wanna get into squirrel hunting but need help.

[frankenstein406]

I've been looking at semis and bolt action rifles. I'm thinking a semi will be better since we have a lot of squirrels, but I'll take a bolt to just whatever the right price is. Now what would I go with for ammo? Hollow points? What brands are good? Any tips would help only been deer hunting.

 

[towboat_er]

I like my Ruger 10-22 with a scope. Any 22 ammo will do. No need for hollow points. I buy Federal ammo, 550 rounds per box.

 

[TimM]

My favorite squirrel rifle is a Marlin 81. Whatever rifle you choose just go with whatever your gun shoots best. Take head shots.

 

[frankenstein406]

Is fmj okay? Sorry for asking so many questions. I really want a ruger but cheapest one is $175 used with iron sights. There was a scope package one for $150 but it went quick. Are used marlins okay?

 

[Liberty1776]

Used Marlins are - all things being equal on condition - excellent choices. Lever actions or autos or bold actions will all serve you well. Scope it. Try CCI Mini-mags too. Great ammo for my uses. Solids are potentially more accurate than lighter hollowpoints and will kill a squirrel (or rabbit) perfectly...have fun and good luck!

 

[unwise11]

I use a single shot Model 67 winchester, and lead round nose .22 shorts.. I have killed countless amounts of squirrels with that rifle..
When not using that, I use a Marlin Model 60 with federal 550 bulk hollowpoints.

 

[solvability]

Squirrels do not need a lot of killing power - head shots are what is expected - otherwise you can lose a lot of meat.

Have you tried squirrel - I do not like it, but clean them and pass them on to friends that do - the flavor is different.

I use a CZ bolt gun - rare to shoot six times in a morning hunt. Your shots will be 20 to 35 yds. I use a 4 -12x scope - 4x is plenty but I like more to be able to place my shots and tell a squirrel from a bump.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I hunted with a guy that used nothing but shorts on squirrels. He'd pop 'em in the head and you could hear it crack like a walnut. The quieter rounds didn't scare up the others as much.

 

[HOOfan_1]

I've used all types of guns...

Single shot with .22 shorts and open sights
Savage 24 with .22LR over 20 gauge...open sight and a 4x scope
Ruger 10/22 with 4x scope
Marlin bolt action .22LR with 4x scope
Mossberg 640KA Chuckster 22 Magnum with 4x scope
my favorite a Marlin 39A with a 4x scope

most any .22 will be accurate enough. I always use solid point bulk ammo.

 

[mb1983]

New member here, I like to use my Marlin 60 on squirrels something about the micro grooved barrel makes them extremely accurite no need for a scope on this one

 

[mb1983]

I also use a squirrel whistle made by Mr.squirrel. It makes them come out of hiding by sounding like a young injured squirrel, it takes a little practice but makes a big difference on a slow day.

 

[brandon_mcg]

cant go wrong with a marlin. i use a remington 597 with a 3-9 power scope just because thats what came mounted on the gun. i have used an old winchester repeating arms single shot .22 with iron sights in the past with no problem.

you can always save up for good optics if you decide to get them.

 

[Cash4Gold]

I use a marlin model 60 for squirrel and it works great. It helps to hunt with a partner and space out 30 yards or so. Or have one sit still while the other makes a larger semi circle. A lot of times squirrel will circle around a tree avoiding the hunter who is moving, and forget about the hunter standing still. You can pick up a squirrel call as some others have said for a couple of bucks, or use a walnut and hit it against the stock of your gun. Sometimes that sound will bring them out. I use a combination of stalk and still hunting. If not seeing any, sometimes sitting for 15 min or so they'll come out of hiding.

If hunting with a shotgun and legal in your state, you can shoot the squirrel nests and see if any drop out. I usually would only start shooting nests if I've hunted for several hours with no luck, and only with a shotgun. This works less than 1 in 10 times. Although a friend of mine's grandpa always tells the story about how when he shot a squirrel nest and a opossum fell out of it.

A .22 doesn't really scare them away, but a shotgun does. Whatever your rifle choice, definitely stick with .22LR for squirrel, .17hmr and 22mag cost more on ammo and aren't necessary.

