Red Squirrel

Overview

The American red squirrel, or pine squirrel, is a small, feisty tree squirrel of northern and mountain conifer forests, a fast-moving small-game target that tests a quick eye and steady aim. Noisy and abundant, it offers accessible hunting in the pines.

Identification & Appearance

Red squirrels are small and rusty-red to reddish-brown above with a white belly, a white eye-ring, and a bushy tail edged in black. They are much smaller than gray or fox squirrels.

Range & Habitat

They occupy the conifer and mixed forests of the northern US, Canada and the western mountains, denning in trees and defending noisy territories around cone caches.

Behavior & Sign

Red squirrels are bold, vocal and constantly active, scolding intruders and building large cone middens at feeding sites. The piles of stripped cones are unmistakable sign.

Hunting Seasons & Timing

Often huntable with long fall-winter small-game seasons; cool, calm mornings are best for spotting active squirrels. Confirm the local season.

Hunting Methods

Still-hunting and stalking in the conifers, listening for their chatter, and taking sitting shots as they pause on limbs and trunks.

Gear & Optics

A .22 rimfire is ideal for precise shots, or a small-gauge shotgun for moving squirrels.

Shot Placement & Field Care

Clean rimfire head shots on a small target; field-dress promptly and wear gloves.

Meat & Eating Quality

Red squirrel is edible but small; many hunters pursue them for the challenge and sport as much as the pot.

Where Hunters Go Wrong

Rushing shots on a fast, small target and overlooking how much cover a red squirrel uses.

Regulations & Conservation

Managed as small game with generous seasons in most areas. Confirm current state regulations and cook thoroughly. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

Red or gray squirrel? Red squirrels are much smaller, rusty, and tied to conifers.

Good sport? Yes - fast, noisy and challenging for a quick shot.