Rimfire rifle vs shotgun for squirrel

[12Bravo20]

Squirrel season in Missouri opens up the last Saturday in May and closes February 15th in the following year. So this year's season is from May 27th, 2023 to February 15th, 2024. Daily limit is 10 squirrels with a total of 20 in possession. The limit can be a mix of gray squirrels and red fox squirrels.

I do my best to keep them evil little creatures from taking over the world.

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

Squirrel season in Missouri opens up the last Saturday in May and closes February 15th in the following year. So this year's season is from May 27th, 2023 to February 15th, 2024. Daily limit is 10 squirrels with a total of 20 in possession. The limit can be a mix of gray squirrels and red fox squirrels.

I do my best to keep them evil little creatures from taking over the world.

12Bravo20, you ever get over to Mark Twain Nat.? As a kid that was squirrel heaven back in the day. Regards

 

[RonSC]

Rimfire all the way…
( If) shotgun is the only option I’ll stay home thank you very much but that’s just me.
My CZ 17 Mach2 is just too much fun to leave at home….

 

[12Bravo20]

12Bravo20, you ever get over to Mark Twain Nat.? As a kid that was squirrel heaven back in the day. Regards

I haven't hunted there in a long time. We used to go off base all the time when I was stationed at Ft Leonardwood. I have plenty of private spots and several conservation areas real close to home now so no need to drive long distances. Plus I can always snipe squirrels from my bird feeders in my yard with an air rifle.

 

[AK Hunter]

I hunt a public woods for squirrel & all the animals there are much to skittish because they are always being shot at.
From the time they come out of their hide to the time they are back in the next hole they are running wide open, so it's very hard to get a shot at one with any rimfire rifle. I use my old Mossberg .410 with 3" magnums 4 or 5 shot to bring them down from the tops of the trees. If they are far away enough it doesn't damage the meat.

 

[gwpercle]

In the early part of the season in South Louisiana the trees are still full of leaves ... you have trouble seeing them ... most I "see" I don't really see the squirrel but the motion ...usually he's running through the trees getting out of my range ... for this hunting at moving / running squirrels through lots of leaves ... I use a 20 gauge pump or SXS double . The shooting is usually close at a fast moving , half hidden squirrel running through the leafy limbs ...to me this is the hardest way to have to hunt them .

Later in the year , no leaves on the trees and you can see a long way off ...75 yards or more !
That's when my scoped Ruger 10/22 comes out . I sit under a big oak and wait for them to start moving ... then I can ambush them sniper style when they stop to eat a nut ... catch them sitting and a carefully placed head shot does the job !

Now ... the next question ... Squirrel Gumbo ... or Squirrel Jambalaya !
Gary

 

[12Bravo20]

Now ... the next question ... Squirrel Gumbo ... or Squirrel Jambalaya !
Gary

BOTH!!!!

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

I hunt a public woods for squirrel & all the animals there are much to skittish because they are always being shot at.
From the time they come out of their hide to the time they are back in the next hole they are running wide open, so it's very hard to get a shot at one with any rimfire rifle. I use my old Mossberg .410 with 3" magnums 4 or 5 shot to bring them down from the tops of the trees. If they are far away enough it doesn't damage the meat.
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When I was still working at the store we used to get those all the time. I kept saying to myself. Don't worry another will come in. They only made a ton of them. "WELL GUESS WHUT!" now can't get anyone to let go of one now. Serve's me right for being stupid.

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

Next time you make chili. Take out a small portion you've cooked up and froze for later recopies. Throw in about 8oz. on your "Yankee" flavored chili. (Chili with beans and other nonsense from Yankees cuisine) ... lol j/k guys don't get outta sha... "Hey put down that gun!"

 

[dh1633pm]

I terminated all I could find. It’s been weeks since I have seen a red squirrel. I prefer the air rifle. Kills them dead. Leave the grays alone. They are good for forest management. Reds are a scourge.

 

[Bcwitt]

With a 22, it is less disturbing & game will be active sooner than after a shotgun blast.

 

[Bartojc]

I always used a 12 ga, dad always used his 410, and my uncle a .22. I guess it just depends what you are comfortable with.
It has been a looong time since I have hunted squirrels. Way too long.

-Jeff