ironworker
New member
I've heard of large squirrel population on BLM land near Nampha ID or in Adams county ? Any details or directions ?
Idaho squirrels
- Thread starter ironworker
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jlindholm70
New member
You don't want to get up around Adams County. There's a ground squirrel up there that's protected, looks just like another that isn't. Go figure. All I know is, I don't want to shoot the wrong one.
Not any around Nampa, but there's a bunch to be had North of Middleton and way South of Boise or East of Mt Home. Lots of BLM land to shoot on. Some days there are as many two legged varmints out there as four legged.
Our ground squirrels/whistle pigs/Townsend Ground Squirrel is about the size of a Red Bull can, maybe as big as a Coke can. They're quick little buggers, but not too smart. I've killed 4 or 5 "mourning" over one of their recently departed brothers. Can't wait till the season hits again, sometime around mid May or so.
Not any around Nampa, but there's a bunch to be had North of Middleton and way South of Boise or East of Mt Home. Lots of BLM land to shoot on. Some days there are as many two legged varmints out there as four legged.
Our ground squirrels/whistle pigs/Townsend Ground Squirrel is about the size of a Red Bull can, maybe as big as a Coke can. They're quick little buggers, but not too smart. I've killed 4 or 5 "mourning" over one of their recently departed brothers. Can't wait till the season hits again, sometime around mid May or so.
Originally Posted By: jlindholm70You don't want to get up around Adams County. There's a ground squirrel up there that's protected, looks just like another that isn't. Go figure. All I know is, I don't want to shoot the wrong one.
Not any around Nampa, but there's a bunch to be had North of Middleton and way South of Boise or East of Mt Home. Lots of BLM land to shoot on. Some days there are as many two legged varmints out there as four legged.
Our ground squirrels/whistle pigs/Townsend Ground Squirrel is about the size of a Red Bull can, maybe as big as a Coke can. They're quick little buggers, but not too smart. I've killed 4 or 5 "mourning" over one of their recently departed brothers. Can't wait till the season hits again, sometime around mid May or so.
I took the long drive to Boise to shoot "whistle pigs". I made the mistake of taking a varmint rifle. For those little buggers a Ruger 10/22 w/a 3x9 would be perfect.
Not any around Nampa, but there's a bunch to be had North of Middleton and way South of Boise or East of Mt Home. Lots of BLM land to shoot on. Some days there are as many two legged varmints out there as four legged.
Our ground squirrels/whistle pigs/Townsend Ground Squirrel is about the size of a Red Bull can, maybe as big as a Coke can. They're quick little buggers, but not too smart. I've killed 4 or 5 "mourning" over one of their recently departed brothers. Can't wait till the season hits again, sometime around mid May or so.
I took the long drive to Boise to shoot "whistle pigs". I made the mistake of taking a varmint rifle. For those little buggers a Ruger 10/22 w/a 3x9 would be perfect.
ironworker
New member
What are
"Whistle Pigs"
"Whistle Pigs"
ironworker
New member
Originally Posted By: jlindholm70You don't want to get up around Adams County. There's a ground squirrel up there that's protected, looks just like another that isn't. Go figure. All I know is, I don't want to shoot the wrong one.
Not any around Nampa, but there's a bunch to be had North of Middleton and way South of Boise or East of Mt Home. Lots of BLM land to shoot on. Some days there are as many two legged varmints out there as four legged.
Our ground squirrels/whistle pigs/Townsend Ground Squirrel is about the size of a Red Bull can, maybe as big as a Coke can. They're quick little buggers, but not too smart. I've killed 4 or 5 "mourning" over one of their recently departed brothers. Can't wait till the season hits again, sometime around mid May or so. What would happen if you shot the wrong one ? What is the wrong one called ? Thanks a bunch for warning.
Not any around Nampa, but there's a bunch to be had North of Middleton and way South of Boise or East of Mt Home. Lots of BLM land to shoot on. Some days there are as many two legged varmints out there as four legged.
Our ground squirrels/whistle pigs/Townsend Ground Squirrel is about the size of a Red Bull can, maybe as big as a Coke can. They're quick little buggers, but not too smart. I've killed 4 or 5 "mourning" over one of their recently departed brothers. Can't wait till the season hits again, sometime around mid May or so. What would happen if you shot the wrong one ? What is the wrong one called ? Thanks a bunch for warning.
jlindholm70
New member
Here's a page about the Northern and Southern Idaho ground squirrel..
