How to Feed Hickory Nuts to Squirrels

Hickory nuts, a delicacy and a favorite of squirrels, can serve as the perfect bait when hunting or trapping the animals. Hickory nuts are ripe when the outside shell turns from green to brown. Squirrels will spend time dehusking these nuts to taste the sweet meat inside. You can shuck your own nuts to use as bait in traps or feed them to squirrels right from your hand.

Things You'll Need

• Hickory nuts
• Nutcracker

Instructions

1. Use a nutcracker to open the hickory nuts.

2. Place the nuts in a container.

3. Place the hickory nuts in traps to catch squirrels.

4. Hold out your hand with hickory nuts in them to friendly squirrels. To resist being bitten or nibbled upon, place the nut in the palm of your hand, and keep your hand as flat as possible. Do not curl your fingers or hand.

Tips & Warnings

• Hickory nuts can be purchased from most grocery and whole food stores. Many times, roadside produce stands will sell them as well.

• Feeding wild squirrels is dangerous. Squirrels have been known to bite and transmit diseases. Exercise extreme caution and only feed pet squirrels that you are familiar with--and squirrels that are familiar with you.

References

• Game & Fish magazine: Squirrels are Nuts for Hickories