Orville Rice | TPWD
In Search of Small Game
The woods and fields around us hold the simplest kind of hunting fun.
Small game introduces many Texans to hunting, and most Texans think of upland game like rabbits and squirrels when the subject arises. Technically, small game refers to ducks, quail and doves as well, and they make for a great day of hunting.
It’s true that big game hunting is king in Texas and always will be. People like antlers, and there is no changing that. However, there is something magical about a day spent walking through grasslands looking for rabbits or sitting quietly among hardwood trees waiting for a chirpy squirrel to appear. In the end, pursuing small game is hunting in its simplest and most distilled form. For experienced hunters, it’s a connection to their past. For new hunters, it’s a way to become introduced to the outdoors.
Fast and Squirrel-ous
IS SMALL GAME hunting becoming a lost art? A decrease in numbers of hunters doesn’t mean much to those who grew up honing their skills on accessible, but speedy, squirrels and rabbits. Each species makes for an exciting hunt — as table fare, they are chef’s-kiss delicious.
This season, when things are slow on the deer lease, take a kid out to hunt small game. You’ll be glad you did.
Rabbits and squirrels are easy to find. Virtually every deer lease in Texas has rabbits, and squirrels are plentiful over much of the state. Access to hunt them is readily available on private land, public wildlife management areas and national forests.
Texas has over 1 million acres of public hunting land; many public areas offer walk-in hunting for people who buy a $48 Annual Public Hunting permit.
For both rabbits and squirrels, their habitat is reasonably predictable. Rabbits like areas at the edge of open fields where they can be close to cover to safely feed. In fact, rabbit and white-tailed deer like the same type of habitat. Walk the edge of an open field — chances are, you’ll find rabbits.
Squirrels, on the other hand, need mast-producing trees like hickory, walnut, oak and pecan. The rule for finding squirrels is simple: Find the trees that make food, and you’ll find squirrels. That’s especially true in the fall when they gather their winter stores.
The traditional way of sitting still and watching a big nut-producing tree for movement is a challenge in squirrel hunting. It takes a good degree of scouting and some knowledge of woodsmanship.
Squirrels are wary. If the squirrel you’re watching doesn’t see you, another one will, and he’ll alert the other squirrels to your presence. The patience required to wait for a squirrel to move around on the tree so you can make a safe shot rivals the patience it takes to wait for a mature buck to turn up.
You don’t have to wait for a narrow window of the year to hunt rabbits or squirrels. For rabbits, there is never a closed season in Texas. For squirrels, 51 Texas counties have defined seasons with a 10-animal-per-day bag limit. Opportunities on public and private land abound.
Gearing Up
THE REAL BEAUTY of hunting small game is the low barrier to entry.
No blinds, feeders or expensive rifles are needed. Use a small-gauge shotgun (such as a .410 or a .22-caliber rifle) and head out on a long walk.
For pursuing small game like rabbits, a pair of field pants and sturdy boots are a good idea. Much of your walking will be through brambles and across uneven terrain.
A game bag for your harvest or a game vest are good pieces of go-to gear.
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