I have recently taken up squirrel hunting. The land I hunt isnt terribly big. I have tried to avoid areas with other hunters so

[maynardtl8]

I have recently taken up squirrel hunting. The land I hunt isnt terribly big. I have tried to avoid areas with other hunters so I could stay out of their way, but with the Illinois archery season opening today that will be difficult. Could I get a few tips in etiquette so I can still enjoy my hunt without ruining anyone else's deer hunt?

[Ontario Honker Hunter]

Most deer hunting is done at daybreak and dusk. I have never hunted squirrels but if you can limit your hunting for them to midday, that should keep you out of the deer hunters' hair.

[jhjimbo]

It is going to be almost impossible not to 'bump' into an archer. If you do, move a safe distance away from his stand. If you are using a rifle, be absolutely sure of your backstop. A shotgun will definitely interfere with the archers.
Also, you might hunt weekdays as weekends may have even more hunters.

[themadflyfisher]

Squirrels like deer are also more active at dawn and dusk. They will move around during the day but not as much. If the area is small you are probably going to affect an archery hunter unless you are a good distance from where they are. You might want to go scouting for deer stands(with your gun of course in case a squirrel pops out) if the area is that small so you know where to avoid.

[DakotaMan]

It's nice of you to consider the archers and I commend you! I suspect most archers will consider you an asset during mid-day (if they are still hunting at that time) as you may move bedding deer around a little. Squirrel hunters don't bother them much. As a matter of fact, while archery hunting, I've seen deer actually follow them a bit to observe what they are doing.

First I suggest you be very careful about what is in the tree you are shooting toward. Archers sit up in trees and wear camo... check carefully to avoid bagging an archer. That has always been my biggest concern. Secondly, keep moving. Don't camp in an area too long since there may be an archer nearby and you will spoil his setup if you stay too long. Finally, avoid walking on deer trails if you can because they will shy from your foot scent and perhaps spoil an archer's setup downline on the trail.

[ITHACASXS]

You may find (I did) that many landowners may welcome you if you are just after squirrels. There's not too many of us anymore. Don't be afraid to ask, because many of these folks only use their land for shotgun/rifle deer hunting, which by then, you should be out of there until winter.It's nice that you are considering the archer, I hope they show the same to you.

[lwfj1178]

I try to avoid area near tougher cover as a bow hunter I try to hunt close to bedding area in the tougher areas so if you hunt the more open woods you will never bump into me. Just a thought.