Squirrel hunting

[gbk]

Hi guys- i am slowly thinkig of "widening "my hunting interest,with small game mixed in with big game.
So far ,in the past 15-20 years i was not hunting rabbits/waterfowl and grouse.I have some experience/succes with that though ,way in the past,so i think i will be fine.........
Never hunted squirrels though.

Any pointers for a lone hunter,no dog.How,where,when...........
Also
What is better : a .22 or a 12 gage shotgun.Thanx

[sabmgb]

well its pretty simple really go in bush sitdown and wait, they will get used to you and start moving. If you happened to sit close to them then you will get your first squirrel, if not than you will see them moving at a distance maybe in tree tops of on ground. Then you move to them but they will hide so keep an eye on the tree you last seen them in. sit again and keep an eye as they will always be on the opposite side of the trunk. Keep a close eye in the crutch of the trees for a back spot that be it as their is no real back in the bush, or look for the fur of the tail. as far as guns I use a 410 as that is what I have but shells are hard to find, I like the weight or lack of it. 20ga probably the best, 12ga works but a bit much and heavy. For using a 22 I don't recommend it as most shots are in the tree so shooting up. I have used 22 but could only shot at the ones on the ground. For cleaning them the are by far the hardest to skin. but I was just shown a youtube that makes it really a lot easier, so I recommend when you get one google cleaning squirrel

[finsfurfeathers]

. For cleaning them the are by far the hardest to skin. but I was just shown a youtube that makes it really a lot easier, so I recommend when you get one google cleaning squirrel

something like this?

[anglodrkns]

I have used both 22 and 12 gauge. I prefer the 22, makes it a bit more challenging, I always make sure I have a solid backstop behind it (trunk of tree, large branch, etc). But for run and gun on a moving squirrel the 12 gauge is ok

[sabmgb]

fin, that is close to how I do it but think that guy does more work. the video I watched was even easier. Google "How to skin a squirrel in one minute". I haven't mastered it yet but I'm getting better at it. Of the 3 I got yesterday 2 went perfect and the other not so, but it was more my doing as I made the 1st cut through the tail too deep.

[punkrockerpj]

depending on your spot and style will determine what firearm you use. if you plan to sit, .22 will give more accuracy and range. theres been alot of sits in the deer stand if i were squirrel hunting i'd quickly limit. its quieter as well which doesnt scare the critters off when you take one.
SG is a run and gun game. i love just stalking spotting and shooting!

squirrel hunting is a hoot! i plan to hit a spot for squirrels before the season ends as i give up on my deer hunt. but i said that a few weeks ago and brought the .22 to check the trail cams and sure enough a deer walked by :P

[boogaloo]

Years ago my Brother would take me on Squirrel hunts and he used an O/U in .22 on top of .410. If the varmint saw us and ran into it's nest, the .22 flushed it (or at times got it) then the .410 came into play. Fond memories of my youth. Good luck with your hunt and thanks for your post. ................................Daniel

[sabmgb]

I have often thought I should by an OU, but when I was looking into it I wasn't convinced that the rifle was accurate enough, but agree that would be the perfect gun if the rifle accurate. As I always have sitting shots on the ground out of the range for the 410

[gbk]

Thanx guys-great responses and pointers,appreciate your help.Cheers

[FishHog]

I only use a .22 for squirrels. But nothing wrong with shotgun. Goal is head shots only but the odd time you might take out a front shoulder but luckily most of the meat is back and rear legs
I like still hunting with stops to sit in good looking spots.
Has to be my favourite hunt and favourite wild game