Love Summer but Miss Hunting?

If you love hunting but are waiting for fall season, don’t fret.  There ae still some animals you can hunt in summer.  Sure it takes different skills and different ammo, but here is a list of animals, inland birds that are usually in season in the summer months.  Check with your DNR, game warden or wildlife departments and get your proper license(s) before you hunt.  Remember to “know before you go” – and check your local laws before you hunt in any season, especially in summer when so many non hunters take to the wilds.

Spring Turkeys

This season runs from spring to early summer, so check to see if these are still in season in your area.  Hens are probably on the nest by now, but Tom gobblers are still on the move, so grab your turkey caller and get out there.

Woodchucks and Groundhogs

Woodchucks and groundhogs are part of the squirrel and rodent family.  This is another critter that is best to hunt in the cool parts of the day.  When the temp rises too high, Groundhogs and woodchucks go underground, where you can’t find them to hunt them.  Find these near hay fields or grass fields – both plants they love to eat.  If the land is on a farm or ranch, check with the owner.  Some farmers and ranchers welcome hunters who can help reduce the population of woodchucks, groundhogs and the similar rodent, prairie dogs.

Bushytail squirrels

Squirrels are most active in the early summer mornings and early evening hours – so that is the best time to hunt them.  Some hunters like to trail squirrels, others prefer to sit quietly in the woods and wait for the squirrels to come along.  Either way, there are plenty of squirrels for the hunting, and these clever creatures make for lively small game hunting.

Pheasants

Pheasants are a popular inland bird to hunt.  Many hunt pheasants with rifle and retriever dogs, while others bowhunt.  Pheasant activity is liveliest in early morning and a couple of hours in the evening.      

If you aren’t putting down the fishing pole, we got more… 

How about a Cottontail Rabbit?

Cottontail rabbits and hack rabbits tend to hide in thick bush when its hot, but you can still find them in the fields where they spend most of their time.  This is another one to check with local farmers who often welcome rabbit hunters in their fields as a way to control the populations and preserve their crops from veggie loving rabbits.

Coyotes

Coyotes won’t be running through the fields or laying in open grass in summer.  They will find shady spots where they can hide until the cooler hours of the day, and prefer to be near water.  Hiding is easier for coyotes with the thick summer foliage, so keep your eyes peeled for a rewarding hunt.

Wild Hogs

Hogs, like most of the other animals we’ve mentioned so far, prefer cooler shady areas in the heat of the summer.  But in the summer, whether you use the spot and stalk method or dogs to help, you don’t have to wait for the barbeque!  You can enjoy your trophy right away. 

Elk

As of Late August in some states, you can hunt elk.  In hot summer months, elk move from sleeping areas to eating areas at night, following a late afternoon stop at springs or a watering hole.  If you miss them at the water, consider hunting elk either early morn or early evening when it is a bit cooler outside.  And use what you hunt.

There may be more.  It is worth a call and or a google search to find out what is in season in your neck of the woods, then grab the target appropriate ammo and get out there.