 

[JEB]

ive used a marlin model 60 with a 3-9 center point scope (i know its cheap but it works for me) and federal bulk pack hp's. very accurate at distance.

i have also used a marlin 336 chambered in 30-30win. i made my own low powered loads throwing a lead bullet nice and slow. low noise and recoil is almost non existant. surprisingly meat damage was very low. the big perk to this is that it serves to get me that much more trigger time in with my deer rifle before the season starts. after you get used to shooting squirrels, deer look like a barn!

but my all time favorite is the marlin 925m in .22mag with a 3-9x bushnell. make sure you go for head shots only with this one because meat damage will be high! ammo is still pretty cheap and it shoots very well. i have taken squrrels at all ranges with my .22mag; as close as 8 FEET all the way up to my personal best of +/- 110yds. for this one i prefer CCI 40grn fmj when im squirrel hunting. i have used CCI hollow points before but the results, while effective, were a bit.....explosive. since i like to keep things as non-messy as possible, i opted for the fmj after this experience.

another option is a shotgun. you may end up chipping a tooth at the dinner table but it can make the hunt easier in the early part of the season when there are more leaves on the trees. personally, i like my teeth and the challange of trying to find a clear line of sight during the stalk.

some will suggest a scope with a lower power setting and that is fine. but when i line up for a 70+ yard shot i want to be able to see their eye because that is my target. all in all get out there and try it out! you may find that you prefer a .22 short with open sights or you may want a high magnification scope. squirrels make for some of the best hunting and a very tasty meal! happy hunting and stay safe!

 

[ljnowell]

If hunting with a shotgun and legal in your state, you can shoot the squirrel nests and see if any drop out.

Worthy of a butt kicking in my parts. Lots of people do it, but it doesnt make it right. Shooting when you cant see your game is a no-no always in my book.

 

[frankenstein406]

Hmm this is good. Fmjs look to be really cheap. Do you guys carry large mags when you hunt? Shotgun is out of the question, we have lots of squirrels. Some up close and some far away. Idk if I'll like the taste but Hell I'll eat anything with some hot sauce on it. I'll be cutting off the tails to send to mepps so not much will be wasted. So what's a good scope size to go with? I've seen people use small to real big ones. Also do you guys carry "pouches" to put them in. Thanks again, really glad I joined this site!

 

[Cash4Gold]

I carry squirrels that I shoot in a turkey hunting vest that has an open back pouch that I think is supposed to be for decoys.
I only shoot with irons, but I'd use a low power scope something 4x or less. Anymore than that it will be hard to pick them up in the scope with the limited field of view. The mag I have on my marlin is a tube mag holding something like 15 rnds and has more than enough. Most of my friends hunt with ruger 10-22s and i noticed that the larger mags seem to have more problems and aren't as reliable as the factory 10 rnd 10-22 mags. Really mag and scope size are more personal preference than anything else.
As far as eating them, I normally put 3-4 squirrels at a time in the slow cooker with the marinade of your choice, i like the teriyaki. They cook for 6 hrs or until the meat is falling off the bone and pick all the bones out making something similar to pulled pork sandwiches. DELICIOUS

 

[JEB]

Do you guys carry large mags when you hunt?

personally? nope. i go for whatever mag fits as flush as possible. odds are you wont get more than a shot or two at any given squirrel. besides, it shouldnt take more than one right?

So what's a good scope size to go with?

depends on what you like really. i prefer a 3-9x32. ive used every setting at one time or another and never wished i had more/less.

Also do you guys carry "pouches" to put them in.

I carry squirrels that I shoot in a turkey hunting vest that has an open back pouch that I think is supposed to be for decoys.

+1

 

[cottswald]

I'm not sure I know what "a lot of squirrels" has to do with semi-autos. Get yourself a good bolt action rifle in 22lr and mount a 4x scope. You won't need more magnification (may even hinder you). Always aim for the head. With reasonable skill you should be able to take em with one shot.

Unless you want to scare the hell out of every squirrel within a ten acre radius, use subsonic ammo. I have aften shot squirrels in pairs, where the sound of the first shot hardly fazes the mate. In addition to being quieter, subsonics are more accurate (under 55 yards) than high velocity. Most of your shots are going to be 20 to 35 yards.

Hollow points have greater expansion upon impact hence causing greater damage to your target. They will also reduce ricochets which the 22lr is notorious for. Both CCI and Aguila among others make great Subsonic HP.

Carry a small backpack or fanny pack with several zip lock bags and surgical gloves. With the gloves, you won't need the added weight of carrying water for clean up. A pocket knife with a 2 to 3 inch blade will suffice for skinning and gutting.

Depending on what part of the country you're in, it's getting near the end of the hunting season. This is a great time of year to scout for next years hunt. With the foliage down, tree nests can be easily located. They won't be re-using them next year, but it will give you a pretty good idea of who's been hangin around.

Good Hunting!

