklahoma's most generous hunting opportunities.
Squirrels are readily available on public and private lands all across the state. Hunters can harvest 10 squirrels daily and enjoy nearly nine full months (May 15-Jan. 31) of hunting opportunity.
Oklahoma is home to two species of squirrel that are legal to hunt — the eastern gray squirrel, which inhabits the eastern portion of the state, and the fox squirrel, which is found statewide in suitable habitats.
Sportsmen use several approaches to hunt squirrels, among them calling, stalking, still hunting or relying on dogs trained to hunt and locate squirrels. Both shotguns and .22 rifles are good choices for hunting small game.
One key element squirrel hunters should look for when deciding where to hunt is a squirrel food source that is producing food during the time of year that you plan to hunt. Foods attractive to squirrels include a variety of seeds, nuts, berries, insects, pinecones and buds from a variety of plants and trees. Depending on the time of year, some foods are more readily available than others. This spring, hunters should watch for mulberry trees and other fruit trees. As early fall arrives, hickory nuts will become attractive as well as other mast-producing trees. About any tract of oaks, hickory or pecan trees can be productive.
Additionally, hunters who use one of a variety of manufactured squirrel calls can locate squirrels quickly and even draw squirrels within close range, eliminating some of the guess work of deciding where to start their hunt. Hunters who use dogs generally send their dogs in the direction they wish to walk, and then follow behind while the dog locates a squirrel.
Regardless of method, hunters have no shortage of squirrel hunting opportunities. Excellent squirrel hunting can be found on a number of wildlife management areas, statewide, depending on which species sportsmen hope to find.
Hunters taking to the woods after squirrels would also be interested to know that squirrel skins and/or tails may be legally sold and have brought up to $2 for whole skins in past years.
Additionally, squirrel meat makes excellent tablefare and is popular for use in a variety of recipes. Long-celebrated squirrel meat preparations include fried with biscuits and gravy or served with dumplings, among others.
To hunt squirrels in Oklahoma, hunters need a resident or non-resident hunting license, unless exempt exempt. Resident hunters younger than age 16 can hunt squirrels without a license. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide season dates. For full details and regulations consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to the Wildlife Department’s website at wildlifedepartment.com.
Squirrels are readily available on public and private lands all across the state. Hunters can harvest 10 squirrels daily and enjoy nearly nine full months (May 15-Jan. 31) of hunting opportunity.
Oklahoma is home to two species of squirrel that are legal to hunt — the eastern gray squirrel, which inhabits the eastern portion of the state, and the fox squirrel, which is found statewide in suitable habitats.
Sportsmen use several approaches to hunt squirrels, among them calling, stalking, still hunting or relying on dogs trained to hunt and locate squirrels. Both shotguns and .22 rifles are good choices for hunting small game.
One key element squirrel hunters should look for when deciding where to hunt is a squirrel food source that is producing food during the time of year that you plan to hunt. Foods attractive to squirrels include a variety of seeds, nuts, berries, insects, pinecones and buds from a variety of plants and trees. Depending on the time of year, some foods are more readily available than others. This spring, hunters should watch for mulberry trees and other fruit trees. As early fall arrives, hickory nuts will become attractive as well as other mast-producing trees. About any tract of oaks, hickory or pecan trees can be productive.
Additionally, hunters who use one of a variety of manufactured squirrel calls can locate squirrels quickly and even draw squirrels within close range, eliminating some of the guess work of deciding where to start their hunt. Hunters who use dogs generally send their dogs in the direction they wish to walk, and then follow behind while the dog locates a squirrel.
Regardless of method, hunters have no shortage of squirrel hunting opportunities. Excellent squirrel hunting can be found on a number of wildlife management areas, statewide, depending on which species sportsmen hope to find.
Hunters taking to the woods after squirrels would also be interested to know that squirrel skins and/or tails may be legally sold and have brought up to $2 for whole skins in past years.
Additionally, squirrel meat makes excellent tablefare and is popular for use in a variety of recipes. Long-celebrated squirrel meat preparations include fried with biscuits and gravy or served with dumplings, among others.
To hunt squirrels in Oklahoma, hunters need a resident or non-resident hunting license, unless exempt exempt. Resident hunters younger than age 16 can hunt squirrels without a license. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide season dates. For full details and regulations consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to the Wildlife Department’s website at wildlifedepartment.com.