How To: Make a Squirrel Call

How To: Make a Squirrel Call

Coaxing a bushy-tailed acorn-muncher down from the treetops into viewing range is simple. Just make this easy, homemade call and learn to speak squirrel.

Here’s what you need

• Popsicle stick
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Marker
• Clear tape
• Plastic film (such as a clear report cover)
• Scissors
• Pocketknife (optional)
• Wood screw

Here’s what you do

1. Cut or break a popsicle stick in half so that you get two sticks that are the same length. You can place the stick on the edge of a table and push down to break it. If you want a smoother edge, use sturdy scissors or a pocketknife to cut the stick in half.
2. Pull out 2 inches of tape and wrap it around one of the sticks about a quarter of an inch from the cut end. Do the same thing for the other stick.
3. Use scissors to cut a thin strip of plastic film about the same length and width as the sticks.
4. Sandwich the film between the two sticks. Be sure the film is pinched between the layers of tape.
5. Pull out 3 inches of tape. Wrap it around both sticks about a quarter of an inch from the cut ends to hold the call together.

How to use your call

Squirrels make a variety of barks, chatters, whistles, and squeals. You can use your call to make two different squirrelly sounds. Both will cause nearby squirrels to creep closer to see what’s up.

Squirrel Distress Call

Squirrels make high-pitched squeals and barking calls when they’re scared or annoyed. To mimic these sounds, hold the taped end of your call and blow gently between the sticks. If you don’t get a sound at first, try turning the call over. Also try squeezing the taped end of the call to slightly spread the sticks apart. This will change the call’s pitch. Experiment and practice, and soon you’ll sound like an upset squirrel.

Gnawing Sound

When squirrels gnaw on hickory nuts, walnuts, and acorns, their teeth make a grinding sound on the nuts’ shells. To mimic this sound, run the edge of the popsicle stick down the threads of a wood screw.