If there is one pursuit in hunting that combines action, thrills, moving, shooting, calling or stalking, and other adrenalin pumping activities—it’s the hunt for small game. Those rabbits and squirrels may be small in size but they offer big hunting excitement for those who pursue them.
The admission price for this game is affordable and in most cases you can buy a license over-the-counter or online. In Tennessee, for example, standard small game license for residents costs $28 or $50 for nonresidents. Across the border in South Carolina, a resident can pursue small game for $12 and an apprentice license is offered also for $12. Nonresident hunters can buy small game hunting licenses for three days for $40. More details are at: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/licenses/pricingnonresident.html.
Ok, once you’ve paid the proper admission price, it’s time to hunt. In many cases you’ll have the gear. That same .22 rifle or handgun you use for plinking at the range will work well for dropping squirrels. That favored 20-gauge shotgun you took turkey hunting last spring, or that you used in the dove field in September, will work well for toppling running rabbits. If you need help to decide on shotshells or cartridges, visit: http://www.winchester.com/choose-your-ammo/Pages/hunters.aspx
Remember that many states require all small game hunters to wear blaze orange outer garments. Some states permit only a hat or a vest to be worn to meet these requirement. Some states want both. And there are states that require a specific minimal number square inches of “uninterrupted” blaze orange. Read the details where you’ll be hunting to be certain you are legal.
The big question now is—where are those critters?
Squirrels are forest inhabitants and stands of mature oaks, or places with walnut or pecan trees standing, will be a good starting point. Move in, have a seat, and wait them out as you watch tree limbs overhead. If you want to walk up a squirrel, stop often at tree trunks and watch the areas around and above you. Hint: you can normally hear a squirrel gnawing on a hard acorn or hickory nut shell, so listen up.
Rabbits are creatures of the briars and brush. Look into and around briar patches, along the edges of fields, and around brushpiles. There’s a top chance you’ll see a set of tall ears in those terrains. A sparkling black eye or white cotton tail can also help reveal a rabbit. If you have a family pet beagle, take it along on your quest. Beagles like chasing bunnies.
Once you shoot straight and find success, there are numerous places to find great game recipes. This Missouri Department of Conservation website will help you field dress and fry any bushytail: http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/cooking/squirrel-recipes
Good luck, and good hunting.
