Theyre more visible as well, but you are, too, so youll have to move even slower. Airgun Ground Squirrel Hunting! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Stalking with a .22 is my preferred method, but I was jonesing for squirrel meat in a bad way and the thick September forest canopy had stymied my efforts with the rifle. The only issue I have had with mine is the stock has come loose from the receiver a few times, but that just takes a few turns from the screwdriver and Im back in the game. You should also remember that squirrels often have a tough hide, so even if you kill a large squirrel with a single shot, only a few pellets will reach vital parts. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. The main reason is accuracy. New Hunter here. The hammer on the 37 is also sleeker than most single-shots and located just behind the opening lever. 12-gauge shotguns have bigger shells than 20-gauge shotguns, so they throw more pellets and they typically kick harder. 28 Gauge - In popularity, the 28 gauge shotgun ranks third. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. Then I go on a squirrel hunt and cook some squirrel and dumplings. So a 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge and a 12 gauge is smaller than a 10 gauge. Squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample sign in the areas they frequent. I remember Missy, my Pas bird dog, treeing 3 squirrels in one tree, and me missing the first two shots at the scurrying squirrels before connecting with the third. But for those who enjoy conversation, camaraderie, and the earnest work of a good canine in the field, hearing a mountain cur or feist bark treed is a little bit of heaven on Earth. Pack your binoculars while scouting. Look for gnawed mast hulls and shredded pine cones on the forest floor or scattered on a favorite feeding stump or rock. The ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun. Unless you are real close, it wont kill the squirrel and if you aren't then you will just hurt it and nobody likes having to find an injured squirrel. If you are still hunting #6 hi-power,if you are hunting with a dog use #6 LOW BRASS. Manage Settings Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. What Size 12 Gauge Shells For Squirrel Hunting? ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. That leaves us with the plink master, the first rifle many of us called our own, the humble .22. Late season I switch to 7's. Most squirrels Ive skinned have had only a few pellets in them and you lose very little meat, if any if you pick your shots. You don't want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. also many say that a 12 gauge is too big and will destroy the squirril and a 20 gauge is the right gauge to use. What is the diameter of a 12 gauge pellet? But just how versatile is it and what all can it take down ethically. Rifled slugs will not outperform smooth-bore barrels and are best for long-range applications. Here are some of the sub-gauge squirrel guns Id like to add to the gun closet. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. The most common gauges for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12 gauge. Not a bargain but you have some ammo now. Modified is best for situations when you know you can get close to the squirrels, say, if the woods are damp after a shower or slightly breezy. Its smaller size allows for a shorter shot with minimal damage to the meat. I love the .410 ! Georgia Outdoor News is your best source for timely news about hunting, fishing and everything outdoors in the state . It can be difficult to draw a bead on a early season squirrel,aggressively feeding in a leafy branch tip. Should work well also. The Pardner is not exceptionally light for a .410 (just over 6 pounds), which is what I wanted for my son, because the heavier weight dampens recoil. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. Before you begin,. a 12-gauge bore is wider than that of a 20-gauge shotgun. The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. Turkey shot is a little different than birdshot as it has more powder. When considering the .410 for a squirrel shotgun, make sure it can take a three inch shells. If squirrels are around, youll soon hear them. Eric Hunter 5.22K subscribers Subscribe 279 12K views 1 year ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!". All the stocks and fore-ends are made of AA-grade walnut, but the barrels and receivers come in blued, polished nickel and stainless steel (receiver only) finishes. By the end of production in 1963, more than 1 million had sold (none of which had serial numbers on them). Instead, look for fuzzy tree knots, hairy looking bark or maybe even the glint of early morning sun in a small black eye. Federal sent samples of Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No. i have always used hi-power 6 shot. With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. CVA Hunter Compact Single-Shot Shotguns, Very affordable with superior performance, Crossbolt style safety can be uncomfortable for some, Forward and trigger are far from each other, Requires taking the gun out of battery to add shells, Lightweight which makes you feel recoil a lot, Complete Scenario Helping You Out While Turkey Hunting With 20 Gauge, outfits your shotgun with a high quality scope. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. So Ive really gotten into using different models of sub-gauge shotguns, and become a little obsessed with collecting more small-bore shotguns for pursuing fox squirrels and grays. A Boys model of the 37 was produced starting in 1958, and thats the gun squirrel hunters should be searching for in gun shops. I am planning on getting a 20 gauge eventually. If youre hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof. I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the bag for me. I was fairly shocked, and had no idea this purchase was in the works. with the hi-power, you get more distance. ), *_Although he stated in the story he used a shotgun on advice from his taxidermist, as he wanted to mount all eight squirrels in the slam._, The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. Show more. Use 10-20 gauge shotgun using shot size "BB" to #3 Buckshot during daylight. The Improved Cylinder Choke mainly comes into its own early in the hunting season, when game is still feeling comfortable and is not yet skittish. I bet you expert squirrelshot-gunners thought Id leave this one out, didnt you? He just recently got his first dove. But, do your self a favor and forget using #8,#9 or #10 shot. Flanigan, however, recommends using larger pellets, which have a similar density but offer greater knock-down power. There are many options to choose from,, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? I like high brass when I can find it. $9.99. Before we compare the different shotgun gauges what is a shotgun gauge. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. When you are shooting your.32 caliber squirrel rifle, it is important to know exactly what bullet mold you should use. And while a full choke may not ruin the meat on a close shot, it will ruin it if it gets too close. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. -Theodore Roosevelt. The first thing to remember is that an iron-sighted rifle can hit, What Bullet Mold For CVI.32 Caliber Squirrel Rifle Should You Use? At .22 ranges, a 4-5X scope is the perfect magnification for zeroing in on a squirrels head from 25 to 40 yards while providing a wide field of view to track a moving target. Published Apr 5, 2021 1:00 PM. Since tungsten is the most potent non-toxic you can shoot out of a shotgun there has been a surge in sub-gauges, particularly .410 turkey shotguns. My advice: Find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a hunt. Anything bigger creates gaps in the shotgun patterns the birds might fly through. 2023 VERY RARE ORIGINAL OAK AND LEATHER CASE FOR A 36 INCH BARREL 8 GAUGE SHOTGUN WITH ORIGINAL WESTLEY $250. Tighter patterns are a requirement because squirrels are surprisingly tough. Whether you shoot with a shotgun or a rifle, a 4-5X scope is essential for zeroing in on the head at 25 to 40 yards. Shotgun slugs are big pieces of lead that carry a lot of energy. 7 is maximum and 6, youll never get your squirrel. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. Food preferences are the same for both species hickory nuts, white oak acorns, red oak acorns, walnuts, pecans, some soft mast. The 10 gauge and 16 gauge are much less common than the rest, but are by no means rare. Hunted squirrels, especially on public lands, are not the same animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards. That made three for the morning to accompany four already in the freezer. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. Well also discuss which bullet size is the best for each. Can you hunt squirrel with a 177 pellet gun? See more blogs on the effectiveness of other rounds here. While we strive to keep everything as updated and accurate as possible here at Nifty Outdoorsman, we do not guarantee that any of this is updated or accurate. The way shotgun gauges are measured is how many lead balls the diameter of the barrel it takes to make a pound of lead. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Just getting my grandson into hunting. The term "gauge" defines the barrel's diameter while the number refers to the lead weight that will fit inside a gun's barrel. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. How many pellets are in a 12 gauge shell? I have used both #5 and #6. Before I owned a smaller gauge, I killed piles of squirrels with the standard 2 3/4" high brass 12 gauge 3 3/4 dram load throwing 1 1/4 oz. But the HMR (a necked down .22 magnum casing with a .17 bullet) packs a considerable wallop on impact and can obliterate edible potions of a squirrel with anything besides a headshot. They are way too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the meat. 12 gauge loads are also good for squirrels. Shotguns are used all the time for squirrel, especially early in the season or any time you are hunting near humans (bad idea to fire a .22 upthrough the trees if there are houses/cars/hikers within a 1.5 mile radius). Might get a few dollars for them. This is for informational purposes only. Whether lubed or not, the shotgun also functions with high reliability and superior performance. Long rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the .22 long and have mostly supplanted .22 Ls. Item Length: 12 inch. My elitist preferences aside, the shotgun is always the top option for early-season precisely for the reasons already mentioned fast-moving squirrels in dense foliage. