Holy Cannoli! Squirrel Hunting in Washington – The Ultimate, Totally Serious, But Also Hilarious, Guide to the Nutty Pursuit
Listen up, folks! You've been scrolling the interwebs, right? Your fingers are probably sore, and your brain is buzzing with the burning question: "Can I actually hunt squirrels in Washington State, or is it a total bust?" Well, grab a beverage, kick back, and get ready for a deep dive so massive it makes the Grand Canyon look like a puddle. The short answer is: Yes, but it's a wild ride with more rules than a librarian's book club. We're talking more twists and turns than a pretzel factory.
This ain't your grandma's simple backyard squirrel chase. Washington State has a whole crew of squirrels, and some of them are totally off-limits, like the VIP section at a concert. We're talking the super-protected Western Gray Squirrel (they’re basically royalty here—don't even look at 'em sideways!). But then you've got your non-native invaders, the hustle-and-bustle Eastern Gray and the beefy Eastern Fox Squirrels. These are the guys you can usually pursue, but you gotta know your stuff, or you're gonna be in a pickle.
Let's break down this complex, high-stakes game of "Gotcha, Little Fella!"
Step 1: Getting Your Paperwork Straight – No License, No Love!
Listen, you can't just rock up to the woods with a pocketful of nuts and a slingshot. This is the PNW, not a cartoon. You need to be legit.
1.1. The All-Important Small Game License
First and foremost, you're gonna need a valid Washington State hunting license, specifically one for small game. This isn't a suggestion; it's the law, straight up. You can grab one from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) or an authorized license dealer. Don't be a goofball; get it sorted.
Pro Tip: Even if the species you're chasing (like non-native Eastern Grays or certain ground squirrels) has no closed season or bag limit, that license is your Golden Ticket for legal hunting. No ticket, no entry!
1.2. Double-Checking the Local Rules
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
This is where it gets gnarly. Washington hunting regulations can change faster than a toddler's mood. You need to consult the current WDFW Hunting Regulations pamphlet (the small game section, naturally). What was kosher last year might be a huge no-no this year. You gotta be a regulation ninja.
Heads up: Some specific species, like the protected Western Gray Squirrel, look super similar to the huntable Eastern Gray. Mistake one for the other, and you’re looking at a serious bummer of a fine. Study your field guide like it's the final exam!
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| Can You Hunt Squirrels In Washington |
Step 2: Knowing Your Target – Species ID is the Name of the Game
If you're going to hunt in Washington, you've got to be able to identify a squirrel faster than you can spot a coffee shop. It's a matter of legality and serious respect for the local ecology.
2.1. The Protected Royalty: Western Gray Squirrel
These are the natives, the OGs of the Washington squirrel world, and they are protected. You cannot hunt them. Period.
Key ID: They are generally larger than the Eastern Gray and often have white-tipped ears (sometimes tufted!) and a beautiful, fluffy tail. They are typically found in the drier, oak-pine habitats of Eastern and Southern Washington. Do not mess with them.
2.2. The Huntable Invaders: Eastern Gray and Eastern Fox Squirrels
These non-natives are the usual targets. They're often considered invasive pests that compete with and prey on the native species. This is your mission.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Eastern Grays: Found mostly in urban/suburban parks and residential areas, which makes hunting them tricky (see Step 4!). They are generally gray with a white belly.
Eastern Fox Squirrels: Larger than the Grays, often with a rusty or yellowish-red underbelly and a larger head. They have a smaller range than the Grays but are present in some areas.
2.3. The Small Fry Side Hustle: Ground Squirrels
In Eastern Washington, you might run into California Ground Squirrels (sometimes called "sage rats"). They are often categorized as unclassified wildlife/varmints and can frequently be hunted year-round without limits, especially on private land where they are causing agricultural damage. Check local rules, though—some ground squirrels are protected, and you still need your basic small game license!
Step 3: Gearing Up – Don't Bring a Knife to a Gunfight (Unless It's a .22)
Now for the fun stuff—the equipment! A squirrel hunter is only as good as their tools.
