Author Topic: Talking the squirrel language (Read 952 times)

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **on:** October 22, 2003, 10:44:02 AM »

I posted this on another thread and didn't get any responses, so I thought maybe I'd give it another go as a separate thread.

OK, so what do the various squirrel calls mean?

So far I've heard:

chk, chk, chk, cherrrrr, cherrrr. chk, chk, chk, cherrrrr, cherrrr.

chuka-chuka-chuka (real quick and staccato-like) To duplicate with the bellows I hold the rigid end and wiggle the bellows back and forth.

And once I heard a squirrel give a very faint, rapid tick-tick-tick-tick call. It was about 10 feet away looking straight at me. I can't duplicate this sound with the bellows call. I can come pretty close by pronouncing the consonant "T" in rapid succession (just a plain "t" sound, not "tee").

So what do the above calls mean? Is the chuka-chuka the warning bark?

Are there other calls?

wildman · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2003, 12:22:52 PM »

I usually hold the wood end between my forefinger and thumb of my left hand, and then tap on the bellows with the forefinger on my right hand. Usually a series of three brisk taps, with pauses inbetween, will cause any squirrels in the immediate area to bark. When they get started, I usually try to imitate them with the length and series of calls they are using. You've gotta remain still, so they don't see you. I also like to throw small rocks or sticks about 20 feet or so away in the leaves to make noise - it makes them think another squirrel is moving about. You've just gotta try and see what yours will respond to. Remember to watch the tree tops. I have had them barking good and quit, just to move around behind me through the treetops. I've also had them to quietly get in the tree I was sitting against, without ever barking. It's always fun and challenging to play with the tree rats!

VirginTrapper · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2003, 03:12:07 PM »

I just do cuckooooooooooooooo cuckooooooooooooooo, or I just yell "GET OVER HERE YOU FLAMIN TREE RATS"

willis5 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2003, 06:31:13 AM »

I only use calls when they are really chatty. now I just listen for them cutting in trees. Also, after I shoot I will rattle pebbles in my hand to mimic cutting. this seems to clam them quicker and I can get another shot off.

Myk · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2003, 07:36:13 AM »

I've stopped using the rubber call and switched to a distress call. The distress call brings them in, sometimes really fast. If it doesn't bring them in it gets them to call back. Or if they are too close it gets them to move off.

The rubber call seems to just get them to talk back, if you're lucky. Or if they're too close it gets them to stop and look, which if you didn't know they were there doesn't help find them.

I don't really understand your interpretation of typed calls. I do know that fox and greys here speak slightly different.

Dutch/AL · « **Reply #5 on:** December 05, 2003, 12:55:55 PM »

I just use 3 quarters.

I take 2 of the quarters and hold them between my index finger and thumb. Then take the 3rd quarter and slip it between the first two. Apply light pressure and pull the middle quarter out.

Bring em skwerls out of the nest to investigate but they find out it's a load of #6's. :blaster:

DaveH · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2004, 05:10:19 PM »

I also use the three quarters to call in squirrels. I have a bellow call but I don't use it unless the squirrels are really barking. I normally just sit still and listen. 9 times out of 10 your going to heard the squirrel before you see it.

Dave H.