Squirrels in the Sage

By Bruce Haak, Nongame Biologist, Southwest Region Despite the inclement weather and cold temperatures in southwest Idaho, ground squirrels appear to have come out early this year. It was quite a sight, observing adult squirrels (they emerge from hibernation first) running across snow drifts in January. As the weather has warmed these last few days, squirrel hunters have appeared in force. And a common question among those who call or stop by is where can I go to hunt squirrels? Where to Hunt? For starters, draw a mental line between Horseshoe Bend and the City of Payette. Unless posted, all of the public land south of the Payette River and north of Nevada is open for recreational shooting. Many places close to urban areas have become popular with squirrel shooters. However, there are serious safety considerations when firing rifles in open country. Remember that bullets can travel a mile or more, potentially harming people and property far in the distance. In some places, there are local ordinances against discharging firearms. Also remember that anyone wishing to pursue any wild animal on private land must obtain permission from the landowner. Increasingly, law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are concerned about off-road driving on desert tracks in areas popular with recreationists, including squirrel shooters. For shooters, it is simply safer to walk with a loaded firearm. If the ground is wet and the vegetation is torn and rutted by people driving off the existing BLM roads, the driver of the vehicle can be cited for destroying natural resources on public property. So avoid these areas. What to Hunt? The good news is that most of the ground squirrels seen in southwestern Idaho are Paiute ground squirrels, an unprotected and relatively abundant species. Paiute ground squirrels may be taken by shooters possessing a valid Idaho hunting license. Remember that there are two protected ground squirrels species found north of the Payette River and south of New Meadows - the Northern Idaho ground squirrel and Southern Idaho ground squirrel. Both species live no place else on earth. Over the past 20 years, ground squirrel populations north of the Payette River have dwindled. In the early 1980s, the population of the Southern Idaho ground squirrel was estimated at 40,000 animals. Today, there appear to be less than 5,000 remaining with their range of roughly 800 square miles in Gem, Washington and Payette Counties. Farther north, in Adams and Valley Counties, is the Northern Idaho ground squirrel, Idaho's newest Threatened Species. With a population of perhaps, 500 animals, it is one the rarest mammals in North America and is protected by both federal and state laws. When to Hunt? Squirrel shooters usually take to the field as soon as the weather breaks. While it might be a cure for cabin fever, it's not the best time to hunt squirrels. It's a fact that the greatest number of ground squirrels actually make their appearance in April. Even as you read this, female squirrels are in the birthing phase of their lifecycle, following an eight-month hibernation period. They reproduced just after emerging from their burrows; their offspring will be emerging for the first time in the weeks ahead. For each of these female squirrels killed now, there will be about 10 fewer young squirrels on the ground in the weeks ahead. Safety First Remember shooters that there will be many folks out in the desert enjoying the spring weather. Be aware of where you are and where others are located at all times, and handle your firearm with care. Know your target and what lies beyond it.