Do Squirrels Migrate?

[PowPow]

Because it sure seems like they migrated away from my hunting spot.

They were all over the place when I was sitting quietly waiting on the deer last month.
Now that deer season is over, I got a 22 in my hands and can't find a squirrel to save my life.
I've been sitting on the ground. Should I get my climber so I can see farther?

Looking for advice on February squirrel hunting.

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

  I haven't hunted squirrel for some time.. I know there are days when I would see lots of squirrel then nothing then they are back especially in the winter..BUT I remember reading when I was starting hunting years ago, about squirrel migrations.. I think they move on if there is no feed in an area..In the mts. of northern Pa. there would be one squirrel one season and many the next..depended on the feed.

[spruce]

No, they don't migrate.  However, they must have food so they won't be found where there are no food sources.

Here in northern Michigan they aren't nearly as active during the winter as they are earlier in the fall.  They don't hibernate, but in really cold weather they may "hole up" for a few days at a time, or come out very briefly during the day.

Your best bet to find them is when it warms up after a period of very cold weather, especially when it is also sunny.  Also, midday is almost always the best time to hunt them (during the peak daytime temperature).

I know how you feel - I've also went back to an area that seemed so promising during deer season only to find it devoid of squirrels (more than once I might add)!

[PowPow]

...Your best bet to find them is when it warms up after a period of very cold weather, especially when it is also sunny.  Also, midday is almost always the best time to hunt them (during the peak daytime temperature)...

Just joking about the migration, but today is the kind of day you describe.
It will be 60-something this afternoon after some mid-30 high days, so I will head out now. Thanks.
Always thought it was best either end of the day, and dead in the middle.
Will advise the outcome.

[chefjeff]

If you plant or manage for them,they will come. My backyard is a smorgasbord for them and I have never been able to keep them shot out.

[PowPow]

No sightings on this warm afternoon.
I guess all the squirrels that pestered me for the last two months during deer season have flown south for the winter.
Or they may be in someone else's pot.

I could shoot a dozen in my yard, but I am in town and its not really legal.
I was hoping to eat some legal squirrel.

Two more weekends left in the season.

[rdmallory]

I was always told they hibernate for weeks at a time during the winter to conserve energy.


Doug

[gr8ful]

No but they do move around to different food sources as they come available, at least down south, don't know much about them yankee squirrels though.

[PowPow]

I was always told they hibernate for weeks at a time during the winter to conserve energy.

Hmmm...hadn't thought of that...Wiki'ed it:

Any of about 260 species in 50 genera (family Sciuridae) of mostly diurnal rodents found almost worldwide. Many species are arboreal; some are terrestrial. All species have strong hind legs and a hairy tail. They vary widely in colour and form and range in total length from the 4-in. (10-cm) African pygmy squirrel to the giant squirrels of Asia, about 35 in. (90 cm) long. Tree dwellers live in a tree hollow or nest, and most are active year-round. Ground dwellers live in burrows, and many become dormant in winter (hibernate) or summer (estivate). As opposed to some ground squirrels (like white-tailed prairie dog), tree squirrels do not hibernate. They however become very inactive during the winter months to preserve energy.

Tree squirrels do not hibernate during the winter months, but they keep all activities to a minimum to conserve energy. Hence, they often seem to almost completely disappear during the winter months. Winter tree nests (called dreys) are often shared for warmth where tree squirrels keep warm by snuggling with their family members. When they sleep, they use their big furry tails to cover themselves to keep as warm as possible. A squirrel will come out now and then to search for hidden stores of food.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_tree_squirrels_hibernate#ixzz1DtiFMovq

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_squirrels_hibernate#ixzz1Dtd1d28W


Maybe mine are just "inactive".
These are "down south" squirrels.

[flintlock]

It seems they just don't move much deer season...I've had very good days here in NC in late January and February and days when they don't seem to move...Try later in the day after it warms up, seems some days they sleep in...

[Mohawk]

One thing I learned is they love river banks. Not creeks that only have water periodically but year around rivers. There seemed to be an endless supply of squirrels. I would shoot about 5 a week year around(no season or limits). 

[jlchucker]

They'll migrate to any bird feeder that's in anyone's back yard.   

[FourBee]

Well; if they don't migrate then how did these Grey Squirrels get here ?   30 years ago we only had Fox Squirrels along the creek where I hunt.   

Some days a walk thru the woods would make one think a squirrel has never existed in these parts.   Then other days the whole place is infested with them.  Where's my GUN ?

[mechanic]

Come on down, I'll make some coffee.  You can sit at my picnic table and hunt them from my backyard.

Ben

[petemi]

Well; if they don't migrate then how did these Grey Squirrels get here ?   30 years ago we only had Fox Squirrels along the creek where I hunt.   

What you have experienced is dispersal, not migration.  When an area becomes too crowded the young of the year, in particular, will usually seek out fresh turf.  That's dispersal.  Migration is a seasonal movement between two territories.  Usually north and south, or up and down in the mountains during Spring and fall.

Pete