3.1. The Weapon of Choice
When you're chasing tree squirrels, you want a tool that's accurate, quiet, and ethical.
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The .22 Rifle: This is the gold standard for headshots, which is what you want for maximum meat preservation and ethical hunting. Get yourself a good scope and practice, practice, practice!
The Shotgun: A good choice, especially early in the season when leaves are thick and squirrels are moving fast. Use small shot (like a #6) to pepper the head and neck, but be prepared for more clean-up on the meat.
Air Guns/Pneumatic Rifles: Increasingly popular! They are super quiet, often powerful enough for an ethical take, and a total blast to shoot.
3.2. Essential Field Kit
Don't be a rookie. Pack smart.
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
Optics: A solid pair of binoculars (8x or 10x) is a game-changer for spotting a tiny, camouflaged target high up in the canopy.
Camo & Quiet Boots: Squirrels have eagle eyes (or something like that). Break up your outline, and make sure your boots let you move like a forest phantom. Stealth is key!
The Bag: A canvas or mesh bag to carry your haul. Trust me, you don't want to stuff 'em in your pockets.
Step 4: The Hunt – Tactics for a Successful Squirrel Scamper
Alright, time to execute the mission. This is where the rubber meets the road, or, well, where the boot meets the damp PNW forest floor.
4.1. Morning and Evening Mission
Squirrels are just like me before my first cup of coffee: most active right when the sun comes up and right before it dips below the horizon. Mid-day is usually siesta time for them, so plan your hunt for the dawn and dusk periods.
4.2. Location, Location, Location: Find the Chow
Squirrels are always thinking about their next meal. Find the trees dropping food, or mast.
Acorns and Nuts: In the fall, focus on oak, hickory, and pine trees. Look for "cuttings" (the chewed-up bits of shells and husks) piled up at the base of a tree. That's a five-star squirrel buffet!
Riparian Zones and Field Edges: Non-native squirrels often love the brushy areas near water or farm fields. These transition areas are hot spots for feeding.
4.3. Still-Hunting vs. Sit-and-Wait
You've got two main plays:
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Still-Hunting (Slow Walk): Move painfully slow. Like, slower than traffic in Seattle on a Friday. Take three steps, wait a full minute, and scan. You're hunting with your eyes and ears, listening for that telltale skritch-scratch of claws on bark or the tink of a dropped nut.
Sit-and-Wait: Find a good spot with multiple productive trees, hunker down against a sturdy trunk, and chill out. Be patient. Let the squirrels forget you exist. This works great when the leaves are noisy.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How to get a Washington State Small Game License? You can purchase a small game license online through the WDFW website, at a licensed dealer, or at a WDFW office. You'll need to provide proof of hunter education if born after January 1, 1972.
What is the season for hunting non-native squirrels in Washington? Generally, non-native species like the Eastern Gray and Eastern Fox Squirrels are considered unclassified wildlife and have no closed season or bag limit in Washington, but a small game license is still required. Always confirm this in the current WDFW regulations for any species or area.
How to tell a protected Western Gray Squirrel from a huntable Eastern Gray Squirrel? The protected Western Gray is typically larger, has a longer, very bushy tail, and often displays distinctive white ear tufts and a grizzled-gray back with a pure white belly. The huntable Eastern Gray is usually smaller and lacks the tufts. When in doubt, don't shoot!
What is the best caliber for hunting squirrels in Washington? The most popular and recommended caliber for ethical squirrel hunting is a .22 rimfire rifle. It's quiet, accurate, and provides enough power for a quick, humane take when aiming for the head.
Where can I find public land for squirrel hunting in Washington? National Forests, State Forests, and many WDFW Wildlife Areas often permit small game hunting. However, many huntable non-native squirrels are in lower-elevation areas, so you need to check specific public access rules and county shooting restrictions before heading out.
Would you like me to look up the current WDFW small game season dates for a specific region in Washington?
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