BY THE NUMBERS
4,850 Acres of land in Sheffield WMA
20,600 Estimated number of Georgia squirrel hunters, based on Georgia DNR surveys
25,707 Acreage in Paulding Forest WMA
January and February are traditional months for hunting squirrels in North Georgia. The deer season is past, and the white-tailed deer hunters have left the woods. The leaves also are off the trees, making it easier to spot the squirrels. Those conditions are ideal for squirrel hunters.
Squirrels are the most abundant small game animals in the state, but get scant attention from most hunters. The latest Georgia Department of Natural Resources surveys show fewer than one in 10 hunters target squirrels each season.
These small tree dwellers can be challenging prey.
Squirrels show little fear in backyards and parks. Those animals are accustomed to the presence of humans.
Squirrels in rural areas are very different. They are wary and vigilant because coyotes, foxes, hawks and humans all hunt them. Successful hunters have to be stealthy and patient when pursuing the animals. Bagging squirrels on a regular basis is no mean feat.
Finding squirrels this winter may be a bit easier because of a poor mast crop. Oak trees have not produced a normal amount of acorns because of recent heavy rains. Squirrels are going to have to move around more to feed, and they are sure to be around any stand of oaks that does have nuts.
Targeting squirrels is a good way to introduce youngsters to hunting. Stalking squirrels provides lessons in woodsmanship that carry over to the pursuit of most other species.
Squirrels can be surprisingly tasty. The meat originally used in most Brunswick stew recipes was squirrel.
Public hunting areas open for squirrels closest to Atlanta are west of the city. Paulding Forest and Sheffield Wildlife Management Areas are adjacent tracts just north of Dallas.
Visit georgiawildlife.com/hunting and click the link for Hunting Regulations & Seasons for more information and direction to the WMAs.
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