Hey, I was just wondering what every one uses small game hunting, Like does anyone wear camo and a backpack, Or an orange upland vest? also what equipment is good to have? obviously a knife and such but how about ammo, I would be using 22lr so how many rounds would be sufficient? Yea I know this sounds like a complete newbie post, But I am trying to start small game hunting and need some help. :/
Small game gear?
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Rancho Relaxo
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I have a Filson's game vest that I use when I shoot groundsquirrels or jackrabbits. 223 ammo and magazines go in the front pocket along with my rangefinder and binocs, empties in the game pocket in back to be reloaded. The straps are in far enough that they don't interfere with mounting the rifle, it's a great setup.
reuben mishler
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Many people go about this different ways.
When I squirrel hunt, I like to walk through the woods, spot them far off and head in their direction. Others like to sit and wait for them to come close enough for a shot.
Honestly, I don't really wear any camo, just jeans and a t-shirt. Can't say that I've worn any orange, but if you are planning on going into public land, it might not be a bad idea.
As far as gear goes, I've used both the Ruger 10/22 and a Savage in .17 both have worked great, I normally don't take shots over 50 yards. I'll carry roughly 50 rounds of ammo for whatever I'm carrying. If I'm in a remote part of the woods where I won't walk far, I'll just take my gun and ammo. If I plan to go further, I like to take a fanny pack to put water and my ammo in, as well as a GPS because I like to wander and not have to worry about where I'm going and how I'm going to get back. Other then that, I keep all of the knives and cleaning supplies back at the vehicle for when the trip is done.
What kind of small game are you looking to shoot, rabbit? Squirrel?
When I squirrel hunt, I like to walk through the woods, spot them far off and head in their direction. Others like to sit and wait for them to come close enough for a shot.
Honestly, I don't really wear any camo, just jeans and a t-shirt. Can't say that I've worn any orange, but if you are planning on going into public land, it might not be a bad idea.
As far as gear goes, I've used both the Ruger 10/22 and a Savage in .17 both have worked great, I normally don't take shots over 50 yards. I'll carry roughly 50 rounds of ammo for whatever I'm carrying. If I'm in a remote part of the woods where I won't walk far, I'll just take my gun and ammo. If I plan to go further, I like to take a fanny pack to put water and my ammo in, as well as a GPS because I like to wander and not have to worry about where I'm going and how I'm going to get back. Other then that, I keep all of the knives and cleaning supplies back at the vehicle for when the trip is done.
What kind of small game are you looking to shoot, rabbit? Squirrel?
Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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Ammo- with a 22lr Id carry 25 or so rounds (for them days when I couldn't hit a barn wall from the INSIDE)
Vest- Most states require orange vests for small game hunting. As far as cammo, personal choice really. But some sort of game vest is nice for when you do make a "connection" since most of them have a "game pouch" in them to carry your kill(s). Most also have some pretty roomy pockets for carry of other things such as ammo, GPS, knife, sammich
, and other whatnots.
Vest- Most states require orange vests for small game hunting. As far as cammo, personal choice really. But some sort of game vest is nice for when you do make a "connection" since most of them have a "game pouch" in them to carry your kill(s). Most also have some pretty roomy pockets for carry of other things such as ammo, GPS, knife, sammich
, and other whatnots.I plan on going for squirrel on public land, So i am thinking an orange game vest with 50 rounds, and any other crap i feel like hauling around like food and water and hothands, Does that sound about right? Oh and I am going with a marlin 925 because in PA you cannot hunt with a semi, If i was aloud to I would have a 10/22.
Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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Ah, Pa, don't forget your Orange Hat too!
Where abouts in Pa?
Sounds like you pretty much have it covered as far as stuff to take. Cell Phone for emergencies is a nice thing to have as well. And don't forget to pin your license holder on the back of whatever is on the outside. Most of them game commission officers are pretty nice but some of them are real jerks. That is something you don't want to be without as well as ID to prove it is your license.
Where abouts in Pa?
