How Best to Mix Rabbit and Squirrel Hunting
If you’re interested in both species of squirrel and rabbit hunting, there are many things you can do to increase your chances of success. While there is nothing wrong with hunting a single species, you may want to mix rabbit and squirrel hunting to find the best combinations for your needs. For example, gray squirrels and fox squirrels are known to have two litters of young each year, ranging from three to five young per litter. While rabbits and squirrels may not make the best hunting partners, they can help each other out.
Passive hunting
While the most common method for hunting rabbits and squirrels is by stalking the prey, passive hunting is a great alternative to active hunts. Passive hunting involves laying in wait, often in a forest, and waiting for the squirrels to come to you. It can be a relaxing and productive activity, especially if you use a squirrel call. The 4 in 1 squirrel call by Knight and Hale is a great tool for passive hunting.
When stalking a rabbit or squirrel, you can stand on a tree or other location and watch for rabbits sunning next to a bedding cover. You can also stomp on the ground to flush the animal. Stomping is best done with a canine or human companion. A smaller gauge shotgun is suitable for rabbits, but make sure to choose a larger shot size to avoid damaging the meat. For the most meat-filled section of the rabbit, headshots work best.
Using a squirrel call
If you want to make your hunting trip a little more exciting, try using a squirrel call. Squirrels are incredibly vocal animals, so using a call is a great way to attract them to your location. You can use these calls to imitate different sounds, such as barking, chatters, and rapid-fire barks. Then, as you’re walking up to your target, you can simply repeat the call over to lure them in.
Using a squirrel call is a great way to attract and catch a squirrel. They’re also quite vocal animals, making noises like agitated chatter and passive whines that can help you find them. Using a squirrel call to mix rabbit and squirrel hunting is a great way to catch a bushytail, as long as you know where to look. While most people think of chasing bushytails as passive hunting, a squirrel call can be a useful tool.
Using a dog
You can use a different breed of dog for both types of hunting, such as a beagle or basset hound. Beagles are similar to basset hounds, but they have better coordination and agility. They are also determined and will not give up until they have captured their prey. They can run as fast as sighthounds but can negotiate thick cover and change direction quickly. They also have a strong sense of smell and have equal stamina to rabbits, though they do tire quicker.
If you are planning on using a dog for rabbit hunting, make sure that it is accustomed to handling rabbits. Rabbits can be extremely elusive and difficult to track. The hunter should avoid being out-waited, as this can make the rabbits nervous and less likely to attack. A well-trained rabbit dog can help with this task, as these creatures tend to run in wide circles when they are being chased.
Proper clothing for rabbit hunting
While a blaze-orange hunting vest may be ideal for big game hunters, you will still need thicker apparel for rabbit or squirrel hunting. A pair of vinyl-faced canvas field pants will boost your courage while a heavy-duty canvas upland hunting coat will make plowing chest-high brush a breeze. If you plan to hunt alone, heavy-duty gloves and a blaze-orange vest will protect your hands and make your partner difficult to see.
A hat is a must-have for both rabbit and squirrel hunting. While rabbits are known to run, they can still be shot after a few seconds. Ideally, you should shoot from up to mid-thigh distance and wait for a rabbit to break cover. If you have to catch a rabbit that’s still running after your shot, grab him or her by the head or legs. It’s better to grab the rabbit’s backbone with the head than to pull its legs because this will cause it to break.
Using a shotgun
Using a shotgun when mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting is the only way to get a good kill. The main benefit of using a shotgun is the greater likelihood of hitting a squirrel with the shot. While you don’t need to aim precisely, the shot will remain in the meat, which makes it difficult to dress your critter. When you mix rabbit and squirrel hunting, be sure to use a shotgun with non-lead ammunition.
If you’re planning on using a shotgun for rabbit and squirrel hunting, try matching the weapon to your prey. Many experienced hunters use a 20-gauge shotgun with improved cylinder choke for rabbit hunting. A larger shotgun will obliterate a rabbit. Always remember that rabbits can’t stand to be out-waited. By pauses in your motions, you can also draw them into view.
Should I mix rabbit and squirrel hunting?
While there are some benefits to mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting it is generally not recommended as it can lead to decreased success rates for both.
What are some benefits to mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
Some benefits to mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting include getting more exercise spending more time outdoors and increasing your chances of success.
Are there any downsides to mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
Yes there are downsides to mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting.
These downsides include decreased success rates for both and not being able to focus properly on either.
How can I mix rabbit and squirrel hunting without decreasing my success rates?
One way to mix rabbit and squirrel hunting without decreasing your success rates is to only hunt for one species at a time.
This way you can focus on that species and increase your chances of success.
Why might I want to mix rabbit and squirrel hunting?
Some reasons you might want to mix rabbit and squirrel hunting include getting more exercise spending more time outdoors and increasing your chances of success.
How can I make sure I don’t decrease my success rates when mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
By only hunting for one species at a time you can make sure you don’t decrease your success rates.
This way you can focus on that species and increase your chances of success.
What are the best methods for mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
The best methods for mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting include only hunting for one species at a time and using separate days or areas for each.
This way you can focus on each species and increase your chances of success.
How can I make sure I’m successful when mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
By only hunting for one species at a time and using separate days or areas for each you can make sure you’re successful when mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting.
This way you can focus on each species and increase your chances of success.
What are some tips for mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
Some tips for mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting include only hunting for one species at a time and using separate days or areas for each.
This way you can focus on each species and increase your chances of success.
What’s the best way to mix rabbit and squirrel hunting?
The best way to mix rabbit and squirrel hunting is to only hunt for one species at a time and using separate days or areas for each.
This way you can focus on each species and increase your chances of success.
Should I use the same methods for both rabbit and squirrel hunting?
No you should not use the same methods for both rabbit and squirrel hunting.
This is because each species has different habits and needs so using the same methods will likely decrease your success rates.
What are some different methods I can use for rabbit and squirrel hunting?
Some different methods you can use for rabbit and squirrel hunting include using separate days or areas for each and using different types of bait or lures.
This way you can focus on each species and increase your chances of success.
What should I do if I’m not having success with one method of mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
If you’re not having success with one method of mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting you should try another method.
This way you can focus on each species and increase your chances of success.
What are some other things I can do to increase my success rates when mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
Some other things you can do to increase your success rates when mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting include using different types of bait or lures and doing some research on the habits of each species.
This way you can focus on each species and increase your chances of success.
What’s the best way to ensure success when mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting?
The best way to ensure success when mixing rabbit and squirrel hunting is to only hunt for one species at a time and using separate days or areas for each.
This way you can focus on each species and increase your chances of success.

Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.