With the leaves falling quickly now that the calendar is flipped to the page titled “November,” my hunting habits have landed squarely on squirrels. Don’t get me wrong, I fully understand that the rut for whitetails is drawing near, and there is no finer time to be in a tree with a bow, but hear me out before you call the paper and report that the outdoor-column guy has gone nuts. I have a friend who absolutely adores chasing squirrels and he and I have the best time sneaking off for an afternoon hunt on a pretty day or for an hour or so when a morning allows. This is our seventh season hunting squirrels together and to be honest, we are having more fun than ever. We enjoy each other’s company and we are a good team in the woods. After seven seasons of pursuit, we know each other’s habits and hunting styles and how best to use our skills to execute at a high level. My friend is a squirrel hunting master — there’s no doubt about that. It is a big part of his life and simply comes natural to him. I have seen him pull off some amazing feats in the hardwoods. But the most incredible thing about my friend, he has taught me so much about hunting and the game animal we pursue and I feel obligated to repay him by going afield with him as much as possible.  [full article]