Don’t forget … it’s time to hunt some squirrels
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A few days ago as I was reading through some of my notes for an upcoming article, it struck me that it is already squirrel season. In fact, the season for those tree-dwelling critters opened on Sept. 12, so as of this weekend it has actually been open for two weeks.
Traditionally, the squirrel and ruffed grouse seasons opened in mid-October, followed by the rest of the small-game menu of the rabbit and pheasant seasons beginning two weeks later. In 2020, the Game Commission moved the start of squirrel season ahead a full month to the middle of November. The thinking behind that change was we have ample numbers of squirrels just about everywhere in the state and hunters could benefit from an extra month of opportunity to hunt them in the early fall.
I have often lamented about the sharp decline in the participation of small game hunting during the past several decades, so anything that could increase in any species of small game is a welcome idea. I wonder, however, how much extra hunter involvement this early-season squirrel hunt really generates. As I look out the windows, the weather is pleasantly warm and all the trees in the neighborhood still have green, full canopies. Not exactly the conditions that make me want to pull out a squirrel gun and head for the woods.
Even in mid-October after the leaves have attained their fall coloration, many trees still retain more than enough foliage to make spotting squirrels climbing about the treetops a difficult task. Once most of the leaves are shed, squirrel hunting becomes more productive. That situation reminds me of a tip I received when I was a teenager soon after I started hunting. An older fellow, probably well into his 70s at the time and an avid squirrel hunter, was sharing his experience with me. On dealing with heavy foliage he told me to wait until there was a rainy or windy night that brought down most of leaves in one night. He said the squirrels were so used to being hidden among the leaves, that they didn't realize we ground-dwelling humans could now easily see them.
"You get out there the morning after there is a big leaf drop," he told me. "The squirrels don't seem to know they are exposed and sometimes don't figure it out for a couple of days. You can shoot more of them than you can carry." I don't think I ever did enough squirrel hunting to prove or disprove his theory, but it does seem somewhat plausible. After all, squirrels are certainly not the smartest creature in the woods.
Elk viewing opportunities
This is the time of year that many outdoor enthusiasts head to the north-central region of Pennsylvania for a chance to view our wild elk herd.
The peak of the mating season for the Pennsylvania elk herd, commonly called the "rut," occurs from mid-September through early October. Mature bulls will weigh from 700 to nearly 1,000 pounds. Many of them will be displaying an impressive set of antlers that they will use to impress potential mates or as weapons to fight off rival males. Those sparring matches are compelling to watch.
Bull elk also "bugle" frequently during the mating season. That bugle is an high-pitched, nasal squeal like nothing else you've ever heard. Bulls use this eerie call to attract potential mates and establish dominance over rival males. These sights and sounds of the annual elk rut draw wildlife watchers to the elk range to observe the spectacle firsthand.
The Elk Country Visitor Center located at 950 Winslow Hill Road in Benezette has become the centerpiece for visitors to the region. During September and October, the center is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be a worthwhile stop for first-time elk watchers, Their website (elkcountryvisitorcenter.com) is also a great source for information on elk watching in the region. The Pennsylvania Game Commission website, PGC.pa.gov, also offers a wealth of information about elk in Pennsylvania.
Next month, the Pennsylvania Game Commission will be conducting a special tour of State Game Lands 311 in Elk County from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16. This 3.5-mile self-guided driving tour will start at the Winslow Hill Viewing Area in Benezette, then enter the game lands at the bottom of Dewey Road, continuing to Porcupine Road. Game Commission staff will be posted along the tour route. Various elk habitat management projects will be featured on the tour including the planting and maintenance of forage plots and the use of prescribed burns, and early successional and aspen forest management. This tour is open only to PennDOT-registered vehicles. ATVs/UTVs are not permitted.