2024/2025 Squirrel Hunting Thread...........

ETipp · Dec 29, 2023

Hey all, since we are right now at a new year, this is a new thread to replace, or to be a continuation of, the 2023 Fall Squirrel Hunting Thread. I would think the 2023 Fall Squirrel Hunting Thread should still remain open and/or be there to fall back on for information if one so desires.

In the next post is a pic of one of our wonderful furry little friends to kick this one off.

ETipp · Dec 29, 2023

ETipp said:

Jim K · Dec 29, 2023

Beautiful afternoon here in PA. Wanted to hunt. Got a text that a customer wants to bring a deer head to me. Grrrrr

ETipp · Dec 29, 2023

Jim K said:
Beautiful afternoon here in PA. Wanted to hunt. Got a text that a customer wants to bring a deer head to me. Grrrrr

Well at least you tried. Another day, bro.

ETipp · Dec 29, 2023

Id like to collect some data on this game.

For the traditional ML squirrel hunters out there, what is your preferred method of hunting.

Spot and stalk?

Sit and hunt?

Still hunt?

Hunt with squirrel dogs?

Just walk through the woods?

Also, what is your preferred type of traditional ML for squirrel hunting?

andy52 · Dec 29, 2023

I normally hunt areas that I know are producing a food source.
But honestly, there are so many squirrels here it isn't even a chore to get your limit any time you wish. People don't hunt them as much as they did at one time.
Sorry method .32 flinter.

nchawkeye · Dec 29, 2023

I like to move through the woods and listen for them barking as well as watching for them, then stalk but i also stop and wait in known productive areas so it's a mixture...I use my .40 Bob Watts rifle, loaded with 30grs Goex FFF...

ETipp · Dec 29, 2023

andy52 said:
I normally hunt areas that I know are producing a food source.
But honestly, there are so many squirrels here it isn't even a chore to get your limit any time you wish. People don't hunt them as much as they did at one time.
Sorry method .32 flinter.

Andy, where are you located?

ETipp · Dec 29, 2023

nchawkeye said:
I like to move through the woods and listen for them barking as well as watching for them, then stalk but i also stop and wait in known productive areas so it's a mixture...I use my .40 Bob Watts rifle, loaded with 30grs Goex FFF...

Sounds a lot like how I prefer to hunt.

andy52 · Dec 29, 2023

ETipp said:
Andy, where are you located?

Central Missouri not too far from the Mississippi.

ETipp · Dec 29, 2023

andy52 said:
Central Missouri not too far from the Mississippi.

That's good to know about the squirrel population there. It is strong here in KY as well.

Jim K · Dec 29, 2023

I’m a sitter predominantly. I scout areas before season looking for bearing hickories. I mark their locations on Onx. When the season comes in, I go hunt the hickories.
weapon of choice is .36 flintlock.
Im in south east Pennsylvania.

Good idea on this Ed. Very interesting!

snakebit · Dec 29, 2023

I walk some, sit on my homemade tree seat some. I try to find hickories or good oak patch. Mostly use my 32's, Crockett rifle, or my CVA Varminter. But when the leaf cover is heavy, I'll use my New Englander 12 gauge with 6 shot and the Skychief load. I live in central PA.

ETipp · Dec 30, 2023

Jim K said:
I’m a sitter predominantly. I scout areas before season looking for bearing hickories. I mark their locations on Onx. When the season comes in, I go hunt the hickories.
weapon of choice is .36 flintlock.
Im in south east Pennsylvania.

Good idea on this Ed. Very interesting!

Good hunting plan.

I had to look up Onx.

I would think that a .36 flintlock would be provide some excellent adventures.

ETipp · Dec 30, 2023

snakebit said:
I walk some, sit on my homemade tree seat some. I try to find hickories or good oak patch. Mostly use my 32's, Crockett rifle, or my CVA Varminter. But when the leaf cover is heavy, I'll use my New Englander 12 gauge with 6 shot and the Skychief load. I live in central PA.

That's a good plan on a tree seat. Although I rarely sit, every now and then when the ground is wet I wished I had something to sit or kneel on.

How much powder and what type do you use in your New Englander 12 gauge barrel?

ETipp · Dec 30, 2023

Guess I should list my preferred method of squirrel hunting.

I'm darn near 100% still hunter to the core. Seldom do I sit. I cover lots of ground and it takes a long time doing so. I move at a snails pace and on average I stand still next to larger trees (if available) for ~ 65% to 70% of the hunt. Executing the perfect sneak is the name of the game. Often I go to great lengths to see this materialize. One hour, or close to it, is not uncommon for one single squirrel or sneak. But alas, like the old saying goes "sometimes you're the bug, sometimes you're the windshield". I don't always win.

The squirrel tool used at this time is my .32 Crockett Squirrel Rifle.

Gum Slough Muzzleloader · Dec 30, 2023

Good day, to all Muzzleloading Squirrel Hunters out there.
I like to walk slow look and listen.
I'll lean, squat or sit if I see cuttings, and squirrel digs in the ground. Sometimes Ole Henry will tree them up. I'm not saying that I'm a squirrel dog hunter, it new to me. He just did it on his own and I enjoy being with the little fella.
I for past few years I used a 12ga percussion double barrel.
I bought a .32 Crockett Rifle this year.
Although I haven't had much time to hunt, I've been focusing on PRB. I like the challenge of single ball.
Ed, thanks for starting this thread.
Thanks to all for your stories and methods.
Happy New Year.

swamperk · Dec 30, 2023

i use a 36 cal hawken to kill my squirrels,,miss some hit some, got a few the other day

andy52 · Dec 30, 2023

ETipp said:
That's good to know about the squirrel population there. It is strong here in KY as well.

I don't always use a muzzleloader however, many times I use a suppressed .22
LR.

Jim K · Dec 30, 2023

I’m the same Andy. I love head shooting them with a 22. But will say my most satisfaction is shooting them with a 32 or 36 muzzleloader.

2024/2025 Squirrel Hunting Thread...........

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