Short Barrel hunts squirrels instead of deer for the very same reasons I hunt squirrels, doves, prairie dogs, etc., you get a lot more shooting and action than you ever do with deer. I love to hone the craft of shooting. I shoot a lot and own lots of firearms. Most of the men in my family are great deer hunters. But, most of them own one rifle and a box of shells will last them 5 seasons. I help them spot deer, set up tree stands, join them after the hunt and even help drag the thing into the truck. But, when I take out my guns, I want to shoot something, not sit in a stand for 4 days for one shot. And frankly, the meat from squirrels is better than venison.