Sounds like you pretty much have it covered as far as stuff to take. Cell Phone for emergencies is a nice thing to have as well. And don't forget to pin your license holder on the back of whatever is on the outside. Most of them game commission officers are pretty nice but some of them are real jerks. That is something you don't want to be without as well as ID to prove it is your license.
Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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And then hope you aren't too far from your vehicle on them days that you actually woke up and realized you aren't a Marine Scout/Sniper and actually DO miss!
For squirrel the limit is 6, 12 in possession, And I live right by Bucks county, But will mainly be going with one of my buddies in the Poconos. It was mentioned I need an orange hat? What are the actual regulations on orange? I am just curious because I don't believe you have to wear orange for archery?
Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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No you don't have to wear orange for archery (except when moving during small game and the early muzzle loader season then you have to wear it while moving then post a 100 square inch band on the tree you are in or closest to) but you DO have to wear orange for small game. Or ANY season that firearm is allowed. If memory serves me correctly it is 250 square inches about the chest back and head.
From the Hunter/Trapper Digest : All Small Game Seasons
A minimum of 250 square inches on head, chest and
back, combined, visible 360 degrees.
Here is the site you want to look at for PGC for all the regulations you need.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=726681&mode=2
I lived in Pa for almost 9 years before I moved to this God Awful Communist state of Illinois, not to far from where you live actually, and rabbit,squirrel, and Pheasant hunted every year. Loved running my dogs for rabbit! It's a really good state for small game hunting and they have a TON of deer in many parts.
From the Hunter/Trapper Digest : All Small Game Seasons
A minimum of 250 square inches on head, chest and
back, combined, visible 360 degrees.
Here is the site you want to look at for PGC for all the regulations you need.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=726681&mode=2
I lived in Pa for almost 9 years before I moved to this God Awful Communist state of Illinois, not to far from where you live actually, and rabbit,squirrel, and Pheasant hunted every year. Loved running my dogs for rabbit! It's a really good state for small game hunting and they have a TON of deer in many parts.
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Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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Yes sir. That would be fine as a frog hair. Just stay safe and have fun.
WalkAbout
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Good brush pants of some sort are a must if youve got a lot of briars.
b
b
Matt, you're never going to learn if you don't ask!
I don't wear camo per say, but when the foliage is up I tend to wear green and brown. Once the foliage drops it's gray and brown. If your local laws require hunter orange, I would suggest you wear cotton or fleece rather than the shiny polyester stuff.
Get your gun sighted in at the range. If you hunt public land, plinking will add certain risks and interfere with other nearby hunters. For the hunt I only carry as much ammo as I think I'll need. If I think I'm going to be lucky enough to get my bag limit (which in Ohio is 6), I might carry 8 to 10 rounds.
For squirrel I mostly use .22LR Subsonic HP. They are quiet and wont scare the bejeebers out of nearby game. I have often shot squirrels running in pairs. In most cases the sound of one subsonic round will only freeze other nearby squirrels, giving you an opportunity for additional targets. Subsonics are very accurate under 55 yards. With reasonably good stalking, you'll find that the majority of your shots will be 25 to 45 yards.
I carry a burlap bag slung over the shoulder. Small backpack or fanny pack will do as well. Items that I pack include: knife, zip lock bags, rubber surgical gloves, and a compass. With the gloves you don't have to carry water for cleaning up (if you choose to harvest the animal on the spot). Once I tried handi-wipes instead of gloves, but they're so loaded with fragrance I couldn't stand the smell (nor could the squirrels).
If you havn't already, check out this thread. You'll find some pretty good information. And when you get lucky make sure you add your pics. Good hunting!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=549061
Grey Morel
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I feel that cammo is completely unneeded for small game hunting. I ware my street cloths, and I do just fine.
Squirrels - Feel safe up in their trees, especially if you're any distance from the base. Some are so bold that they stick their heads out and chatter at you. Even in pressured areas, they can usually be convinced to poke their head out.
