14 Nebraskaland • December 2023
IN THE FIELD
Deer hunters have long been fascinated by the rut — when
bucks temporarily seem to lose common sense and become
more active chasing does. Rarely, however, is another rut
discussed as much as it should be: the squirrel rut.
The mating season for Nebraska squirrels takes place this
month when males begin chasing females. During the day,
males become more active and provide hunters increased
access to this species. A few tips:
•
Sleep in to hunt squirrels, for they often want to remain
in their nests as much as you want to remain in bed. A sunny
afternoon on a cold, December day is also prime time to hunt.
With the leaves having fallen, these quick, agile climbers
will be easier to locate.
•
With fewer leaves, however, a hunter is also more
vulnerable to detection. Hide becomes extremely important,
so simply match your camouflage to the habitat.
•
Knock on doors. With the firearm deer season in the
rearview, squirrel hunters stand a chance approaching
landowners for permission.
•
Try a squirrel call this time of year. Any sort of chatter
can lure squirrels in your direction.
•
If you're shooting a .22 caliber, make sure you have a safe
background as those bullets can travel more than a mile, and
always wear blaze orange to and from the woods.
•
Turn this winter's squirrel hunting trip into a
muzzleloader deer scouting trip, or vice versa — just as long
as you understand there is an entirely different type of rut
going on that deserves attention this time of year.
By Jeff Rawlinson
THE OTHER RUT
A cold, sunny afternoon is prime time to hunt squirrels during the December rut. JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND
