Two Person Squirrel Hunting Tactic
Squirrel Hunting as a pair offers a few distinct advantages over solo hunting.
First, it is a great way to introduce the sport of squirrel hunting to beginners and children.
Secondly, it can be a useful way to have more squirrels expose themselves to the hunters, increasing shots presented and the possibility of squirrels harvested.
Let's take a closer look at one technique for squirrel hunting in a pair.
In this example we are using two hunters, both experienced and with their own firearm however this technique can be adjusted to work with a beginner or child as well.
Here's the concept: one hunter temporarily becomes the eyes while the other hunter becomes the feet and/or squirrel distraction.
Let's break it down further.
Both hunters determine a path or route they intend to hunt.
Hunter 1 stalks slowly ahead, taking any shots presented to him during his initial travel down the path.
Meanwhile, Hunter 2 sits and waits, watching the trees and ground for signs of squirrel activity until a predetermined amount of time has passed or a specified distance has been reached.
Hunter 1 then sits and waits, watching in the direction of Hunter 2's approach.
Hunter 2 then slowly stalks down the same path, in the same direction as Hunter 1, taking shots as they are presented to him.
Hunter 2 will eventually meet and then pass-by Hunter 1 and the process repeats with Hunter 2 taking the lead down the next leg of the path while Hunter 1 sits and waits for the predetermined amount of time to pass.
How does this relay race style of hunting help you get more squirrels? Simple.
It uses the squirrels natural tendency to put an object between itself and suspected danger, against itself.
When a squirrel senses danger it does one of several things: it squawks a warning to you, it runs away, it hides in a hole or it flattens itself (opposite of you) against a tree limb or trunk.
The last option puts an obstacle between you and the squirrel and maximizes its ability to hide.
This seems to be the tactic utilized by most squirrels because their isn't always a hole nearby to hide in.
As hunter 1 begins his initial stalk into the woods, some squirrels will hide in a hole or run away but the remaining squirrels will flatten against the opposite side of the tree limb or trunk and will circle as you pass by keeping the obstruction between you and it at all times (odds are, you won't even know a squirrel has done this and you'll walk right past them unaware).
BUT, as Hunter 2 approaches Hunter 1's position, the squirrels will likely react to that NEW threat and attempt to hide from it...
exposing itself to you and presenting an easy shot.
As you work back and forth between the hunters the squirrels will present shots to one or the other more often than if hunting alone.
The disadvantage of this hunting tactic is that more hunters equals more noise and could potentially spook squirrels away if they choose to run over hiding.
Another disadvantage is due to the close proximity of multiple hunters; you'll NEED to wear bright colors so you stand out in the woods as your partner determines if it's safe to shoot.
Wearing bright colors, particularly when the trees are bare makes you very visible to squirrels long before you see them.
Safety issue to consider: - If hunting with a novice, explain this tactic and all aspects of firearms safety and taking a good shot BEFORE entering the woods.
- Knowing what you are shooting at or towards is of the upmost importance.
- Hunters should understand bullet trajectory concepts and always look for a shot that has a "back stop" limiting bullets traveling near the other hunter.
- ALWAYS, ALWAYS be 100% sure of what you are shooting at before aiming any firearm in that direction.
- Though some squirrels may be foraging on the ground, ground shots are not advised as they increase the chance of an unsafe rouge bullet traveling toward the other hunter.
Always try to shoot up into trees when hunting with this tactic.
Next time a friend wants to join you on a hunt why not give hunting as a pair a try, but be sure to walk them through this concept first, then give it a shot.
It could help you both reach your daily limit faster and produce better result for both of you.
First, it is a great way to introduce the sport of squirrel hunting to beginners and children.
Secondly, it can be a useful way to have more squirrels expose themselves to the hunters, increasing shots presented and the possibility of squirrels harvested.
Let's take a closer look at one technique for squirrel hunting in a pair.
In this example we are using two hunters, both experienced and with their own firearm however this technique can be adjusted to work with a beginner or child as well.
Here's the concept: one hunter temporarily becomes the eyes while the other hunter becomes the feet and/or squirrel distraction.
Let's break it down further.
Both hunters determine a path or route they intend to hunt.
Hunter 1 stalks slowly ahead, taking any shots presented to him during his initial travel down the path.
Meanwhile, Hunter 2 sits and waits, watching the trees and ground for signs of squirrel activity until a predetermined amount of time has passed or a specified distance has been reached.
Hunter 1 then sits and waits, watching in the direction of Hunter 2's approach.
Hunter 2 then slowly stalks down the same path, in the same direction as Hunter 1, taking shots as they are presented to him.
Hunter 2 will eventually meet and then pass-by Hunter 1 and the process repeats with Hunter 2 taking the lead down the next leg of the path while Hunter 1 sits and waits for the predetermined amount of time to pass.
How does this relay race style of hunting help you get more squirrels? Simple.
It uses the squirrels natural tendency to put an object between itself and suspected danger, against itself.
When a squirrel senses danger it does one of several things: it squawks a warning to you, it runs away, it hides in a hole or it flattens itself (opposite of you) against a tree limb or trunk.
The last option puts an obstacle between you and the squirrel and maximizes its ability to hide.
This seems to be the tactic utilized by most squirrels because their isn't always a hole nearby to hide in.
As hunter 1 begins his initial stalk into the woods, some squirrels will hide in a hole or run away but the remaining squirrels will flatten against the opposite side of the tree limb or trunk and will circle as you pass by keeping the obstruction between you and it at all times (odds are, you won't even know a squirrel has done this and you'll walk right past them unaware).
BUT, as Hunter 2 approaches Hunter 1's position, the squirrels will likely react to that NEW threat and attempt to hide from it...
exposing itself to you and presenting an easy shot.
As you work back and forth between the hunters the squirrels will present shots to one or the other more often than if hunting alone.
The disadvantage of this hunting tactic is that more hunters equals more noise and could potentially spook squirrels away if they choose to run over hiding.
Another disadvantage is due to the close proximity of multiple hunters; you'll NEED to wear bright colors so you stand out in the woods as your partner determines if it's safe to shoot.
Wearing bright colors, particularly when the trees are bare makes you very visible to squirrels long before you see them.
Safety issue to consider: - If hunting with a novice, explain this tactic and all aspects of firearms safety and taking a good shot BEFORE entering the woods.
- Knowing what you are shooting at or towards is of the upmost importance.
- Hunters should understand bullet trajectory concepts and always look for a shot that has a "back stop" limiting bullets traveling near the other hunter.
- ALWAYS, ALWAYS be 100% sure of what you are shooting at before aiming any firearm in that direction.
- Though some squirrels may be foraging on the ground, ground shots are not advised as they increase the chance of an unsafe rouge bullet traveling toward the other hunter.
Always try to shoot up into trees when hunting with this tactic.
Next time a friend wants to join you on a hunt why not give hunting as a pair a try, but be sure to walk them through this concept first, then give it a shot.
It could help you both reach your daily limit faster and produce better result for both of you.
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