New member, squirrel questions.

[Logan80]

Does anyone here hunt squirrels?

I know that most are protected, and I've never hunted them at all, but is it even worth trying?

Are there any huntable squirrels in the forests here or are they only found in populated areas?

[bobcat]

Really the only squirrels you can hunt are the non-native Eastern Grey squirrels, and they're mostly in the cities and parks. Do a search, this same question has been asked often in recent years, and there are many threads on the subject.

[JMJ]

Eastern gray and fox squirrels are unprotected in WA, since they are defined as exotic.  You need a small game license.  Can hunt year around and no limit.  The grays and fox prey on our native reds and flying squirrels.  You have to make sure what a Western Gray Squirrel looks like because they are protected; they're markedly larger and have distinctive pointed tufted ears.  I checked the rules with WDFW via phone after seeing them in scrub oak and other mast tree areas.  Good luck.

[The Marquis]

Very few opportunities, but they exist.  near urban areas you can find some Eastern Grays (read tips above).  Also, there are a few non-native species.  I've "hunted" (opportunistically, not targetted) California Ground Squirrels.  They are found only in Yakima and Klickitat Counties I believe and are probably not worth the effort to target unless you live around there.  I saw one on a day out upland hunting.  One.  Compared to the Douglas Squirrel of which I'll see hundreds on any day out hunting.  Can't shoot em, and if you could... not worth it.  Tiny guys.  I also know there are some Eastern Fox Squirrels in the SE corner of the state (I think, that's too far for me to drive, so I don't pay attention).

[Logan80]

I guess I'm just bored now that hunting is essentially over for edible game. One more possible goose day for me and that's it. Just trying to find something else to focus on for fun.

That and I've inherited an old .22 rifle that is just asking to go for a walk in the woods.

[AROTTY]

There are public spots to hunt Californian Ground squirrels. Off of the klickitat trail would be a good start. Wouldn't want to eat them though. They usually start coming out in April-May on sunny days when the weather starts to warm.

[bornhunter]

The little red/orange ones that chirp at you when you are moving quiet through the woods are protected here?

[smithkl42]

The little red/orange ones that chirp at you when you are moving quiet through the woods are protected here?

Yup, those are Douglas Squirrels, and they're protected. I've never understood why - they're all over the place. Perhaps just because they're too small to make very good eating, so there's no point in shooting them?

[The Marquis]

The little red/orange ones that chirp at you when you are moving quiet through the woods are protected here?

Yup, those are Douglas Squirrels, and they're protected. I've never understood why - they're all over the place. Perhaps just because they're too small to make very good eating, so there's no point in shooting them?

That's my guess too.  It doesn't really make sense to shoot them.  Almost no meat on em and the only thing you could probably make out of the hide is a small knife sheath.  Only so many knife sheath needs out there.  Not sure why they are protected though.  They are everywhere to an absurd degree in some places in the state.  This year deer hunting we were constantly seeing them, everywhere.  Dozens in a single location while standing still.

[konradcountry]

The little red/orange ones that chirp at you when you are moving quiet through the woods are protected here?

Yup, those are Douglas Squirrels, and they're protected. I've never understood why - they're all over the place. Perhaps just because they're too small to make very good eating, so there's no point in shooting them?

Part of the problem is that the Easterns will push them out. So if they let people shoot the Douglas you might be shooting the last breeder in an area under pressure from Easterns.

The Easterns are a much bigger problem for native species. They are a lot more aggressive and eat far more bird eggs.

People think the Eastern is cute but they are little bastrds.

[Fl0und3rz]

A couple prior threads.

Here are a couple.

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,90214.0.html

http://www.hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=163331.0

[konradcountry]

There are Easterns in Pierce but most of it is under the no-shooting ordinance.

What you should do is get a bow if you don't have one. That way you can shoot coons and squirrels in Pierce.

There are also some places in King where you can take a 22. I'm always up for off season stuff if you want to PM me.

[O. hemionus]

Check out the link below for info and a fairly accurate map of Washington's squirrels.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_squirrel/

As already mentioned, care should be taken to avoid areas where western gray squirrels (protected) and eastern gray squirrels ( non-native and huntable with a small game license) overlap. There are three distinct areas in WA where Western gray squirrels occur.

That being said, I live in one of those three areas and have removed 30 eastern gray squirrels from my yard alone. They have spread out into more suburban/rural areas around the state, and I have seen them throughout Snohomish and Pierce Counties where hunting with firearms is allowed. Your best bet for a crack at eastern gray would be to contact farmers with hazelnut (filbert) orchards and see if they would like some relief from the eastern gray squirrels. I know of a few that would appreciate the help. Good luck!