Squirrels

[StiksnStrings]

I know red squirrels are classafied as fur bearers here in Alberta, can anyone tell me why? Maybe my gogglefu isn't so great but, I can't find an answer.

[Slamaha]

My guess is because their hides/fur can be sold on the fur market, as such are a resource that needs or might need protection/regulation.

[Smoky buck]

They are a species trapped and sold in the fur market. Not a big value I would get $1-2 when I trapped in the past

[StiksnStrings]

My reason for asking is in the east greys are a much sot after table fare. So, why not here?

[StiksnStrings]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

They are a species trapped and sold in the fur market. Not a big value I would get $1-2 when I trapped in the past

So if there value in trapping isn't so great, why not table fare?

[StiksnStrings]

What I'm wondering is why are they classified as fur bearers here in Ab when in the east they are considered "game".

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by StiksnStrings

What I'm wondering is why are they classified as fur bearers here in Ab when in the east they are considered "game".

I don’t know but I can tell you they are trapping only in B.C. to even on private property. As for value the market changes and I can tell you there are guys who cover all their fuel for their trapping season with a combination of squirrel and weasel hides so they add up

You can hunt squirrels legally on private land here in Alberta if you want just not crow land

Personally with the western red squirrels there is very little meat on them nothing like eastern greys or fox squirrels

[StiksnStrings]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

I

Personally with the western red squirrels there is very little meat on them nothing like eastern greys or fox squirrels

Yes, that is true, I'd like to be able to try them as table fare as compared to greys. I haven't tried fox.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by StiksnStrings

Yes, that is true, I'd like to be able to try them as table fare as compared to greys. I haven't tried fox.

Go knock on some farmers doors and you will likely find some that will let you hunt them. You will be good to go then

I have tried them when I was trapping they tasted fine but way too small for me to even consider hunting for meat unless it was a survival situation

[StiksnStrings]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Go knock on some farmers doors and you will likely find some that will let you hunt them. You will be good to go then

I have tried them when I was trapping they tasted fine but way too small for me to even consider hunting for meat unless it was a survival situation

I get the way to small thing, they are 1/3 to 1/2 the size of a grey. I have been curuois as to how they would taste given the different diet east hard wood forest vs soft wood forest west.

Either way, squirrel stew and dumplings

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by StiksnStrings

I get the way to small thing, they are 1/3 to 1/2 the size of a grey. I have been curuois as to how they would taste given the different diet east hard wood forest vs soft wood forest west.

Either way, squirrel stew and dumplings

Try 1/4 the size lol

Either way there is an option to pursue your quest to try western red squirrel now you just have to go find a find a landowner that will give you permission

[StiksnStrings]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Try 1/4 the size lol

Either way there is an option to pursue your quest to try western red squirrel now you just have to go find a find a landowner that will give you permission

Thanks for the tip!

[Pekan]

Here in Alberta only 12 year olds hunt squirrels. Once your nuts drop you move on to bigger and better things.

[fishnguy]

^ Ok, that is funny!

Edit: I should add,

[WinefredCommander]

Originally Posted by Pekan

Here in Alberta only 12 year olds hunt squirrels. Once your nuts drop you move on to bigger and better things.

Shoot them on private property only. Tree rats.

[trapperdodge]

In Ontario they hunt grey squirrels but red squirrels are fir bearers and are trapped.

[StiksnStrings]

Originally Posted by Pekan

Here in Alberta only 12 year olds hunt squirrels. Once your nuts drop you move on to bigger and better things.

Thanks for that bit of wisdom

[StiksnStrings]

Originally Posted by WinefredCommander

Shoot them on private property only. Tree rats.

SB gave me the some advise, thanks WC.

[StiksnStrings]

I get it, hunting squirrels here in AB is an odd idea to most. I grey up hunting greys and they make great table fare. So the idea of trying reds has some appeal even if they are soo small. Just curious is all, or maybe I've got too much time on my hands now that I'm retired. Thanks all for the replies.