If you are interested in getting into hunting but don't know where to start, what to do, or what you need, this guide is for you. Or, if you've tagged out for deer season (but you're not ready to hang up the hunting gear yet), hunting small game is a great way to get back out in the field.
Today, I am going to lay out everything you need to know to get started in small game hunting, or at least to familiarize yourself with it. Keep reading for a small game hunting guide filled with tips for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're gearing up for a squirrel hunt or getting after rabbits, this guide can help you bring home the animals you're after.
What Animals Are Considered Small Game?
Small game typically includes squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons. Birds such as doves, grouse, quail, and pheasants are also small game.
Depending on your location, furbearers and predators such as foxes and coyotes may be lumped in with "small game" regulations. Check your state's guidelines to be sure.
In every state, you must wear blaze orange when small game hunting. At minimum, wear an orange blaze vest or a jacket with orange shoulders and pockets (though a full orange sweatshirt, jacket, or coat is the safest choice). Blaze orange reduces the possibility of other hunters shooting at you while in the fields or the woods.
Then, layer your clothing appropriately for the season. Wear a boot with good traction for all kinds of terrain to reduce the possibility of falling while carrying a gun.
Your small game hunting gear list should also include a game bag. I wear a hunting jacket with a built-in game bag, which makes storage quick, easy, and convenient, eliminating the need to carry animals for the rest of the hunt.
You will also need to carry a knife for field dressing the animals you harvest. Some optional items to bring along are game calls or lightweight blinds, depending on the animal you are hunting.
Choosing the Right Weapon
A nonoptional item to bring: the right gun for your hunt. What kind of gun should you use for small game hunting?
For hunting birds or rabbits, it will be best to use a shotgun (12 or 20 gauge) since, more than likely, the animal will be moving past you quickly.
For squirrels, use a small rimfire rifle, such as a .22 or .17. This will improve your accuracy and reduce damage to the meat.
Consider an air rifle if you will be in close proximity to the game and are worried about disturbing others.
Be sure to review your local hunting laws, and use a gun you are comfortable with and can shoot well.
Do You Need a License for Small Game Hunting?
Another nonoptional item you will need is your hunting license! In most states, before getting a hunting license, you will need to go through a hunter safety course. State's required this type of education to keep hunting a safe sport.
Check the bag limit on the animal you are hunting as well. This regulation varies by county and state.
Is Small Game Hunting Good for Beginners?
Small game hunting is a lot of fun for everyone, but it can be especially beneficial for beginner hunters.
As a beginner's guide to small game hunting, consider that this pastime is less equipment-intensive than big game hunting, and small game is usually more abundant than larger animals such as whitetails or elk. Small game hunting also helps beginners develop skills such as tracking, calling, stalking, and marksmanship.
It's also an excellent hunt to practice using HuntWise and the app's mapping, animal movement forecasting, and weather and wind features to plan and execute great hunts.
What's the Best Time to Hunt Small Game?
The best times to hunt small game, such as rabbits or squirrels, are early morning or in the evening. Most small game animals are active at these times because they are moving to find food.
Most small game hunting season dates occur in the fall and winter. Earlier in the fall can be slightly more challenging due to additional cover, but after the first couple of frosts, this cover will thin out and make it much easier to locate your prey.
Overcast days seem to increase animal movement even more. So, if you get an overcast weekend day in the winter, start heading for the woods.
A Small Game Hunting Guidefor Beginners
Ready to start hunting small game in your area? Here are some small game hunting tips to get going.
Move slowly as you go through the woods or fields. Take a few slow steps at a time, then pause to watch and listen.
Take the time to learn animal behavior and how they interact with their surroundings. Rabbits often sit tight when approached, whereas squirrels are active in bursts (especially if moving in the treetops).
Patience is king! It may be difficult, but sitting still and watching for movement is necessary.
Try to blend into your environment with camo that matches your surroundings.
Pay attention to what direction the wind is coming from. Try to approach animals from the downwind direction if possible, so that the wind is in your face.
Scout the area you will be hunting. Be on the lookout for tracks, droppings, and feeding areas.
If you prefer, use a small blind to hide yourself and ambush the animal when it passes by.
These tips should give you the knowledge and confidence to get started on your small game hunting journey.
HuntWise Guides You to Better Small Game Hunts
This small game hunting guide gives you helpful information for your hunt, whether you're new to hunting squirrels, rabbits, or other small animals (or you're ready to hone your skills as a seasoned hunter.
In addition to the tips we shared today, take advantage of the tools in the HuntWise app to scout the best locations for small game hunts and plan the best days and times to get into the field. The HuntCast feature delivers insights into small animal movements and the best timing for your hunts. If wind can potentially impact your small bird hunts, use WindCast to plan around it.
We have answers to common questions about small game hunting.
Q: What animals are considered small game?
A: Common small-game species include squirrels, rabbits, hares, doves, quail, grouse, and sometimes raccoons or pheasants, depending on local regulations.
Q: What’s the best time to hunt small game?
A: The best time to hunt small game is early morning and late afternoon. These are typically the most active times for the animals, though seasons vary by species and region.
Q: What gear do you need for small game hunting?
A: Basic gear for small game hunts usually includes a small-caliber rifle or shotgun, appropriate ammunition, camouflage or quiet clothing, boots, a small game vest or bag, and safety equipment like hearing and eye protection.
Q: Is small game hunting good for beginners?
A: Yes, hunting small game is great for beginners. It’s accessible, affordable, and helps new hunters develop essential skills like stalking, marksmanship, and field awareness.
Q: Do you need a license for small game hunting?
A: In most places, yes. A hunting license and often a species-specific tag or permit are required. Always check your local regulations.
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