Rabbits - They 'freeze' when they detect you at distance (even when they are in the open) and run when you get close (even if you never would have seen them otherwise). Their instincts serve them well against wild predators, but are exactly the WRONG thing to do with humans.
Ground hogs - Very wary animals that hide in their burrow when you get close - this usually dictates longer shots, beyond their awareness.
In all cases, camouflage makes little or no difference. I was out hunting last weekend in my Blue Jeans, Wool Coat, and a blaze orange hat; this didn't stop me from getting within pistol range of multiple animals.
Squirrels - Feel safe up in their trees, especially if you're any distance from the base. Some are so bold that they stick their heads out and chatter at you. Even in pressured areas, they can usually be convinced to poke their head out.
Rabbits - They 'freeze' when they detect you at distance (even when they are in the open) and run when you get close (even if you never would have seen them otherwise). Their instincts serve them well against wild predators, but are exactly the WRONG thing to do with humans.
Ground hogs - Very wary animals that hide in their burrow when you get close - this usually dictates longer shots, beyond their awareness.
In all cases, camouflage makes little or no difference. I was out hunting last weekend in my Blue Jeans, Wool Coat, and a blaze orange hat; this didn't stop me from getting within pistol range of multiple animals.
During deer season in Virginia you have to wear a certain amount of blaze orange no matter what you are hunting (except they FINALLY waved that requirement for the late mourning dove season...hunting doves in winter is hard enough, while wearing orange...almost impossible)
So if I am squirrel hunting during deer season I have to wear orange.
I was out today deer hunting in the woods and with a snow coming the squirrels were out in force and they are wary...but since I stayed fairly motionless and didn't seem to be interested in them, they would run within 20 feet of me and I know fully well they knew I was there.
Once deer season is over though, I will go in full camo. If they don't know where you are, then they are more likely to come out faster after you take a shot.
So if I am squirrel hunting during deer season I have to wear orange.
I was out today deer hunting in the woods and with a snow coming the squirrels were out in force and they are wary...but since I stayed fairly motionless and didn't seem to be interested in them, they would run within 20 feet of me and I know fully well they knew I was there.
Once deer season is over though, I will go in full camo. If they don't know where you are, then they are more likely to come out faster after you take a shot.
rozziboy18
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my usualy set up is orange hat and vest, 15 rounds of 12 gauge or 25 rounds of 22,good sharp knife, back pack with munchies and water, survival gear.
survival gear list
1. waterproof matches,lighter, swedish fire starter with fire ribon
2.hot hands
3.compass
4.larger caliber handgun ie 45
5.space blanket
6.1st aid kit (small)
7.whistle
8.poncho
9. dryer lint. makes a great fire starter if all elese fails
im usualy a little over prepaird but you never know when you are going to have to spend a unexpected night in the wild.
survival gear list
1. waterproof matches,lighter, swedish fire starter with fire ribon
2.hot hands
3.compass
4.larger caliber handgun ie 45
5.space blanket
6.1st aid kit (small)
7.whistle
8.poncho
9. dryer lint. makes a great fire starter if all elese fails
im usualy a little over prepaird but you never know when you are going to have to spend a unexpected night in the wild.
rozziboy, good call on the firestarter. Never know when it might be needed. I carry the "Blastmatch". It's a one-peice rod and steel that can be operated with one hand (very handy in the event of injury). Like all firesteels, you can drop it in water, shake it off and it will work all the same.
http://www.ultimatesurvival.com/camping-hiking/BlastMatchFireStarter.php
I also carry a small container with cotton balls dabbed with vaseline, along with a couple of 6 in. strips of cotton rope dipped in candle wax. Will start a fire even under damp/wet conditions.
http://www.ultimatesurvival.com/camping-hiking/BlastMatchFireStarter.php
I also carry a small container with cotton balls dabbed with vaseline, along with a couple of 6 in. strips of cotton rope dipped in candle wax. Will start a fire even under damp/wet conditions.
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