Passport to Texas

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This is Passport to Texas

Mention hunting to a Texan and most think: deer.

That’s just the way it’s always been. But it doesn’t mean that for everyone.

For some people, hunting includes small game like squirrel, says Hunter Education specialist Heidi Rao.

I think we need to get outside of the box and pursue these opportunities that we have here in Texas. There’s such an abundance of wildlife.

We may legally hunt fox and gray squirrels in Texas.

A .22 is usually the best choice of rifle to use to hunt squirrel. They’re found statewide, and you do need your hunting license. And if you’re required to take hunter education, you must have that as well.

Heidi says it’s best to have a strategy before going squirrel hunting, such as the one she employs when hunting with her kids.

So, our strategy was what you call still hunting. And what that meant is that we moved very slowly through an area. We remained in a straight line, and we kept a good distance from each other. And we slowly moved throughout area looking for squirrel. You’re listening to the rustling of the leaves that the squirrels may be foraging in looking for acorns and food. You can hear them chattering between themselves, among themselves. And you can look into those different calls to see where they may be located.

After that, it takes patience, a keen eye and steady hand. Find season information and hunting regulations in the Texas Outdoor Annual.

The Wildlife Restoration program supports our series.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.