Overcast weather and colony ground squirrel shooting question.

[Jonesy]

What effect does overcast weather have on ground squirrels? For example, say it's 75 degrees, 5 mph winds, but cloudy all day. Do they stay underground in this situation?

I've got two days to pick from this week to do some colony rat shooting. Temp and winds are as described above, but one day is mostly cloudy and the other is partly sunny.

Thank You

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Jonsey, I gave you a response over on the 204um......

 

[SS427]

Both days should be fine. 5 mph wind at ground level won't even ruffle their fur. I actually like a cloudy day because I get less eye strain while looking through my scope.

Your problem this time of year will be high grass, unless you have info that the farmer has recently cut.

 

[Nomad47]

What effect does overcast weather have on ground squirrels? For example, say it's 75 degrees, 5 mph winds, but cloudy all day. Do they stay underground in this situation?

I've got two days to pick from this week to do some colony rat shooting. Temp and winds are as described above, but one day is mostly cloudy and the other is partly sunny.

Thank You

What is the difference between mostly cloudy and partly sunny? Wouldn't a partly sunny day be mostly cloudy?

 

[Jonesy]

What effect does overcast weather have on ground squirrels? For example, say it's 75 degrees, 5 mph winds, but cloudy all day. Do they stay underground in this situation?

I've got two days to pick from this week to do some colony rat shooting. Temp and winds are as described above, but one day is mostly cloudy and the other is partly sunny.

Thank You

What is the difference between mostly cloudy and partly sunny? Wouldn't a partly sunny day be mostly cloudy?

From the National Weather Service website:

Partly Sunny
Between 3/8 and 5/8 of the sky is covered by clouds. The term "Partly Sunny" is used only during daylight hours.

Mostly Cloudy
When the 6/8th to 7/8ths of the sky is covered by with opaque (not transparent) clouds. Same as Considerable Cloudiness.

There ya go. 8)

Thanks for the information fellas.

 

[drover]

I have found that on cloudy days there are fewer squirrels out being active. My theory is because it is more difficult for them to see predators (raptors). On cloudy days they stay up just long enough to get a bite to eat and are extremely skittish, but as soon as the sun comes out they are back up in droves. I have observed this over many years of shooting. Maybe not the same in your area but it sure seems to work that way in MT and ID.

drover