Module 1 of 8 Foundations
Know Your Quarry: Squirrel ID, Biology & Behavior
Identify the squirrels of the SC Piedmont and understand the biology and daily/seasonal behavior that make a squirrel huntable, the knowledge every later tactic rests on.
Lessons
7 lessons in this module · 41 across the path
- Why Squirrel Is a Great First Hunt The recruitment case: accessible, affordable, abundant, low-stakes, and a builder of marksmanship, woodsmanship, and processing skill. Sets the tone for the whole track.
- The Eastern Gray Squirrel (Primary Quarry) ID, size, color phases including black/melanistic grays, and its range across Piedmont hardwoods.
- The Southern Fox Squirrel (Secondary Quarry) The big fox squirrel: ID and striking color variation, its open pine/oak-savanna habitat, lower density, and sensitive status. VERIFY SC/WMA harvest restrictions with SCDNR.
- The Flying Squirrel (Not Game) Recognizing the nocturnal southern flying squirrel, why it isn't hunted, and what its presence says about the woods.
- Squirrel Biology & Behavior The annual cycle, feeding strategy, territoriality, and breeding/litters, the habits behind everything you'll do afield.
- Activity Timing: Dawn, Dusk & Midday The two daily feeding peaks, the midday lull, and why mornings start best after first light. Assumes primer: weather-hunt-timing.
- Weather Effects on Squirrel Movement How wind, rain, cold snaps, and calm post-front days change where and whether squirrels feed. Assumes primer: weather-hunt-timing.