Squirrel hunting question

[Goober135]

I've hunted squirrel for some time, but not recently. I used to go with my dad and always used shotguns. I want to start hunting again this year, but to add a challenge I would like to use my .22 instead. What kind of optics do you all use and what range do you sight them in at?

Aslo, for all you from NWI, what are some good public places to hunt? All my squirrel hunting was done on private property of family friends we have since lost contact with.

I can't wait to get out into the woods andhave my dad make some of his famous curried squirrel stew!

 

[Mike H]

I use a 1.5X on my S&W mod. 22A
Sighted in for 25 yds. It gets the job done.

 

[Sailor]

Open sights work fine, or any scope. Shotgun is easier till the leaves fall off. Hard to see them guys in the canopy.

 

[PistolBob]

I usually just climb up in the tree and act like a nut. Then rassle the little critters into my backpack.

 

[RGriff69]

I prefer my 17Mach II sighted in at 50 yards. Head shots only.

Haven't used a shotgun in a few years. wife got a piece of buckshot the first time she ate squirrel and hasn't tried eating one since.

 

[Cherryspringer]

Squirrel hunting

My squirrel gun is a marlin 39 a with 3-9 x 50 bushnell. I can't say it's the best because I've never used anything else. I like the lever action because I don't have the loss of a blowback autoloader and with squirrels you only get one shot with a rifle.

 

[Expat]

Keep in mind when you are using a rifle that you need to pass up on shots where the bullet is not going to hit the tree after going through the squirrel or you miss. So if you are doing it right, you are going to pass up a lot of shots that you would take with a shotgun. .22 bullets travel a long way. Safety first.

 

[jason765]

marlin 60 with irons no optics needed

 

[IndySSD]

.22lr rifle with either a 4x or 6x fixed scope sighted @ 50 yards.

And yeah, you always want to take a shot where the tree will act as your backstop. I can't tell you the number of times I've heard a shot and then a few seconds later I hear something wizzing through the leaves above/around me...

 

[woodsie57]

My preference is to sight in @ 35 yds,using a marlin-glenfield bolt action,Std. vel. target ammo [real quiet]. 3-9X Simmons scope, head shots only,as previously noted. This early in the season,the leaves make getting a clear sight pic. really tough. If you want to max out on squirrels, go w/ a full choke shotgun, #4 shot, until the leaves thin out.

 

[Squirt239]

I usually just climb up in the tree and act like a nut. Then rassle the little critters into my backpack.

This

 

[tgallmey]

I usually wear a kevlar helmet and a bandoleer. Before I shoulder my Garand to pop that squirrel, chipmunk or little bird from the tree I scream ITS COMING RIGHT FOR US.

For Rabbit I use the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, Those Rabbits are Dynamite

 

[HICKMAN]

want to see TONS of squirrels, guaranteed???

Go deer hunting!

 

[IndySSD]

want to see TONS of squirrels, guaranteed???

Go deer hunting and don't take a squirrel gun with you!

FTFY....

 

[kboom524]

I mainly use a Ruger 77/22 with a 3-9 power Pentax scope. Most of the time scope is set at 6. I zero my rifle in at 50 yards, anything under that is still dead on with this rifle and the rounds I use.I also sometimes carry a Marlin 60 or my 10/22. Both these rifles carry a 4 power scope, and have always served me well out in the squirrel woods. I have never hunted squirrels with a shotgun, have always used a 22. After the leaves are down I also like to take my Ruger Super Single Six, iron sighted, out. Makes for a great challenge stalking up to within pistol range of them.

 

[Expat]

want to see TONS of squirrels, guaranteed???

Go deer hunting!

Don't you just love it when they come right to you. I have had them touch my clothes a couple times, then I will scare the crap out of them.

 

[.452browning]

want to see TONS of squirrels, guaranteed???

Go deer hunting!

its a scientific fact all squirrels in the vicinity will surround you while deer hunting. I had one get actually climb inside my ground pop up blind when it was raining. at first i wanted to reach down and choke him. then i realized he was smarter then all his friends and was trying to stay dry. i let him stay. he actually didnt seem afraid of me at all. it was one of the craziest things ive seen while deer hunting.

 

[ws6guy]

Anyone ever use the single shot pellet guns? Just curious as I've never been into squirrel hunting. Seems it would be safer than a 22 when your not deep in the woods.

 

[ks23321]

Just make it real challenging and use iron sites... shotguns almost a must until the leaves are gone though

 

[spec4]

I've used a pellet gun when living in a sub where the lots were 1+ acres. Had to be careful the neighbors didn't see me. (MWAG!!!) The deal was if they climbed on the house they were fair game..wife's rules.