Hunting squirrels is a popular outdoor activity, but once you've successfully bagged your prey, you'll need to know the best way to carry the squirrels while you finish your hunt or head back home. Carrying squirrels correctly ensures that you preserve the meat, avoid contamination, and maintain comfort during your hunt. In this article, we will provide practical advice on how to carry squirrels while hunting, ensuring a safe, efficient, and respectful approach to the task.

Why Is It Important to Carry Squirrels Properly?

Carrying squirrels properly is essential for a few key reasons:

• Preservation of Meat: Squirrel meat can spoil quickly if it’s not handled correctly, especially if it’s exposed to dirt or bacteria. Carrying the squirrels in a clean and sanitary manner is vital for maintaining the quality of the meat.
• Safety: Carrying squirrels safely ensures that you don't accidentally injure yourself or others in your hunting party. Additionally, carrying the squirrels with care minimizes the risk of sharp claws or teeth causing harm.
• Comfort: If you’re out hunting for an extended period, you’ll want to carry your squirrels in a way that doesn’t interfere with your movement or cause unnecessary strain.

Methods for Carrying Squirrels While Hunting

There are several methods to carry squirrels, depending on the tools and resources you have at your disposal. Below are the most common techniques:

1. Use a Hunting Game Carrier or Sling

A hunting game carrier, also known as a game sling, is a simple and efficient way to carry squirrels. This tool typically consists of a strong, adjustable strap that you can drape over your shoulder or across your body, leaving your hands free for carrying your rifle or other gear.

• How to Use: After killing the squirrel, you can attach the animal to the carrier by threading the legs or the tail through the loops of the sling. The carrier distributes the weight across your body, making it easier to carry multiple squirrels at once.
• Benefits: This method is great for long hunts, as it keeps your hands free and helps distribute the weight evenly across your body. It also keeps the squirrels clean and safe from damage.

2. Game Bag

A game bag is a lightweight, breathable bag specifically designed for carrying game, including small animals like squirrels. It helps protect the meat from dirt, debris, and bacteria while keeping it cool.

• How to Use: Once you've harvested a squirrel, place it in the game bag. The bag can either be worn over your shoulder or tied to your belt for easy access. Some game bags have multiple compartments, allowing you to carry several squirrels at once.
• Benefits: The game bag helps preserve the meat, keeps the squirrels off the ground, and allows for hands-free transport. It’s also ideal for hunters who prefer a more discrete carrying method.

3. By the Legs

If you don't have a carrier or bag available, you can carry squirrels by their back legs, which is a traditional and straightforward method.

• How to Use: Simply grab the back legs of the squirrel, either by the feet or using a rope to tie them together, and carry the animal upside down. This allows for a comfortable grip and minimizes the risk of dirt getting on the meat.
• Benefits: This method is effective when you’re hunting in areas with limited gear. It’s simple, doesn't require extra tools, and is effective for short trips.

4. Use a Rope or Paracord

If you’re out hunting in remote areas and don’t have a dedicated game carrier or bag, using a length of rope or paracord can be an excellent alternative. This method involves tying the squirrels together and then carrying them over your shoulder or around your waist.

• How to Use: After harvesting one or more squirrels, tie their feet together using a strong rope or paracord. Then, loop the rope over your shoulder or waist, allowing you to carry multiple squirrels at once.
• Benefits: This is an effective way to carry multiple squirrels without adding significant weight to your pack. The rope is easy to carry and doesn't take up much space.

5. In Your Backpack or Hunting Pack

If you’re carrying a backpack or hunting pack, you can also store your squirrels inside. This is especially useful if you’re out hunting for a long time and need to carry additional gear, like food or water.

• How to Use: Place the squirrels in your backpack, either inside a plastic bag or game bag to prevent contamination of your other gear. Be sure to clean the squirrels as much as possible before placing them in the pack.
• Benefits: This method is great for longer hunts, as it keeps the squirrels clean and separated from other gear. It also helps prevent any odors from spreading throughout your pack.

Tips for Carrying Squirrels While Hunting

Here are a few extra tips to ensure that you are carrying squirrels efficiently and respectfully:

• Field Dressing: If you plan to keep the squirrels for eating, field dressing them as soon as possible is important. Removing the entrails and cleaning the animal reduces the risk of contamination and helps preserve the meat. Once field-dressed, squirrels can be carried more easily and will stay fresh longer.
• Stay Organized: If you’re carrying multiple squirrels, try to keep them organized. Grouping them together and using a game carrier, bag, or rope can help you maintain a manageable load.
• Keep Them Clean: Try to avoid letting the squirrels touch the ground, as it could introduce dirt and bacteria. Game bags and carriers help keep the meat clean, which is essential for preserving the quality.
• Be Mindful of the Environment: If you’re hunting in a sensitive area, be sure to carry the squirrels in a way that does not disturb the environment. Avoid dragging the animals across the ground or leaving them exposed to predators.

Conclusion: How to Carry Squirrels While Hunting

Carrying squirrels properly while hunting is crucial for preserving the meat and ensuring a safe and efficient hunt. Whether you use a game carrier, bag, rope, or simply carry them by the legs, the goal is to keep the squirrels clean, safe, and easy to transport. By following these methods and tips, you’ll make your hunting experience more enjoyable and respectful, while ensuring the best outcome for both you and the animals.