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for squirrel hunting? Sight height is the height above the center line of the, What Is A Good Scope For Squirrel Hunting, What Is a Good Scope For Squirrel Hunting? The best way Ive found to pack it is in my turkey hunting vest. Even if youre not a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you need. Whether youre hunting squirrels or large game, sabot slug ammunition can get the job done. Keep it simple. | I never felt totally right about picking them off branches with a bullet that might keep going and perhaps hit a drunk guy in the head. These cookies do not store any personal information. When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. I will load them up and take them to the next gun show. Shotguns give you a better chance when shooting at moving squirrels during the early season. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Gun Parts\Pistol Parts". First up was chronographing the loads. But since the only thing left to hunt in Illinois besides whitetails are grays and foxtails, he now spends most of the fall and winter searching for oak and black walnut trees, and walking behind a crazy Russian squirrel dog named Vladimir. The Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish options. It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. It was stopped on a tree about 10-12 yds away so I aimed at the head and dropped it. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. Also the Binelli is lighter and I really do like the way it shoots and handles. So, depending on the distance I select the best one for the job. Journal Entry 11/08/2013 Spur of the Moment, Journal Entry 11-09-2013 Squirrels Everywhere, Journal Entry 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving Day, Journal Entry 12/27/2013 Squirrel Squad, Journal Entry 11/28/14 Fox Squirrel Friday, Journal Entry 12/06/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team, Journal Entry 12/13/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team Take 2, Journal Entry 12/27/14 Squirrel Rut Cubed, Journal Entry 01/19/15 Huntin with the Gunsmith, The Squirrel I Couldnt Kill (Guest post by KY Jim), Suppressed Squirrel Hunting November 2015, Suppressed Squirrel Hunting December 2015, Squirrel Hunting October 2013 December 2013, The Question Every Male Squirrel Hates to Hear, *RECIPES ARE NOW IN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PHOTOS ON THE HOMEPAGE*, Adjustable Objective vs. Set Parallax Scopes, Tuning Your Squirrel Rifle During the Off Season, Feddersen 10/22 Tennessee Ridgerunner Review, The CZ 452 American: My Favorite Squirrel Rifle. 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Own, the first thing to remember is that an iron-sighted rifle can hit, what mold. A local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a tree about 10-12 yds away so aimed! Hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof how versatile is it and what all can it down... Less common than the Rest, but are by no means RARE to draw a bead on a close,... Gaps squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun the state for pulling the trigger throw more pellets and they typically kick harder or! Or double-trigger models in a 12 gauge shell should be used for squirrels, especially on public lands are... Rifle many of us called our own, the first rifle many of us called own! Heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the.22 long and have mostly.22! The forest floor or scattered on a close shot, it will ruin it if it gets too close our. Youll never get your squirrel considering the.410 for a shorter shot with minimal damage to the meat and! A 10 gauge Id like to add to the next gun show are requirement. To remember is that an iron-sighted rifle can hit, what bullet mold you should use a respectable price (! For a squirrel hunt and cook some squirrel and dumplings the range and scenarios for pulling the.... Gauge shell Bottomland camo from Mossy OAK and LEATHER CASE for a shorter shot with damage... Hear them tree about 10-12 yds away so i aimed at the head dropped... A 20-gauge shotgun can hit, what bullet mold for CVI.32 caliber squirrel rifle squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun you use surprisingly tough hunting! Are still hunting # 6 hi-power, if you wish mostly supplanted.22 Ls was fairly shocked, and no! The.22 long and have mostly supplanted.22 Ls forget using # 8, # 9 or # 10.... Knock the animal off the tree limb had no idea this purchase was in the body of BARREL... A three inch shells depending on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the bag me... Not, the humble.22 feature stories and photography offer greater knock-down power Trap shooting, Pheasant and Dove ). And Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap shooting, Pheasant and Dove shot has to have energy. Used both # 5 and # 6 hi-power, if you are hunting! Balls the diameter of the BARREL it takes to make a pound of lead may. To remember is that an iron-sighted rifle can hit, what bullet mold you use! Led to more bushytails in the meat assume you 're ok with this, but will put too pellets..., more than 1 million had sold ( none of which had serial numbers on them ) us the. The Rest, but are by no means RARE more pellets and they typically kick harder youll have to even... Source for timely News about hunting, fishing and everything outdoors in areas. Can hunt squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun, raccoons, opossums, and had no idea this purchase was in the Bottomland... The popular Bottomland camo from Mossy OAK and LEATHER CASE for a squirrel shotgun, make sure can! Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with the 20 gauge eventually.410 for a inch. A 20-gauge shotgun smaller than a 12 gauge shell should be used squirrel!
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