Short braggin' story: Went hunting this morning with my Ruger 77/17 using Hornady 17 gr V-Max. Shot 3 squirrels with 3 head shots. I don't always shoot that well, but did today. Have 3 cut-up squirrels in my fridge ready for the skillet. Beautiful day. How's your squirrelin' going?
Fall means squirrels
- Thread starter Sniper66
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RetiredUSNChief
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Er...it ain't, as yet. I'm dying to get out and bag a few myself.
As for head shots...I learned early on with my first .22 rifle (a .22 Magnum) that anything other than a head shot doesn't leave much for the skillet.
And a brother of mine learned early on that anything other than a head shot meant that he was going to see Dad fry up and eat the squirrel brains as well, something that he couldn't personally stomach.
As for head shots...I learned early on with my first .22 rifle (a .22 Magnum) that anything other than a head shot doesn't leave much for the skillet.
And a brother of mine learned early on that anything other than a head shot meant that he was going to see Dad fry up and eat the squirrel brains as well, something that he couldn't personally stomach.
Natebonebusta
Member
All head shots! That's the way you get it done. I'm two for three both head shots until I launched one at 50 plus yards and missed. Even though I missed it was still worth trying. Good luck with the rest of your season.
frankenstein406
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1 gray, 3 red so far which I made squirrel stew. I agree with the 22mag part, went back to 22lr. Has anyone tried a squirrel call instead of just rubbing quarters together?
Good luck hunting everyone!
Good luck hunting everyone!
Distressed rabbit call
See my thread about the distressed rabbit coyote cal for the whole story.
Ended up using a coyote call after squirrel hunting one day and squirrels came from everywhere, no kidding. I didnt shoot any cuz my rifle was onviously off but as long as I called they kept coming to see what was going on, curious little buggars i guess.
See my thread about the distressed rabbit coyote cal for the whole story.
Ended up using a coyote call after squirrel hunting one day and squirrels came from everywhere, no kidding. I didnt shoot any cuz my rifle was onviously off but as long as I called they kept coming to see what was going on, curious little buggars i guess.
MCgunner
Member
I'm bow hunting deer right now. Squirrels can wait until after deer season. I hunt squirrel year around as I feel like it. They're what I hunt when everything else is out of season. Of course, there's always hogs.
ANYWAY, congrats! I KNOW you had fun.
They're what I hunt when everything else is out of season. Of course, there's always hogs.ANYWAY, congrats! I KNOW you had fun.
gbran
Member
Here in CA, we have a 4 squirrel/day limit. All I have in my area are grey squirrels, but I grew up in KS shooting reds. I'm using a 17m2 with Hornaday 15.5 NTX, non-lead. I'm in a lead ban area.
frankenstein406
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I bought a flextone dying rabbit call, hopefully it works. I wouldnt mind calling in a yote or seeing that bobcat or lynx again.
I have to many greys in my backyard running all over the roof ect. If I bought a live trap then took them out in the woods could I safely shoot them with shorts while in the cage? I don't wanna release them in case there sick ect.
Are the non lead bullets pass throughs?
I have to many greys in my backyard running all over the roof ect. If I bought a live trap then took them out in the woods could I safely shoot them with shorts while in the cage? I don't wanna release them in case there sick ect.
Are the non lead bullets pass throughs?
gbran
Member
They now make non-lead for most rimfires. Most are lighter and faster and often too explosive. I haven't tried the 22lr's yet, but the 17's really need head shots. If I weren't in a CA lead ban area, I wouldn't use them.
As to calls......The most effective one I have is a whistle; it's hollow and about the size of a quarter with a hole through it. You probably know what I am talking about. Anyway, though not always, it can be very effective. I've had them come out of holes to check out the sound. It has also attracted the occasional curious crow. Have also used it at times when it made no difference at all. Have used the baffle call, but have yet to call a squirrel with it. All that said, when I got my 3 squirrels this week, I did not use the call. The beat is to go out on a crisp, calm, cool morning when the sun is shining, especially after a windy, rainy, chilly day and the squirrels will be everywhere. That's what works in Kansas.
Blue68f100
Member
I use 2 types of caller. One is Hale and Knight which I use for the barks and distress call. Works with both gray and reds but the barks are different, distress is the same. What I use most is 2 quarters. You can make a scratching sound, using the edge on one against the other. This is very effective once you learn what sound works best. Just practice in you back yard or park and they will come running. I have brought them into with in 10 feet of me using the quarters. The biggest think you need to do is limit your movement, they pick up on that very quickly. I wear a Rem 3d camo suite when I'm out hunting them. If you move slowly with this camo you can walk right up to the tree there in without them splitting. Normally I just find a good shooting position, sit down and call them in. Once I shoot one I use the bark to give an all clear call. This stops there fast exit and will be back in < 10 min normally. Otherwise it may be 30 min before you can draw them back in.
They are fun to hunt and can over run an area very fast if not kept in check.
They are fun to hunt and can over run an area very fast if not kept in check.
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