Mastering Squirrel Hunting in Louisiana: Expert Tips for a Successful Opener

With the Louisiana squirrel hunting season kicking off, seasoned hunters eagerly prepare for a weekend filled with the thrill of the chase. As approximately 73,000 hunters venture into the Louisiana woods to pursue these elusive game species, it's essential to be armed with valuable tips and tactics for a fruitful experience. In this guide, we explore six expert tips from veteran squirrel hunters to ensure a full game bag on opening day.

1.Choose Squirrel-Rich Locations:

Cody Cedotal, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' small-game study leader, recommends focusing on hardwood forests, river basins, and swamp bottomlands. For pine forests, target streamside management zones where hardwoods are prevalent. Top Wildlife Management Areas for abundant squirrels include Richard K. Yancey WMA, Sherburne WMA, Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, and Dewey Wills WMA.

2. Hunt All Moon Phases:

While some hunters may worry about the moon phase affecting their success, seasoned hunter Sammy Guillory emphasizes that a full or new moon shouldn't deter you. Regardless of the lunar phase, Guillory consistently achieves his limit of eight squirrels. He notes that during brighter nights, squirrels tend to move and feed later in the day.

3. Embrace Steady, Continuous Movement:

During the opening week, well-camouflaged hunters can adopt a faster pace due to the thick forest canopy concealing them from sharp squirrel eyes. Moist soils from light rains enhance quiet movement without the noise of crunching dry foliage. Swift, continuous movement increases your chances of spotting and taking down squirrels early in the season.

4. Utilize Squirrel Calls:

Enhance your hunting experience by incorporating squirrel calls. Similar to calls for turkeys and waterfowl, squirrel calls can attract these game species. There are two main types of manufactured calls: bellows-style calls for mimicking squirrel chatter and whistle calls for imitating the distress calls of young squirrels. Practice and experimentation will help you master effective calling techniques.

5. Plan Around Feeding Times:

Consider the Solunar Tables' feeding times, but be open to variations based on personal experiences. Visit the Lunar Times at LouisianaSportsman.com for additional insights into game movement for October. Planning your hunting sessions around potential feeding times can increase your chances of encountering active squirrels.

6. Use Your Ears to Listen:

Harry Soileau, a respected mentor in squirrel hunting, emphasized the importance of listening. Instead of relying solely on your eyes, take a moment to stand still and listen, especially at first light. Pay attention to subtle sounds, as falling dewdrops might be mistaken for falling mast particles. Use your ears to detect feeding squirrels, and follow the sound to spot their almost motionless presence.

Armed with these expert tips, Louisiana hunters can look forward to a successful and enjoyable squirrel hunting opener. As the woods come alive with the excitement of the chase, these seasoned tactics will contribute to a memorable "Louisiana Saturday Night" filled with camaraderie, delicious squirrel cuisine, and perhaps a celebratory LSU Tigers game. If you’re looking for more hunting tips or looking for hunting land for sale in Louisiana, check out Louisiana Landsource today! Happy hunting!