Ol' Badger
Member
I took up my bros chalenge to try to hunt Bushy Tails with a handgun (Not a .22). Came close but no Cigar. Any suggestions?
Squirrel Hunting with a .38
- Thread starter Ol' Badger
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41 Redhawk
Member
Ummmm, you sure it is legal in VA?
Ol' Badger
Member
Nope. But whats to stop me 
whiskey
Member
I've done it. I used to use .38 SWC in a 6.5 inch Ruger Blackhawk. I have taken several squirrels this way. I usually would just sit still and wait for them to get on the ground or low on the tree trunk. I tried for the head. Sometimes I missed, that's why it's hunting.
I use 5.3gr 700X under a Keith-style 158SWC and they drop them NOW. The best method is to hunt them as you would a rifle, but don't shoot when they start running. Instead, watch them run until they think they are safe (could happen in 10yds or they can run into NC). If you kept a good eye on them you will be able to see them the entire stalk, but they won't move! They will not break cover until you prove to them that they are not hidden. You will get a lot of nice 15-50yd shots of rabbits that are standing as still as a stone this way!
-Mike
-Mike
Poodleshooter
Member
Why wouldn't that be illegal in VA? It's only illegal if he's not allowed to use centerfire handguns at all in his county. A light wadcutter load would be great for taking off squirrel heads.
41 Redhawk
Member
It is actually pretty vague. Here are some statements out of the legal firearms section of the regs.
"Rifles may be used for taking wild animals and birds, except migratory game birds and waterfowl (see Game Species Definitions), and where prohibited by local ordinances (see Local Firearms Ordinances).
Rifles used for deer or bear must be .23 caliber or larger.
Rifles, pistols, and revolvers may be used for hunting crows, except where prohibited by local ordinances (see Local Firearms Ordinances).
Pistols and revolvers firing .22 caliber rimfire ammunition and muzzleloading pistols may be used for small game where .22 rifles are permitted (see Local Firearms Ordinances).
Pistols and revolvers are lawful for deer and bear hunting only in those counties where hunting deer and bear with rifles is lawful. Cartridges used must be .23 caliber or larger and have a manufacturer’s rating of 350 foot-pounds muzzle energy or more."
Notice they cover about all the scenarios except for Pistols other than 22 rimfire.
Here is where I got this: http://www.dgif.state.va.us/hunting/regulations/
"Rifles may be used for taking wild animals and birds, except migratory game birds and waterfowl (see Game Species Definitions), and where prohibited by local ordinances (see Local Firearms Ordinances).
Rifles used for deer or bear must be .23 caliber or larger.
Rifles, pistols, and revolvers may be used for hunting crows, except where prohibited by local ordinances (see Local Firearms Ordinances).
Pistols and revolvers firing .22 caliber rimfire ammunition and muzzleloading pistols may be used for small game where .22 rifles are permitted (see Local Firearms Ordinances).
Pistols and revolvers are lawful for deer and bear hunting only in those counties where hunting deer and bear with rifles is lawful. Cartridges used must be .23 caliber or larger and have a manufacturer’s rating of 350 foot-pounds muzzle energy or more."
Notice they cover about all the scenarios except for Pistols other than 22 rimfire.
Here is where I got this: http://www.dgif.state.va.us/hunting/regulations/
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