Idaho ground squirrels
Here's what our whistlepigs, or Southern Idaho ground squirrel looks like.
Idaho ground squirrels
Here's what our whistlepigs, or Southern Idaho ground squirrel looks like.
jlindholm70
New member
Originally Posted By: Al_HansenOriginally Posted By: jlindholm70You don't want to get up around Adams County. There's a ground squirrel up there that's protected, looks just like another that isn't. Go figure. All I know is, I don't want to shoot the wrong one.
Not any around Nampa, but there's a bunch to be had North of Middleton and way South of Boise or East of Mt Home. Lots of BLM land to shoot on. Some days there are as many two legged varmints out there as four legged.
Our ground squirrels/whistle pigs/Townsend Ground Squirrel is about the size of a Red Bull can, maybe as big as a Coke can. They're quick little buggers, but not too smart. I've killed 4 or 5 "mourning" over one of their recently departed brothers. Can't wait till the season hits again, sometime around mid May or so.
I took the long drive to Boise to shoot "whistle pigs". I made the mistake of taking a varmint rifle. For those little buggers a Ruger 10/22 w/a 3x9 would be perfect.
Yeah, we mostly use 10/22's. But I take 4-5 rifles and pistols from 10/22 to AR-10 in 308 for the 2-300 yard shots. Never too sure if we hit one at that distance or not, but it's fun nonetheless. I just picked up a new Tactical Solutions barrel for my 10/22, I hope the suppressor that goes with it gets here in time for the season.
Not any around Nampa, but there's a bunch to be had North of Middleton and way South of Boise or East of Mt Home. Lots of BLM land to shoot on. Some days there are as many two legged varmints out there as four legged.
Our ground squirrels/whistle pigs/Townsend Ground Squirrel is about the size of a Red Bull can, maybe as big as a Coke can. They're quick little buggers, but not too smart. I've killed 4 or 5 "mourning" over one of their recently departed brothers. Can't wait till the season hits again, sometime around mid May or so.
I took the long drive to Boise to shoot "whistle pigs". I made the mistake of taking a varmint rifle. For those little buggers a Ruger 10/22 w/a 3x9 would be perfect.
Yeah, we mostly use 10/22's. But I take 4-5 rifles and pistols from 10/22 to AR-10 in 308 for the 2-300 yard shots. Never too sure if we hit one at that distance or not, but it's fun nonetheless. I just picked up a new Tactical Solutions barrel for my 10/22, I hope the suppressor that goes with it gets here in time for the season.
jlindholm70
New member
Originally Posted By: broperYears ago we used to call rock chucks whistle pigs but now everybody uses it for ground squirrels.
We just call rock chucks, rock chucks. Or at least we used to call 'em that. Now we mostly just call 'em dirty names cuz the only ones we can find anymore are on the golf course. We get a few off my buddies back porch every year, but there usually aren't too many to shoot at.
I have another buddy that's a State Trooper down in Twin Falls that's supposed to be finding a good 'chuck spot for us. Nothing yet......
We just call rock chucks, rock chucks. Or at least we used to call 'em that. Now we mostly just call 'em dirty names cuz the only ones we can find anymore are on the golf course. We get a few off my buddies back porch every year, but there usually aren't too many to shoot at.
I have another buddy that's a State Trooper down in Twin Falls that's supposed to be finding a good 'chuck spot for us. Nothing yet......
WeaselCircus
Member
Any idea how early in the year you can start shooting the squirrels here in Southwest Idaho? I use to go out each spring and get a good number of rock chucks, but that was when I lived over in eastern Idaho. Haven't ever tried for the squirrels, but after reading some of the posts about them I'm definitely going to give it a try. Just not sure how much longer until they are really out and about.
Rustydust
Active member
About 1st of May is good. They will be having their babies in April so need time to get next years "crop" started before you started shooting them in earnest.
BTW have you tried the area about 5 miles south of the men's prison? We have killed a passle of them out there and not too many other yayhoos are out that area. Three of us were having a ball taking them at extended ranges with our .223 and .204 rifles. Good place to go.
Word of advice- bring a lunch. You wont want to leave to go eat anywhere.
