Skunked again

This is the 4th time in a row I got skunked when out looking for squirrels, only seen one in shooting range all 4 times and that one was all over the tree tops until it found its hole. I haven't even fired a shot so can blame me missing like usual. All were perfect mornings before I get there, but 3 the wind starts up I swear as soon is I load the gun.

Nice day today, a little warm but nice and calm, until I step in the woods lol. There was a constant -5-8 mph wind and nothing was moving, if they were I was wouldn't have Heard or seethem with the noise of the wind and leaves falling. Plus the state forest is about 1/2 mile from rt.84 and the valley seems to amplify the road noise.

On a good note I scouted some spots I'd like to try this rifle season, one spot that looks to funnel the deer around a lake and along a rockwall/fence just in front of the spot. There's even a nice rock that looks just like a sofa, and compared to others it felt like one lol. So sat there for 20 minutes waiting for any squirrel sign, but nothing. I did have a very nice buck walk up on me, I could hardly hear him between the wind and highway noises.

he looked to be a nice 8 with a large body, very reddish color like a red oak leaf. He got about 60 yards from me before walking along that rock wall.

I hope this as luck does not rub off on deer season, I've never been skunked like this before, but better in the woods the at home on the couch.

Bull Nutria said:

Troy dont feel bad. Last 4 times out shot a total of 2 squirrels, day before yesterday I shot at 3 and missed with my 22. Today I didnt get a shot!!. But i saw one running 80 yds away. he got in the vines and disappeared. It doesn't take long for squirrels to get educated. the leaves and twigs on the ground have been crunchier than corn flakes which doesn't help. I am scouting for deer so its not a total waste of time!!!

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I am able to move pretty quiet since the state forest is very Rocky and there covered with moss, there must be something like 90% oak trees. There mixed in but know they like white oak earlier in the season. I talked to a guy he said there's a big stand of mostly white oaks I'd like to try finding next time.

I also don't want to disturb any other hunters that may trying to how hunt, but we all have the same right to hunt now matter the species.


there are a lot of leaves down, normally I like that but this area is very different from my normal hunting spots. Every inch of ground is covered with this short brush like plants kinda hard to explain. The stuff is about a foot high.

gotboostvr said:

Just wait until you're in your deer stand. The squirrels never fail to come out in droves.

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That's what the sling shot will before this year lol. Seriously I wish we could have silencers here, I'd like a sub 22lr.

22250Rem said:

... Amen to that. I'm starting to wonder if I should wear my blaze orange jacket when squirrel hunting, LOL. I got skunked this afternoon out changing cards on trail cams and squirrel hunting with a CZ-455 .22LR at the same time. Sat quietly in my blind for 45 min..... nothing. Sat in my ladder stand about 100 yds away for 30 min.... nothing moving. There are squirrels in that area and I get trail cam pix of them pretty regularly. This afternoon it was in the high 40's with almost no breeze and just a couple very light, 5 minute misty showers. Haven't done much squirrel hunting in years and don't recall the weather conditions that seem to get more squirrels out & about. Can anybody elaborate on the topic of weather conditions & squirrel activity ? My last squirrel was back in 2017 and IIRC it was a little warmer and the winds were calm. Haven't squirrel hunted since then until I resumed this year. So far I'm empty handed.

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They get pretty active on cold days, seems they are up going earlier to.they don't like wind, I've noticed if the woods seem dead you won't see anything that day. I'd the birds are around and squirrels are moving good chance there will be deer and Turkey to.