{"id":7475,"date":"2022-10-12T13:49:26","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T13:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=7475"},"modified":"2025-10-06T17:38:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T17:38:29","slug":"where-to-shoot-a-squirrel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/where-to-shoot-a-squirrel\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Shoot a Squirrel"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although squirrels aren\u2019t the most majestic creatures you can hunt, they are one of the most exciting.\u00a0 Despite their small size, squirrels are worthy adversaries. Knowing where to shoot a squirrel without ruining the value of the meat can be tough because of their small size.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sneaking within shooting range is no easy task. However, if you find the right area, you\u2019ll have plenty of shot opportunities, even if you\u2019re only hunting through the afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though squirrel hunting can be fast-paced and fun, missing a few of those bushy-tailed beasts can quickly suck the joy out of the experience. Even worse than out-right missing, is hitting one of those wily critters and having it run off injured.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A squirrel makes a pretty small target, so when it comes to marksmanship, you\u2019ll need to bring your A game. If you aren\u2019t sure where to place those crosshairs, we\u2019re here to help. In this article, we cover exactly where you need to aim, whether you\u2019re hunting squirrels with a rifle, shotgun, bow, or air rifle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Hunt Squirrels?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Chasing squirrels is one way to scratch your hunting itch, perfect your stalking skills, and practice your shooting technique in the off-season. In most states, squirrel seasons are long, bag limits are generous, and squirrels are plentiful. All of which adds to the fun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When prepared properly, squirrel meat can even be pretty tasty<\/a>. According to most squirrel connoisseurs, the meat is similar to chicken in both texture and flavor, although it is slightly darker, and definitely tougher, than the average store-bought roasting hen.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because squirrel hunting is fun and fast-paced, it is perfect for youngsters. Since squirrels have notoriously short attention spans, if you miss a shot opportunity, another usually presents itself within a few minutes, especially if you can sit still and be patient. Sometimes, a gunshot doesn\u2019t even faze them, especially when you\u2019re shooting a quiet-shooting .22 or air rifle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shot Placement with a Shotgun<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"where<\/p>\n

During the early fall, squirrels most often hang out high in the forest canopy. With plenty of foliage still hanging onto those high branches, early squirrel season is the perfect time to hunt with your shotgun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use a full choke<\/a> and load your scattergun with #5 or #6 shot. Magnum loads are an asset when trying to reach squirrels in the highest branches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When shooting squirrels with your shotgun, place the bead just off the tip of the squirrel\u2019s nose. This will pepper the head and neck with shot while preserving most of the meat, which is important if you plan to add squirrel to the menu. Nothing is worse than chomping into a piece of #5 shot while you\u2019re savoring a piece of perfectly fried squirrel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your shot spread before you hit the woods. You can experiment by shooting paper targets with different loads to see what works best. You can adjust the exact hold-off based on your shotgun\u2019s performance and the distance to the squirrel. Ultimately, you want a nice, tight shot pattern, especially when you\u2019re making shots out to 30 yards or beyond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to Shoot a Squirrel with a Rifle<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/p>\n

A .22 rimfire rifle is definitely the go-to squirrel gun for most hunters. A .17 caliber rimfire rifle is probably a close second. If you\u2019re toting one of these trusty rifles into the squirrel woods, place your crosshairs (or your end sight) just behind the squirrel\u2019s ear. This will give you a little wiggle room just in case you pull your shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are plenty of squirrel hunters who prefer aiming for a squirrel\u2019s vitals. While a shot to the vitals definitely works, a squirrel\u2019s vital area is about the same size as his head. Since you can make a headshot with the squirrel in almost any position, aiming for the noggin is just practical. A headshot squirrel is also a heck-of-a-lot easier to dress out and leaves the meat undamaged.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A scoped rifle with .22 ammo<\/a> is a handy tool for dropping squirrels once the leaves begin to fall. As autumn ramps up and the leaves begin to drop, squirrels can spot you coming from further away. Sneaking up close becomes a serious challenge. A rifle\/optic combination that allows you to make confident, precision shots out to 60 yards may be the only way to put a squirrel in your stew pot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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