Mount Graham Squirrels

[Desert_Angler]

I was thinking of going up to Mount Graham this weekend to hunt Abert (tassel-eared) squirrels. I've never been there before and from what I have read, the 366 road up to the top is closed to vehicles at the Shannon Campground. If I can get that far up, the area looks plenty high enough to hunt squirrels (Aberts only). Has anyone ever hunted squirrels in that area or just hunted that area in general during the winter that has any advice?

[AZ RANGER]

There is plenty of country to hunt even with the road closed at Shannon. There will likely be a fair amount of snow up there too. Good luck!

[wish2hunt]

Is the season still open?

[TRKHNTR]

It closed December 31 except in Unit 33 Mt Lemmon.

[TRKHNTR]

Oops just read 31 is open until June 30 2017, interesting never paid attention to that.

[Desert_Angler]

Oops just read 31 is open until June 30 2017, interesting never paid attention to that.

Yeah, that is pretty much the only reason why I'm willing to drive all the way out there. Unit 31 has a year round season on Aberts squirrels which I believe is meant to thin out their population and keep them from competing with the endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrel. I also think the Unit 33 Aberts squirrel season goes until May to help out the Arizona Gray Squirrel that is native to the region.

[wish2hunt]

 

 

Oops just read 31 is open until June 30 2017, interesting never paid attention to that.

Yeah, that is pretty much the only reason why I'm willing to drive all the way out there. Unit 31 has a year round season on Aberts squirrels which I believe is meant to thin out their population and keep them from competing with the endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrel. I also think the Unit 33 Aberts squirrel season goes until May to help out the Arizona Gray Squirrel that is native to the region.

I did not know that. My daughter is ready to go now.

[singleshot]

I drive up to the top four days a week. The road is closed at Shannon campground turnoff. Unfortunately we do not see near the numbers of squirrels during the winter months. They seem to go into a semi hibernation. Aberts can be found from Arcadia campground, through Turkey flat and on up to Ladybug Saddle on the North side of the mountain also. After turning the corner at Ladybug you are pretty much on the south facing face. There is snow on the south face but it's melting fast and starting to get patchy.

If you park at Ladybug and climb the ridge to the west that parallels the road it's a pretty fun hunt. You will probably see a few squirrels in the Gambel oaks and usually turkeys.

In the winter Aberts will key on specific trees. Generally Ponderosa pines and Firs. They chew the bark all the way around on hand sized boughs and then cut them off to drop to the ground. You will also find the peeled sticks in the same place. It's very obvious which trees they are using. I think that these trees have more sugar for whatever reason and that is why only certain ones are chosen.

[Desert_Angler]

I drive up to the top four days a week. The road is closed at Shannon campground turnoff. Unfortunately we do not see near the numbers of squirrels during the winter months. They seem to go into a semi hibernation. Aberts can be found from Arcadia campground, through Turkey flat and on up to Ladybug Saddle on the North side of the mountain also. After turning the corner at Ladybug you are pretty much on the south facing face. There is snow on the south face but it's melting fast and starting to get patchy.

If you park at Ladybug and climb the ridge to the west that parallels the road it's a pretty fun hunt. You will probably see a few squirrels in the Gambel oaks and usually turkeys.

In the winter Aberts will key on specific trees. Generally Ponderosa pines and Firs. They chew the bark all the way around on hand sized boughs and then cut them off to drop to the ground. You will also find the peeled sticks in the same place. It's very obvious which trees they are using. I think that these trees have more sugar for whatever reason and that is why only certain ones are chosen.

Wow! That is a lot of useful information that I am sure is definitely going to help me out. Thanks for the feedback! I'll be sure to post if I have any luck.