Recommended Squirrel/Rabbit Hunting around London, Ontario?

bluemike807

bluemike807

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I'm a new hunter, looking to slowly get invested over the next year as I finish off University, before I get out into the real world, on my own time, and can actually make the jump to deer, Bear, etc.

I would really appreciate any advice anyone could give on where to start off Squirrel and/or Rabbit hunting around the London, ON region. I don't mind a drive anywhere on the 'peninsula'. I've lived in the area for the last two years but haven't really had this chance so far.

My basic plan is to knock on some farmers' doors - because essentially all of the land around the city in every direction is privately owned farmland - but I admit my own ignorance about how to get started, and would be very grateful for any helping hands. I'm going to be signing up with the local gun club to get much needed range time, but am already starting to plan - and hope - for September.

If it helps I would be using either a compound bow, a .22 (Ruger 10/22) and/or a .22 Air Rifle (<500fps).

Please any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
 
Put some gas in the truck, knock on some doors be polite, then when the season opens you will be good to go. For rabbits you got to work for them go through the thick stuff and jump on brush piles might be better sooted for a scatter gun but the 10/22 will work. Squirrels you need to locate some and then have a seat, after 10-15 mins they should start moving again and you can pick them off with the ruger.
Slayer
 
Just be polite when you talk to the land owners and don't dress like someone who they would not identify with. Take out piercings, cover tattoos, wear some old jeans and work boots. If you look like a skater/rapper/stuck up city folk a farmer will be way more likely to shut you down, so try to fit in. Its nerve racking to knock on someones door but for every 10 you will likely get 1 or 2 places to hunt. The farther from the city the better the chance. Also make sure to explain what you want to hunt and that you would not interfere with the deer hunt. Good chance all good deer bushes will already be locked down for the shotgun hunt and a farmer wont take you over neighbors and family. Good luck.
 
What sort of farmland should I be looking for? Outside of London in most directions is flat grassland by September, with occasional cornfields. Every now and again someone might have some wooded areas, but usually no more than a few acres - isolated islands of trees. Would there actually be a population of squirrel/rabbit in these? Likewise it seems to me that if there were, they would be small and non sustainable (unless squirrels are in the habit of running dozens of km cross country between forests.

Basically Im looking for practical practice; I'll definitely be approaching farmers, and I'll be sure to look appropriate - but Im still not sure what to look for? Appreciate everyones comments so far - especially regarding Hullett Wildlife Park - and look forward to more, please.
 
bluemike807 said:
What sort of farmland should I be looking for? Outside of London in most directions is flat grassland by September, with occasional cornfields. Every now and again someone might have some wooded areas, but usually no more than a few acres - isolated islands of trees. Would there actually be a population of squirrel/rabbit in these? Likewise it seems to me that if there were, they would be small and non sustainable (unless squirrels are in the habit of running dozens of km cross country between forests.
Click to expand...

I suggest you drive around a bit more if all your seeing is grass!!!! As all I see around London is fields of corn,wheat,beans..... there is a ton of bush around London as well, some great hunting is to be had within minutes of leaving town. Like I said you have to put some gas in you vehicle and drive, if your only seeing grass I suggest you drive further than 100m out of town. If you expect someone to take you by the hand and show you a few of there honey holes GOOD LUCK.
Slayer
 
Victoria Park has lots of squirrels!:D

I would knock on some doors and see what the land owners have to say. Rabbits are everywhere. Squirrels obviously like stands of trees,so any bush lot will have a few. The coyotes and foxes are around so you might get a shot at one of them, too.
 
"...occasional cornfields..." I suppose if you call miles and miles and miles of corn fields, occasional.
"...approaching farmers..." Don't go on Sunday. If they say no, thank them and leave. Doesn't hurt to politely ask if they know of somebody who might let you on their land.
 
I hunt deer down south of London in the Shedden area. When waiting out deer, there always are lots of big healthy black squirrels going about their business. They come within feet of me regularly. Lots of big beech trees where I hunt - on the edges of the deep creek draws cut out by erosion.

Permission is hard to come by in that area though. A suprising number of antis it seems even among the rural folk. Our host farmer wants the deer gone so that has worked for us. We can't kill enough to suit him.
 
Thanks for the advice, everyone, when I get back to town I'll definitely be following up on local farmers.

If it isn't obvious, I'm new to hunting, but enthusiastic and eager to learn as much as I can - is there anyone out there who would be willing to let me help out on a hunt in the London area? I'd be happy just for the opportunity to tag along and learn; I'll be pack mule for all I care, and wouldn't need a share of anything taken and would gladly contribute to costs - just want the experience.

Would really appreciate the opportunity - and any more advice anyone can offer for the London locality.

Cheers
 
Another free, realtivly close place for you to hunt is the Fingal Management Unit-you can find this on the map in the hunting regulations. Hunted out in that area for quite a few years. My parents live right beside the WMU so it makes it convenient for emergency washroom breaks!!:D
The other advice i would give is to pick up a 12g shotgun with interchangable choke tube so you can hunt squirrels, bunnys, as well as pheasants.
What club are you going to join? You should take a tour of EESA:welcome:
Good luck in your hunts,
SM
 
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