BTW have you tried the area about 5 miles south of the men's prison? We have killed a passle of them out there and not too many other yayhoos are out that area. Three of us were having a ball taking them at extended ranges with our .223 and .204 rifles. Good place to go.
Word of advice- bring a lunch. You wont want to leave to go eat anywhere.
WeaselCircus
Member
Good idea Rustydust. I've done some dirt-biking down that way but no shooting. Guess I'll have to take a scouting drive out that way before too long.
IdahoDawgBustr
New member
For all you that like to shoot ground squirrels, and would like to win a few hundred dollars.
The Idaho Varmint Hunters will be holding their Whistlepig Tournament on April 16, 2011.
For more info about the Tournament, please feel free to go to our forums at http://idahovarminthunters.proboards.com go to the Future Events forum.
There is info about our First Annual Whistlepig Tournament on the Evetns forum.
We will have all the new info for this year (2011) up soon. Including a registration form, and the new rules.
If you have questions, I can answer them here or you can PM me here or send me an email at: idahovarminthunters@hotmail.com or you may call Gary at 208-365-7393 or Loren at 208-398-7778
Thank You!
Gary
EDIT: I am sorry if you have tried the link and it didn't work. It appears I mistyped the address. It is now fixed for your convenience!
Thanks - Gary
The Idaho Varmint Hunters will be holding their Whistlepig Tournament on April 16, 2011.
For more info about the Tournament, please feel free to go to our forums at http://idahovarminthunters.proboards.com go to the Future Events forum.
There is info about our First Annual Whistlepig Tournament on the Evetns forum.
We will have all the new info for this year (2011) up soon. Including a registration form, and the new rules.
If you have questions, I can answer them here or you can PM me here or send me an email at: idahovarminthunters@hotmail.com or you may call Gary at 208-365-7393 or Loren at 208-398-7778
Thank You!
Gary
EDIT: I am sorry if you have tried the link and it didn't work. It appears I mistyped the address. It is now fixed for your convenience!
Thanks - Gary
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Nailed my first one of the year over near Sand Hollow off of I84 yesterday...
75 yards out and on the run with my 10/22...
You do have to wait for the sun to be out... I sat at my shooting bench for over an hour waiting...
There was more action on the areas protected from the wind...
The trails are getting very mucky as the ground is starting to thaw... so don't venture too far off the main gravel road with out 4WD and a wench...
We were out the week before and had a few sightings and tracks... None of the guns were sighted in so no shots were taken...
75 yards out and on the run with my 10/22...
You do have to wait for the sun to be out... I sat at my shooting bench for over an hour waiting...
There was more action on the areas protected from the wind...
The trails are getting very mucky as the ground is starting to thaw... so don't venture too far off the main gravel road with out 4WD and a wench...
We were out the week before and had a few sightings and tracks... None of the guns were sighted in so no shots were taken...
Yea, many years ago we would wait till they had their little ones. Now days thats not the case. I have seen lean years and very good years. I use to be able to go out and not see that many people, the seventies were great. Now you have people shooting out of pickups windows, skyline shots, and some shooting back towards the roads. I hope everyone is safe and it turns out to be a good year.
WeaselCircus
Member
You aren't kidding about the muck! Took a drive down South of Boise today to scout it out and it is seriously muddy. Wasn't expecting that. I didn't think I was going to make it back. Good thing for 4-lo and momentum or I'd still be hiking out. Can't wait for it to dry out a bit and warm up a lot!
Rustydust
Active member
Originally Posted By: who meYea, many years ago we would wait till they had their little ones. Now days thats not the case. I have seen lean years and very good years. I use to be able to go out and not see that many people, the seventies were great. Now you have people shooting out of pickups windows, skyline shots, and some shooting back towards the roads. I hope everyone is safe and it turns out to be a good year.
You are right on the people getting out there too early to start shooting. They will be having their young not too long from now so many of them that could be shot now are pregnant females that might provided us with future targets of blast destruction. Tempting as it is to start shooting them early, it takes away from next years shooting pleasure.
You are right on the people getting out there too early to start shooting. They will be having their young not too long from now so many of them that could be shot now are pregnant females that might provided us with future targets of blast destruction. Tempting as it is to start shooting them early, it takes away from next years shooting pleasure.