Private Guided Abert's Squirrel Hunts
Private Trip
Active hunting
Expert-guided hunting across diverse terrains with personalized supportSmall group capacity of three guests ensures focused attentionSafety gear, permits, and basic training included in packages
Looking for a specialized small game hunt that'll test your skills and patience? ABC Fishing Charters has branched into guided hunting, and we're bringing the same attention to detail you'd expect on the water to the woods. Our private rate hunts for Abert's squirrel offer something different from your typical big game experience. With groups maxed at just three hunters, you'll get personalized attention from guides who know these forests like the back of their hand. We handle the permits, provide safety gear, and throw in basic training for hunters new to this unique quarry. No meals included means you can pack what works for your hunt style, whether that's trail mix and jerky or a full camp setup.
This isn't your run-and-gun deer hunt. Abert's squirrel hunting requires a completely different mindset and approach. You'll be moving quietly through ponderosa pine forests, glassing the canopy, and listening for the telltale sounds of feeding activity above. Our guides have been perfecting this hunt for years, and they'll teach you to spot the subtle signs that give away a squirrel's location - scattered cone scales, fresh cuttings, and movement patterns that separate Abert's from other tree squirrels in the area. The terrain varies from steep canyon walls to rolling hills dotted with mature pines, so come prepared for some hiking. We're talking real hunting here, not a shooting gallery. Some days you'll connect on multiple animals, other days you'll learn patience. That's what makes it authentic. Our guides carry backup equipment and know how to adjust tactics based on weather, wind, and animal behavior on any given day.
Success on Abert's squirrels comes down to understanding their habitat and behavior patterns. We hunt primarily in mature ponderosa pine stands where these squirrels spend most of their time feeding on inner bark and pine seeds. Your guide will position you based on wind direction and feeding sign, then help you glass the upper branches where these guys like to hang out. Most shots are taken with a .22 rifle or small gauge shotgun, and shot placement is critical since you're often shooting at odd angles into the canopy. We provide shooting sticks and help with range estimation, which can be tricky when you're looking up through branches. The terrain demands good boots and the ability to move quietly over pine needle duff and rocky ground. Weather plays a huge role - cold, clear mornings often produce the best activity, while windy days can make these already challenging targets nearly impossible to spot. Our guides read conditions constantly and adjust hunting locations throughout the day to put you in the best position for success.
The Abert's squirrel is hands down one of the most distinctive tree squirrels you'll ever hunt. These guys are big for squirrels, running 1.5 to 2 pounds with those signature tufted ears that make them look almost like tiny lynx. Their coloration ranges from dark gray to nearly black on top with a bright white belly that flashes when they move through the trees. What makes hunting them so addictive is their intelligence and wariness. Unlike fox squirrels that might freeze when spotted, Abert's squirrels are quick to put tree trunks between themselves and danger. They're most active in early morning and late afternoon, spending midday hours in dreys high in the canopy. Peak hunting runs from October through February when their winter coats are prime and they're more active during daylight hours. Spring brings breeding season when males are more mobile, but their behavior becomes erratic. These squirrels are completely dependent on ponderosa pines, rarely venturing far from mature stands, which makes pattern hunting effective once you locate active areas. Hunters love them because they represent a true challenge - combining the patience of big game hunting with the quick shooting skills needed for small game.
Ready to try something different from your usual hunting routine? Our private Abert's squirrel hunts offer world-class guidance in prime habitat with the personalized attention that only comes from small group sizes. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for a new challenge or someone wanting to perfect their small game skills, this hunt delivers an authentic experience that'll have you coming back for more. Rates vary based on hunt duration and specific locations, but every package includes the permits, safety gear, and expert guidance you need for success. We're not just guides - we're hunters who live for this stuff and want to share what we've learned with fellow sportsmen. The combination of challenging quarry, beautiful country, and top-rated guiding makes this a customer favorite for hunters seeking something beyond the ordinary. Give us a call to discuss dates, pricing, and what you can expect on your hunt. These spots fill up fast once word gets out about the quality of hunting we're offering.
Your hunting adventures start with our reliable motorboat, built to navigate waterways that lead to prime hunting grounds. This sturdy vessel accommodates up to 3 hunters plus gear, making it perfect for small groups targeting waterfowl or accessing remote terrain via river systems. The boat's engine provides dependable power through marshlands, backwater channels, and coastal areas where game congregates. With ample deck space for decoys, firearms, and field equipment, you'll have everything organized for quick deployment once you reach your hunting zone. The stable hull design ensures steady positioning during shots and safe transport of harvested game. Whether you're pursuing ducks in flooded timber or reaching secluded blinds only accessible by water, this motorboat serves as your mobile base camp. Our experienced guides know these waters intimately, positioning you in productive areas while maintaining the stealth necessary for successful hunts.
These distinctive tree squirrels are about 18-24 inches long with that signature tufted ears that make them easy to spot. You'll find them primarily in ponderosa pine forests between 5,500-9,000 feet elevation - they're pretty much glued to these trees since pine seeds and inner bark make up most of their diet. Peak activity happens during early morning and late afternoon, especially in fall when they're busy caching food for winter. What makes hunting Abert's squirrels rewarding is their alertness and agility - they'll test your marksmanship and patience. The meat is surprisingly tender and mild, similar to rabbit. Here's a local trick: look for fresh pine cone middens at the base of large ponderosa pines. Fresh cuttings mean active squirrels nearby, usually within a 100-yard radius of that tree.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India