Well here I go again talking about hunting squirrels. This question goes out to all those guys who hunt squirrels with a shotgun. What gauge do you use? Shot size? Why not a rifle? A nostalgic urge grabbed me this morning so to scratch that itch I took my Winchester Model 20 (a vintage single shot 410) to the squirrel woods. Had to relearn a few things along the way. First, ya gotta be close. Second, take #6s not #8s. (Actually I intended to take 6s, but picked up the wrong box.) Third, forget about head shots. The first shot knocked the squirrel off the limb, but he hit the ground running and I never saw him again. It was fun shooting him running, but would rather have one in the pot. Next shot was too far and the squirrel sort of shook it off and ran away. I finally waited to get closer and managed to bag 2. Had I used my 17Mach2 or .22LR, I had good shots at 5 squirrels. When I skinned them the closest one had lots of shot in him. Oh well, back to rifles for me. By the way, I had one shot with my Rem 541S when we drove up next to the woods. Stuck my rifle out the window and made a perfect head shot. Doubt I'll be taking the shotgun any time soon..
Shotgunning squirrels?
- Thread starter Sniper66
- Start date
- Status
JackSprat
Member
We usually used 6 shot..Dad never had any use for a 410..He started us on 20 gauges,then we worked up to using 12s,and 16s..I haved killed them with 4 shot too...I always hated biting into a pellet..
Grumulkin
Member
I had a squirrel invasion this year. They're pretty and I liked to have them around until they started chewing on stuff and ruining it. I must have shot at least 10 of them; all with a 20 gauge Mossberg 500 loaded with #4 shot in 3 inch magnum shells which worked well.
Where I live, I wouldn't use a rifle and hazzard a bullet flying into a populated area.
Where I live, I wouldn't use a rifle and hazzard a bullet flying into a populated area.
Blue68f100
Member
I used a 20ga with #6. As you found out #8 does not penetrate their hide. The main reason for using a shotgun is where you at and shooting up in the air, where does it come down. When using a rifle you must know your back stop is going to stop the bullet from going places you don't want.
I use both. I find it's more fun calling them in close then using my Ruger MKIII Hunter pistol.
I use both. I find it's more fun calling them in close then using my Ruger MKIII Hunter pistol.
WestKentucky
Member
410 full choke for treetop shots. 20ga improved cylinder for closer shots. #6 in both. We usually hunt in groups of 3 though, one rifle and 2 shotguns. If I'm by myself I go 20ga modified and if I knock one out of a tall treetop I stay ready for runners.
I started hunting squirrels with a 20 ga that was passed down from my great grandfather. It is considered safer to fire a load of #6's up into the air than a 22 rifle. It will all come down,but a handful of pellets won't carry as far nor do as much damage if it hits something important. A rifle can be used, but shots must be taken with more care, especially around populated areas.
I like #6 or #7 1/2 shot. Gauge doesn't really matter, a 410 or 20 is fine and usually lighter to carry. But if other game is a possibility then a 12 may be more versatile.
I like #6 or #7 1/2 shot. Gauge doesn't really matter, a 410 or 20 is fine and usually lighter to carry. But if other game is a possibility then a 12 may be more versatile.
MtnCreek
Member
I carried an old over/under 22/410 at lot for squirrel growing up. 3" #5 was about right and also worked on rabbit and the occasional bird I was fast enough to get on. It didn't take me long to figure out I'd get more squirrel using a 22short or CB long (quieter).
entropy
Member
Usually used a .22 myself, and had other hunters with me use a shotgun. Not a good idea to shoot up into trees with a .22. I preferred 'stalking' squirrels with a scoped .22; move & sit. Good practice for deer hunting.
ScrapMetalSlug
Member
When I use a shotgun, it is a mossberg 500 with 2 3/4 inch #6 shot. A shotgun works well before a lot of the leaves fall. A 22 can be more fun at times, but I like a shotgun when the foliage is thick. I've used turkey loads before both 4 and 5 shot, but it is unnecessary even though it worked well. I wouldn't go smaller than 6 shot, I don't think lighter loads kill as well and you increase the likelihood of biting on a piece of shot which is better avoided.
For nostalgia, I have my Winchester model 37 12 gauge, which was my grandpas that he gave to me. The choke pattern is really tight on that gun giving good range, it is ether a miss or it dusts them pretty well. The wood is in good shape, so not something I'd drag through a briar patch or when it is raining.
For nostalgia, I have my Winchester model 37 12 gauge, which was my grandpas that he gave to me. The choke pattern is really tight on that gun giving good range, it is ether a miss or it dusts them pretty well. The wood is in good shape, so not something I'd drag through a briar patch or when it is raining.
Last edited:
yzguy87
Member
If hunting by my self I will take my Mossberg 500 12 ga. I use the target loads from Walmart. Iirc the target loads are 7 1/2 or 8 shot. I take the shotgun so I can shoot up in to trees. If my brother is with me he'll take his shotgun and I'll take my Remington 597.
- Status
