First fall squirrels

[Sniper66]

Went squirreling this morning with my best buddy. I shooting my Anschutz 1502 17Mach2 and he shooting my Ruger 77/17 HMR; I killed 6 and he killed none. After missing several easy shots he figured it was the rifle. I traded guns with him and killed the first one I shot at. But, I've heard that a zeroed rifle for one person may not be zeroed for another persons eyes. But, we brought home 6 and saw dozens. Going back next week. How's your year going?

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I haven't been but once myself and didn't have any luck.

A buddy goes regularly and has had very good luck so far.
He has dozens of them in the deep freezer so he's brought me quite a few lately. Here is what happened to the last 3 he gave me. Hard to beat squirrel and dumplings.

 

[LoonWulf]

Nice shooting sniper!
That squirrel n dumplins looks mighty tasty.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

I second the notion that the squirrel dumplings look great. Haven't had any in years. Mine have all been chicken dumplings.

 

[red rick]

I usually don't go this early in the year , too warm . But them dumplings sure makes me want some squirrels , they sure look delicious . Nice job to both of you .

 

[thomas15]

I gonna try to bag some squirrels next week, probably will head out on Friday 10/28

This will be the first time I've ever tried squirrel hunting. I really don't enjoy sitting in a tree stand for hours in the cold so I thought I could give small game a try. My rifle is a Savage Mark 2 22Lr with a scope. I confess to having little knowledge of this type of hunting so it should be interesting, hopefully fun and productive.

 

[Dog Soldier]

The best hunters I ever knew started out hunting Squirrels with a .22 rifle.

 

[thomas15]

I'm not an experienced hunter and I live in an area that has a lot of deer but a lot of deer hunters also, very much competition.

So I want to get some experience and build up confidence. I thought this would be the way to do that. Hopefully I will find the time to go for some deer during the PA winter flint lock season.

 

[Sniper66]

I've hunted squirrels for 60 years. In the past, I have ventured into hunting deer, ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasants, quail, you name it, but I always return to hunt squirrels. In my experience, it's the perfect way to spend a day in the woods away from the hubbub of life. Especially now with the staggering political mess that confronts us everyday, the woods are a blessing that remind me what freedom really means. I occasionally hunt squirrels with a friend, but prefer the solitude of hunting alone. So, Thomas15, go forth and enjoy.

 

[thomas15]

You guys are quite encouraging, thanks.

"I'm gonna do it!"

 

[JackSprat]

When I was a kid we took our squirrel hunting seriously.As soon as we got home from school my brother,and me would hit the woods.We usually used a 22 after the leaves fell..I lost my desire to squirrel hunt as I got older,and the kids never really had much interest it.They are really into bow hunting,as are a lot of people around here..Almost nobody hunts squirrel...A couple years ago me and my Wife got to talking about how much we loved squirrel,and gravy,so I went out,and shot a few small greys,just here around the house,but havn't killed any since..My wife makes it with the squirrel in the gravy,and it's messy to eat..My Mother always boiled the squirrel till tender,then floured,and fried it,then she took the squirrel out of the pan,and then made the gravy..I like my Mothers way better..

 

[Sniper66]

Another reason I love squirrel hunting is access to the woods. Some landowners will not allow deer or turkey hunters, but if you ask about squirrels, they get a puzzled look on their face and say, "Squirrels? Didn't know anyone hunted squirrels any more...sure, go ahead". I was filling my gas tank one day and dressed in my usual camo squirrel hunting outfit. The attendant asked what I was hunting. When I told him squirrels, he laughed and said, "You're kidding, right?" I had to explain it to him. I have access to an outstanding ranch with hundreds of acres of mature oak and walnut trees. I've hunted this place for nearly 40 years. The original owner/friend died, but his son has become a friend. He sells high-dollar deer hunts to his wealthy friends and his son and grandson occasionally bow-hunt. But, he always gives me permission. These woods are serene, majestic, and teeming with wildlife. When I took a friend once who is my age and has hunted squirrels all of his life, he was stunned. He said, "I've never seen so many squirrels in my life, ever, anywhere."

 

[lastofthebreed]

Squirrel hunting is great training for hunting any kind of game. I, personally, think we are doing our kids a disservice when we start them deer hunting at an early age. I think a person should "cut his teeth" on squirrels before he ever shoulders a high powered rifle in search of bigger game.

 

[Sniper66]

I agree. Kids should make their bones with a BB gun first, followed by rabbits and squirrels with a single shot .22. Or a pellet gun in there somewhere. And how about sling shots? I made pretty good ones and killed pigeons with mine. i mostly missed, but wow what a thrill when I finally hit some. The interesting thing is that now that I am 70 years old and have, over the years, killed lots of every kind of critter with several dozen rifles and shotguns. And yet, my favorite hunting is still for squirrels.

 

[thomas15]

Well I'm planning to hit the woods tomorrow (Friday) in search of squirrel. Last week I went looking around, only saw a few but it was mid day so maybe in the early morning it will be better. I hope. Also, it's raining and nasty today so perhaps the squirrels will be anxious to get out when I'm there in the AM.

 

[Woodnik]

I just started hunting squirrel this season, using a .410 single shot with #6 shot. I haven't seen very many squirrels even though there are a lot of acorns and some hickory nuts around, but I did hear some barking last time I was out. I was going out in the afternoon, but last time I decided to go in the morning, and got out there around 7:30 AM or so. It's been requiring a lot of patience, but at least it's been beautiful here in the woods.