You can hunt squirrels with a .22 and get clean, ethical kills—if you use the right shots, ammo, and technique. A .22 LR works well for most squirrel hunts inside about 50 yards, as long as you aim for head or chest shots and pick the right ammunition.
You’ll want to check the laws and seasons, figure out the best shot placement for a quick kill, and pick rifles and rounds that keep things quiet and accurate.
Some walk-through tips can help you move quietly, spot squirrels, and make confident shots—so you don’t waste time or ruin your game.
If you’re after gear suggestions, practical shooting advice, and easy steps to stay legal and humane, just keep reading. The next sections break down legality and technique, then cover the best .22 rifles and ammo for the job.
Squirrel Hunting With a .22: Legality, Effectiveness, and Techniques
You can use a .22 rifle for squirrel hunting if you follow the rules, aim for quick humane kills, and match your ammo and technique to the shot’s distance and size.
Know your local seasons, bag limits, and the right spot to place your shots for a clean harvest.
Is It Legal to Hunt Squirrels With a .22?
Laws shift from state to state, and sometimes even between counties. In a lot of places, you can hunt common tree squirrels during squirrel season, but you need a valid hunting license and should stick to bag limits.
Some cities ban shooting firearms inside city limits, and a few states treat flying squirrels or protected subspecies differently.
Check your state wildlife agency for exact season dates, license types, and daily limits before heading out.
If squirrels are damaging your property, nuisance rules or special permits might let you act outside the usual seasons.
Never just guess about legality—always verify the species, location, and method allowed.
Why the .22 Is Favored for Squirrel Hunting
Hunters like the .22 LR because it’s light, has almost no recoil, and stays accurate for shots inside 100 yards. That’s about perfect for most tree-squirrel situations.
Standard ammo types (40–40.5 gr standard velocity or 36–40 gr high-velocity) balance accuracy and stopping power for small game.
You get quieter shots and quick follow-ups with bolt-action, semi-auto, or scoped rimfire rifles.
Some folks go with a .22 Magnum for more energy at close range, but it’s louder and hits harder—sometimes too hard.
Pick your bullet type and velocity to match the distance, so you don’t over-penetrate or get poor results.
Techniques for Successful Squirrel Hunting
Mix up still-hunting with short stalking. Sit under trees near nut lines, or stay mobile along field edges where squirrels feed.
Move slow, and if you hear running or see a tail flick, freeze. Look for movement where branches meet, not just along the trunk.
Aim for shots inside 75 yards for consistent, clean kills.
Use a small rimfire scope or iron sights set up for your usual shooting distance.
Call sparingly—tree squirrels sometimes come to soft yips or nut-tapping.
Carry light gear: a small game carrier, gloves, and maybe a headlamp if you’re skinning at dusk.
Ethical Hunting and Humane Shot Placement
Aim for the head or upper neck for a quick, humane kill on small squirrels. A well-placed .22 shot to the brain or spine ends things fast.
Chest shots can work if you’re close, but they can lead to longer suffering and mess up the meat.
If you wound a squirrel, follow up right away or finish the job quickly and humanely.
Track wounded squirrels only if you think you can recover them without much trouble; otherwise, report it and try to learn from the mistake.
Follow the legal carcass handling rules and use proper field care to keep the meat good.
Best .22 Rifles and Ammunition for Squirrel Hunting
You want a rifle that can hit small targets, cycles reliably, and uses ammo that gives fast, humane kills without being super loud.
Pick a rifle you’re comfortable carrying all day, a sighting system you trust, and ammo your rifle actually likes.
Popular .22 Rifle Models for Hunting Squirrels
Go for rifles known for reliability and easy-to-find parts. The Ruger 10/22 is a classic semi-auto with tons of aftermarket support and simple 10-round magazines.
The Marlin Model 60 is another semi-auto with a tubular magazine that holds plenty of rounds and works great for walk-and-stalk hunting.
If you prefer bolt guns, the CZ 457 and Savage Mark II offer better accuracy and smooth, straightforward triggers.
Bolt-action rifles usually hold five to ten rounds in detachable or internal mags and let you make clean, careful shots up in the branches.
Look for lightweight stocks, threaded barrels if you want to use a suppressor, and a barrel length that feels balanced in your hands.
Choosing Between Bolt-Action and Semi-Automatic Rifles
You’ll trade follow-up speed for precision, honestly. Semi-automatic rifles like the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin 60 let you take quick second shots on moving squirrels.
They’re great in thick cover, but some semi-autos can be picky about ammo and are a bit louder if you’re running a suppressor.
Bolt-action rifles such as the CZ 457 and Savage Mark II usually give you tighter groups and better accuracy.
They also handle a wider range of .22LR ammo without cycling problems.
Pick a bolt-action if you’re mostly taking slow, careful shots at 25–75 yards.
Go with a semi-auto if you expect quick shots and want a higher magazine capacity.
Ammunition Options: .22 LR, .22 Magnum, and Bullet Types
Most hunters go with the .22 Long Rifle (.22LR). It’s quiet, cheap, and honestly, surprisingly accurate in a bunch of rifles.
If you’re after squirrels inside 75 yards, pick standard velocity or high velocity hollow points. Standard velocity tends to hit more accurately in a lot of bolt guns. High velocity? That’s handy if you need to punch through some light brush.
Now, the .22 Magnum (.22 WMR) packs more range and energy. You’ll want it if you need solid stopping power beyond 75 yards. Just know it’s louder and kicks a bit more.
For bullets, stick with hollow point or polymer-tipped rounds—they expand on impact. I’d skip full-metal jackets for hunting; they can zip right through and might not drop the animal fast.
Try out a few ammo brands in your rifle and see what shoots best. What groups tight in a CZ 457 or Savage Mark II could be totally different than what your Ruger 10/22 or Marlin 60 likes.