 

[wankerjake]

You won't need more magnification (may even hinder you)

I have to disagree, I definitely like higher magnification for longer shots. When they get way up high in a big, thick tree and I have to back up aways, I like to crank up the magnification. Not always needed, but I'm happy to have it sometimes.

Cottswald, we hunt squirrels differently and we both do well. BUT, I don't mind admitting that your squirrel rig is by far the classiest, sweetest looking squirrel rig I've seen. I seriously doubt I'm the only one who thinks this. If you ever find yourself in AZ during October/November get a hold of me and we'll go shoot some Abert's squirrels up around Flagstaff. I'll even let you shoot all but one...I want to shoot one with your rifle. I'll have a rig like that one day.

 

[Rat Blaster]

I vote with the sub sonic crowd. I have killed one only to have another come up to see what was going on. I have an older, non accutrigger model Savage mrkII bolt action with a AO Bushnell scope, it's almost too easy under 30-35 yards I also have a CZ452 American with a 4-12 vx-II AO Leupold scope and guess what, the Savage kills em just as good as the 3x expensive CZ. In fact I prefer to hunt with the Savage since I can enjoy the hunt with out worrying about scratching my gun.
For a real hoot I pull out my Ruger MKII pistol and go open sights. This is a real challange for ME at least and I try to get as close as possible.
I have never needed a call, just seem to run into them with out it.
One of the most important part of the hunt is the RECIPE.....how bout it guys? Anyone have any good ones for squirrels?

 

[PT1911]

Let set in buttermilk overnight, then pour dales marinade into their abdominal/chest cavity... after marinading for a couple of hours, rinse in warm water to losen them up, fill the abdominal/chest cavity with a bbq sauce of your choosing and grill them...pretty much have to put them on the grill spread eagle for the bbq sauce to have any effect, cook slowly and then enjoy... this is my favorite way...

boiling to tenderize, pulling the meat from the bones, and making squirrel dumplings with your favorite dumpling recipe is another good way to eat the critters...

 

[Tomcat47]

Marlin Lever or Bolt

I am +1 for Marlin Bolt Action Too! My favorite is 39A and next would be a Model 81 bolt.....This gives you opportunity to use Short, Long, and Long Rifle.

Nice 39 Cottswald!

I like the Marlin Model 60 Semi Auto but Long Rifle only.

You will most likely enjoy the day more by using the sub sonic rounds as mentioned above.

I like CCI CB Shorts myself....some think they are to slow but I dont have a problem with them at all...head shot ....lights out! Just remember if you go sub sonic open sight or scope...practice and or dial scope in to them!

Also like the Remington Golden Shorts! They are a little more zippy..a little over 1000 fps. The CBs are around 700 and super quiet.

Anyway good luck and have fun..... and Dumplings are my fav! but im gonna try the BBQ grill recipe.

 

[cottswald]

I have to disagree, I definitely like higher magnification for longer shots. When they get way up high in a big, thick tree and I have to back up aways, I like to crank up the magnification. Not always needed, but I'm happy to have it sometimes.

Cottswald, we hunt squirrels differently and we both do well. BUT, I don't mind admitting that your squirrel rig is by far the classiest, sweetest looking squirrel rig I've seen. I seriously doubt I'm the only one who thinks this. If you ever find yourself in AZ during October/November get a hold of me and we'll go shoot some Abert's squirrels up around Flagstaff. I'll even let you shoot all but one...I want to shoot one with your rifle. I'll have a rig like that one day.

Wankerjake, thanks for the compliment. My 39A came out of the box with a few minor issues, but seems to get better with use (and a few modifications). I've only driven through Arizona a couple of times, but it is one place I would love to return and explore. Thanks for the invite (may even take you up on it some day).

As far as the scope magnification is concerned, your point is well taken. I was directing my comments more so on the OP who appears to be somewhat of a novice. A common misconception among new hunters is that bigger is better when it comes to scopes, which tends to misguide some folks as to what they really "need" in the field. Without going into much detail, magnification can have its advantages and disadvatages. -- I have in fact a couple of friends that use 14x 40mm scopes for squirrel hunting cause they "like to see the hair split" as they nail em! Magnification can no doubt enhance the hunting experience in more ways than one!

 

[frankenstein406]

Thanks again guys, you have some really good tips. Since you guys are talking about which guns I have a question. Go figure but a guy offered me a 995 marlin for $100, marlin 60 for $125 and a ruger 10/22 for $175 all great condition and iron sights. Are those prices high? Which model would you go with? My dad wants me to find a old REM nylon 66. So Idk what to do, I really like ruger and REM. Never had a problem with them but haven't owned many guns either.

Does anyone have any hot and spicy recipes?