How to "REALLY" squirrel hunt??? HELP!
- Thread starter tresmon
- Start date
I've been a lurker here for some time - trying to learn a few things. But I registered just to respond to your question. I am no "expert", but I would like to think I can add to this.
Camo is important, but if you have none, select dull green or browns that blend with the colors most previlent the best you can.
Since you're after meat, my suggestion for a firearm depends on the time of year. I Lived in TN for almost 30 years and as I recall season comes in in August. This means a LOT of folage will still be on. Stalking is much easier in these conditions and you should expect to be able to slip in close. For me this means a shotgun is the most appropriate choice. Morning and evening are best. When you move make these moves slowly and deliberately all the while keeping yourself behind bushes or tree trunks as you move in. Watch your step! A snapping twig can sound an alarm. This should not be difficult during this time of year.
As the season progresses and folage is falling or is gone, concealment is even more important. Stalking also becomes more difficult. Do-able, but difficult. This is a time primed for a good rimfire and a steady hand. Locating yourself in a "squirrly" area and just being still is usually the most productive. Some folks will even shoot a tree rat and mark it (making a mental note where it fell) and not move until they are ready to change locations and retreive their game.
Concealment, being quiet, and making no sudden moves will bring success. Good squirrel hunting techniques will hone skills required in the pursuit of other game. And as far as I'm concerned, a young squirrel fried up also will yield a good gravey and is hard to beat!
Best of luck to you!!!
Camo is important, but if you have none, select dull green or browns that blend with the colors most previlent the best you can.
Since you're after meat, my suggestion for a firearm depends on the time of year. I Lived in TN for almost 30 years and as I recall season comes in in August. This means a LOT of folage will still be on. Stalking is much easier in these conditions and you should expect to be able to slip in close. For me this means a shotgun is the most appropriate choice. Morning and evening are best. When you move make these moves slowly and deliberately all the while keeping yourself behind bushes or tree trunks as you move in. Watch your step! A snapping twig can sound an alarm. This should not be difficult during this time of year.
As the season progresses and folage is falling or is gone, concealment is even more important. Stalking also becomes more difficult. Do-able, but difficult. This is a time primed for a good rimfire and a steady hand. Locating yourself in a "squirrly" area and just being still is usually the most productive. Some folks will even shoot a tree rat and mark it (making a mental note where it fell) and not move until they are ready to change locations and retreive their game.
Concealment, being quiet, and making no sudden moves will bring success. Good squirrel hunting techniques will hone skills required in the pursuit of other game. And as far as I'm concerned, a young squirrel fried up also will yield a good gravey and is hard to beat!
Best of luck to you!!!
Semp
New member
All good advice so far. Here's what I do. I like to stalk. Am not much of a sitter although that method does work well. I wear full camo, face mask, etc. (think turkey hunting) and slip through the hard woods as quietly and slowly as I can. Watch the canopy for movement, go toward barking if you hear it, but make no sudden movements.
I use a 12ga, full choke with 3 1/4, 1oz, 6 shot usually. Sometimes I use a scoped .22 if the leaves are fallen.
To skin the squirrel, I make a cut around the hind legs, cut the tail bone (not the tail!), step on the tail and pull the hind legs to zip him out of his skin. Then gut and cut off the paws. Cuts way down on the hair factor on the meat.
Good luck!
Semp
I use a 12ga, full choke with 3 1/4, 1oz, 6 shot usually. Sometimes I use a scoped .22 if the leaves are fallen.
To skin the squirrel, I make a cut around the hind legs, cut the tail bone (not the tail!), step on the tail and pull the hind legs to zip him out of his skin. Then gut and cut off the paws. Cuts way down on the hair factor on the meat.
Good luck!
Semp
GC
Well-known member
Quote:
Not the tail, but the bone? Confused!
Here ya go, a squirrel skinning tutorial. I normally kill between 60 - 100 or so each year. This skinning method is the only way to fly! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubb...part=1&vc=1
Not the tail, but the bone? Confused!
Here ya go, a squirrel skinning tutorial. I normally kill between 60 - 100 or so each year. This skinning method is the only way to fly! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubb...part=1&vc=1
Morgancohunter
New member
Peanut butter. Spread a good smear of it on a tree in an area that you know holds tree rats. If you do it early in the morning, as the sun hits it and heats it up and the smell spreads they will come to it like nerds to a Trekie convention. One words of caution as it can also attract bears.
Cooper Woods
New member
This time of year you might hunt along wheat fields. The squirrels really like the kernals of wheat as it ripens. I farm and see them all the time running out of the wheat. They do a lot of damage along the edges next to the woods.
