Realtree Video on How to Clean Squirrels

Want an opportunity at a deer or turkey? Chances are you're going to have to put in some time. And that's cool. That's okay.

But squirrel hunting often involves more action than whitetails and wild turkeys. That's great for kids, both as a teaching tool and pure hunting pleasure. You can even hunt squirrels with dogs (always check game laws first).

From Maine to Mississippi, Kentucky to California, squirrels can be found. Such an abundance of small-game opportunities yields plenty of seasonal hunting opportunities.

Depending on where you live, some locations have late spring, summer, early fall, late fall and even winter squirrel seasons.

Check out your state's hunting regulations and give squirrel hunting a try.

Walk into a hardwoods full of hickories and oaks. Have a sit. Enjoy the rustle of painted fall leaves and the chill in the air. If your state offers a late spring season, focus on soft mast. And spray yourself down with bug repellent. Take a deep breath.

You're hunting. Nice, eh?

Didn't see any squirrels on your way in?

Chances are they saw you. Now sit (or stand) some more. Watch those trees for movement; a flicker of gray tail. Listen for a squirrel cutting nuts as shells rain to the forest floor. Or darting among the leafed-out trees.

Okay, game on.

That squirrel is descending the big hickory, claws scratching bark as it corkscrews down out of leafy cover and into range.

Feel your heartbeat start thrumming even more? Good. That's the idea.

And when you kill one, or even scratch out a limit, some of the best wild game eating around awaits.

But first you have to clean them. This video should help.

Go here for more Realtree small game hunting.

And Realtree.com's Michael Pendley has a bunch of great squirrel recipes (and more) here.

Bonus Read: Small Game Hunting with Muzzleloaders

Editor's note: This Realtree video was first published March 21, 2014.