In 2004, the white oak acorn production was good, and as is well known, the white oak is one of the most sought-after foods for squirrels. Red oak production also improved significantly in 2005 -- which was another positive factor. So for the 2004 and 2005 surveys, acorn production was quite acceptable in terms of helping out squirrel populations.

West Virginia hosts such important hickory trees as the shagbark, mockernut and pignut species, and they, too, showed an upsurge. Indices were also higher for grapes, hawthorns, dogwoods and crabapples -- all soft mast species that silvertails will consume. In short, many positive factors are in play. The survey also offers this statement.

"Because of the abundance and distribution of oaks and hickories, there should be a sufficient amount of food to again produce a few more squirrels in 2006. However, because of timber harvesting and the poor mast years we have had in recent years, squirrel numbers will not be at record high levels this year (2005) or 2006."

In West Virginia, squirrels normally produce two litters, as Dick Hall noted earlier. The first litter comes in the spring, and that reproduction is very dependent upon there being hard and soft mast that these animals can overwinter on. The spring 2006 litter thus should have been a good one.

West Virginia squirrels typically produce a summer litter, as well, but that reproductive cycle is not dependent upon winter mast availability to the degree that the spring litter is. The summer litter produces a large percentage of the squirrels that we see in mid-October and onward.

The mast survey also concludes that cottontail numbers from 2001 through 2005 have been increasing -- certainly some encouraging news that has ramifications for this season. Again, however, with rabbits all populations are localized. If the cover exists in one postage stamp-sized parcel in a part of a certain county, then rabbits will be available. If there is little cover in another part of the country just five or so miles distant, then cottontails will be scarce.

December and especially January are by far my favorite times to squirrel hunt, and if a rabbit jumps up somewhere along the line, so much the better. These are two very popular small-game species for West Virginians, and the prospects for this season seem promising. So be sure to have your crockpot, skillet or oven in good working order.