Squirrels/Rabbits SE PA

[Peter Griffin]

Hey guys, just signed up since I'm going to SGL 43 and French Creek state park this weekend. I found this site through the bassbarn. I've been out for small game a few times in the same area where I'm going this w/end, and have never seen a single squirrel or rabbit. I'm not sure if it's b/c every time I go it's been really cold with snow everywhere, or just the fact that I suck at small game hunting. I've bagged many deer while sitting, but I just wanted to get out for a walk in the woods while hunting some squirrels and such. Can anyone give me some pointers, or maybe offer a suggestion as to what I'm doing wrong? It's supposed to be warmer Saturday, so I guess that might help get the game moving. Should I target certain areas? I don't really want to sit either, so if that's what it's gonna take, I guess I'm screwed either way. Don't have a trained dog either. It'll be me and a buddy, most likely both with 22s, but one of us might have a shotgun. Feel free to email me too, if you don't want to spoil any advice. I appreciate the help, just hoping to at least see something this trip!

[Bird Boy]

well it depends if you know what squirrel sound like when they know somethins up or when they feel like its dagerous. they sound like those read headed woodpeckers but more raspy when they sense somethins up. when they feel like the areas dangerouse they make a sound like there dying like a wimper. i have shot them walking around but i kill more squirrels siting. and its not that bad you can stand up and move around.( to a certain extent) ive had them crawl up my tree while deer huntin and hit the but pad. i was thinkin about droppin a broad head on him and takin him home. if you do end up sittin put out a little corn and if you shoot don't get out. stay and wait till you want to leave. more will come.

[Peter Griffin]

Thanks. I was thinking about putting down some corn in a few spots and maybe walking real slow around, periodically checking each area. So I guess thats legal?

[ACEarcher]

Wouldn't recommend doing that. Baiting is illegal in Pa for small game. Try going to Nockamixen or SGL 157 for some small game. Last time I was there I saw rabbits and squirrls. Plus it's not as far as a drive from Del Co.

[Peter Griffin]

Thanks ACE, I just came back to confirm that. Definitely cant bait for small game and not in SGL at all. Oh well, I'll just hunt near some harvested corn fields or walnut trees or something.

[Bird Boy]

oh my bad guys i forgot that you can't bait in pa. only hunted there once for grouse.

[philjam]

Wait for snow where you hunt then look for sign in the snow. Look in trees for squirrel nest. Look for rabbit tracks and activity around the edges and corners around fields. You can sit quitly in a good squirrel place and expect to see (however briefly) a squirrel every 20 minutes or so. Rabbit hunting without a dog we have been flushing between 0 and 4 bunnies per hour.

Learn, get out in the snow and follow tracks.

[ACEarcher]

If you want take a look at some co-op farms. You can find them on the PGC website under the hunting link. These are private property farms so you still have to gain permission so all you have to do is ask. You could probably find more bunnies on a farm then public land. If you need any more help just ask bro.:thup: