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

[Wncman]

Well, in another attempt to keep going in this wonderful sport, I’ve taken about the last step I can to where I will be able to see well enough to shoot accurately with iron sights. Therefore, I installed a Marble Arms sight on my Crockett and my GPR. I had to do a fair amount of filing but they are installed well even though they are not for either rifle. So they do not fill in the entire width across the flats. But neither did the fiber optic sight I removed from Mr. Crockett.

I figure it this way. I can’t hit what I can’t see well. All of my ML’s are critter tools, so it’s all about performance for this ole boy. Don’t really care what the fashion police has to say.

The ivory beads do not glow in every lighting condition but they do for most situations, even during overcast days. Took them out back and aimed down into my woods a little after daylight. I was surprised to find they were easily seen even during overcast skies.

I know I’m going to enjoy this on my Crockett. Pretty sure it’s going to work out well on my GPR as well.

Well hunting is one thing. Do what you have to so as to enjoy and succeed.
Ignore the naysayers.

 

[Sparkplug]

I almost exclusively hunt tree rats with air guns. When I use BP it's a light load in my .45 KY rifle with PRB. But, I also make sure there is a backstop. I hope to have a BP scatter gun one day.

For calls, I usually just imitate a chatter with my mouth similar to a raccoon. Or, make a kissing action on my hand to imitate their whistles. They will usually call back. Then I just either sit tight for a shot, or move in closer if needed.

I prefer just sitting under some light cover. But I will spot and stalk if called for.

So far, the squirrels are thick in NW Alabama this year.

Update...

I've never cared fo using dogs for hunting. Period. Im not against it in any way. I have just always preferred hunting without one. But I may just change my mind.

As some of you have seen in another thread I have recently adopted a new pup which we named Lil Bonnie Blue, Bonnie for short. She is from an Australian Shepherd mom and a Redbone dad. I picked her up last week and we immediately bonded. She has become my Shadow. I simply got her for a woods companion, not a hunting dog.

Deer season ends tomorrow, so yesterday I went out to try and get at least one more. I decided to take Bonnie back to the shooting shack with me just to see how she does.

To start, I'm gonna have to get up a LOT earlier when she goes with me. By the time I got her fed, took her outside, then got her back in, I barely had time to get my breakfast cooked in time. Then, when we got outside and started crossing the field to get back there she thought is was play time again! I really had a time trying to see her in the dark with her dark marbled fur! Looking back, it was very comical. I imagine I would have looked pretty clueless, and would have been the laughing stock of the deer camp had we been there!

I finally reach the steps to the shooting house and walk in. She bounds up behind me and plops down on an old cushion left over from a long gone ladder stand. She lays down and quickly drifts off to sleep, with only the occasional whimper originating from her dreams to remind me she was there. The only sounds heard was the occasional squirrel, including one that was chattering just outside.

After a couple of hours of not seeing anything, she got up and walked to the door with a soft whine. I eased open the door, checking for deer so I didn't spook any. She growled and darted down the steps! I looked up in time to see the chatter box squirrel run from a fallen log and up a small oak, where it hid from her in the crotch about 10 feet up about 30 yards from me.

As she barked and growled at the bottom of the tree, I knew the squirrel never acknowledged me. So, I reached over and grabbed a .22 air unmentionable that I always keep out there just for tree rats. The lead hit with a thud 1/4 inch to the right of my mark, going into the base of the skull at the neck and coming out the opposite ear. Mission accomplished!

The tree rat fell and landed just in front of little Bonnie. She immediately grabbed it up and started shaking it wildly. After a minute or so, she dropped it and was just pushing it with her paw. I told her "bring it ", a command she has just learned during play time. She immediately grabbed it by the body and brought it. With her still being such a small pup, her head was as high as she could raise it with the head and butt of the squirrel still dragging the ground. It was adorably comical! I would have laughed had I not been so proud of my new pup!

I layed it on the small deck and we both went inside. When I closed the door she looked up at me and patted it with her paw. So, doubtful I would see a deer, I opened it. There she sat, for the next hour, eyes darting between the ground and the trees. She was looking for her next trophy!

As I walked her this morning she got her nose on the ground as though she had caught a scent. She immediately ran to the hickory behind the house and began looking up! The look of sadness and disappointment broke my heart when I called her away because there was no squirrel. But the extra praise and treat seemed to cheer her up!

I may just have me a hunter!

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

Now down to 98 days remaining until spring squirrel season here in KY.

I’ll most likely focus on flathead fishing in May (considering that’s a prime time) and work on squirrels during the last 3 weeks of season in June. Last year, squirrel hunting was very tough in May and picked up considerably in June.

Flathead Fishing.
That takes me back to childhood, setting bank poles along the banks of Spoon river.
Sounds like a good plan Ed.
Hope you haul in a Big One.

Take Care Stay Safe
Fred

 

[Jim K]

Update...

I've never cared fo using dogs for hunting. Period. Im not against it in any way. I have just always preferred hunting without one. But I may just change my mind.

As some of you have seen in another thread I have recently adopted a new pup which we named Lil Bonnie Blue, Bonnie for short. She is from an Australian Shepherd mom and a Redbone dad. I picked her up last week and we immediately bonded. She has become my Shadow. I simply got her for a woods companion, not a hunting dog.

Deer season ends tomorrow, so yesterday I went out to try and get at least one more. I decided to take Bonnie back to the shooting shack with me just to see how she does.

To start, I'm gonna have to get up a LOT earlier when she goes with me. By the time I got her fed, took her outside, then got her back in, I barely had time to get my breakfast cooked in time. Then, when we got outside and started crossing the field to get back there she thought is was play time again! I really had a time trying to see her in the dark with her dark marbled fur! Looking back, it was very comical. I imagine I would have looked pretty clueless, and would have been the laughing stock of the deer camp had we been there!

I finally reach the steps to the shooting house and walk in. She bounds up behind me and plops down on an old cushion left over from a long gone ladder stand. She lays down and quickly drifts off to sleep, with only the occasional whimper originating from her dreams to remind me she was there. The only sounds heard was the occasional squirrel, including one that was chattering just outside.

After a couple of hours of not seeing anything, she got up and walked to the door with a soft whine. I eased open the door, checking for deer so I didn't spook any. She growled and darted down the steps! I looked up in time to see the chatter box squirrel run from a fallen log and up a small oak, where it hid from her in the crotch about 10 feet up about 30 yards from me.

As she barked and growled at the bottom of the tree, I knew the squirrel never acknowledged me. So, I reached over and grabbed a .22 air unmentionable that I always keep out there just for tree rats. The lead hit with a thud 1/4 inch to the right of my mark, going into the base of the skull at the neck and coming out the opposite ear. Mission accomplished!

The tree rat fell and landed just in front of little Bonnie. She immediately grabbed it up and started shaking it wildly. After a minute or so, she dropped it and was just pushing it with her paw. I told her "bring it ", a command she has just learned during play time. She immediately grabbed it by the body and brought it. With her still being such a small pup, her head was as high as she could raise it with the head and butt of the squirrel still dragging the ground. It was adorably comical! I would have laughed had I not been so proud of my new pup!

I layed it on the small deck and we both went inside. When I closed the door she looked up at me and patted it with her paw. So, doubtful I would see a deer, I opened it. There she sat, for the next hour, eyes darting between the ground and the trees. She was looking for her next trophy!

As I walked her this morning she got her nose on the ground as though she had caught a scent. She immediately ran to the hickory behind the house and began looking up! The look of sadness and disappointment broke my heart when I called her away because there was no squirrel. But the extra praise and treat seemed to cheer her up!

I may just have me a hunter!

Boy, she’s a cutie. I love the picture of her asleep between your legs. Enjoy your new squirrel dog!

 

[ETipp]

Update...

I've never cared fo using dogs for hunting. Period. Im not against it in any way. I have just always preferred hunting without one. But I may just change my mind.

As some of you have seen in another thread I have recently adopted a new pup which we named Lil Bonnie Blue, Bonnie for short. She is from an Australian Shepherd mom and a Redbone dad. I picked her up last week and we immediately bonded. She has become my Shadow. I simply got her for a woods companion, not a hunting dog.

Deer season ends tomorrow, so yesterday I went out to try and get at least one more. I decided to take Bonnie back to the shooting shack with me just to see how she does.

To start, I'm gonna have to get up a LOT earlier when she goes with me. By the time I got her fed, took her outside, then got her back in, I barely had time to get my breakfast cooked in time. Then, when we got outside and started crossing the field to get back there she thought is was play time again! I really had a time trying to see her in the dark with her dark marbled fur! Looking back, it was very comical. I imagine I would have looked pretty clueless, and would have been the laughing stock of the deer camp had we been there!

I finally reach the steps to the shooting house and walk in. She bounds up behind me and plops down on an old cushion left over from a long gone ladder stand. She lays down and quickly drifts off to sleep, with only the occasional whimper originating from her dreams to remind me she was there. The only sounds heard was the occasional squirrel, including one that was chattering just outside.

After a couple of hours of not seeing anything, she got up and walked to the door with a soft whine. I eased open the door, checking for deer so I didn't spook any. She growled and darted down the steps! I looked up in time to see the chatter box squirrel run from a fallen log and up a small oak, where it hid from her in the crotch about 10 feet up about 30 yards from me.

As she barked and growled at the bottom of the tree, I knew the squirrel never acknowledged me. So, I reached over and grabbed a .22 air unmentionable that I always keep out there just for tree rats. The lead hit with a thud 1/4 inch to the right of my mark, going into the base of the skull at the neck and coming out the opposite ear. Mission accomplished!

The tree rat fell and landed just in front of little Bonnie. She immediately grabbed it up and started shaking it wildly. After a minute or so, she dropped it and was just pushing it with her paw. I told her "bring it ", a command she has just learned during play time. She immediately grabbed it by the body and brought it. With her still being such a small pup, her head was as high as she could raise it with the head and butt of the squirrel still dragging the ground. It was adorably comical! I would have laughed had I not been so proud of my new pup!

I layed it on the small deck and we both went inside. When I closed the door she looked up at me and patted it with her paw. So, doubtful I would see a deer, I opened it. There she sat, for the next hour, eyes darting between the ground and the trees. She was looking for her next trophy!

As I walked her this morning she got her nose on the ground as though she had caught a scent. She immediately ran to the hickory behind the house and began looking up! The look of sadness and disappointment broke my heart when I called her away because there was no squirrel. But the extra praise and treat seemed to cheer her up!

I may just have me a hunter!

Nice little puppy. I hope she turns out well for you. I'd really like to have a squirrel dog, and would, if I were not so dog poor as it is.

I've read were it can take a lot to train a good squirrel dog but it sounds like yours is well on the way.

 

[longcruise]

Another Saturday plan ruined by snow. Not impossible but going from 5600' to 9500' in this weather can mean wading through a foot or more of snow on top of old snow. Getting too old for that!

 

[ETipp]

Another Saturday plan ruined by snow. Not impossible but going from 5600' to 9500' in this weather can mean wading through a foot or more of snow on top of old snow. Getting too old for that!

Hello LC.

When I lived out west in the big mountains, going out after a fresh snowfall was my wife and my favorite thing to do. That is if the snow wasn’t too deep. We would drive or walk the narrow two track roads and hunt blue grouse. It was easy to see their tracks in the road or where they crossed it. Then we simply would follow the tracks to the bird. Some were up in the fir trees also and could often be seen, or some we tracked down would fly up into the trees.

We did well hunting like that. But again, we were younger. As much as we would like to move back out west, I’m not sure either one of us could handle it now.

Snowmobiles or four wheelers would most likely be necessary again.

 

[Banjoman]

Update...

I've never cared fo using dogs for hunting. Period. Im not against it in any way. I have just always preferred hunting without one. But I may just change my mind.

As some of you have seen in another thread I have recently adopted a new pup which we named Lil Bonnie Blue, Bonnie for short. She is from an Australian Shepherd mom and a Redbone dad. I picked her up last week and we immediately bonded. She has become my Shadow. I simply got her for a woods companion, not a hunting dog.

Deer season ends tomorrow, so yesterday I went out to try and get at least one more. I decided to take Bonnie back to the shooting shack with me just to see how she does.

To start, I'm gonna have to get up a LOT earlier when she goes with me. By the time I got her fed, took her outside, then got her back in, I barely had time to get my breakfast cooked in time. Then, when we got outside and started crossing the field to get back there she thought is was play time again! I really had a time trying to see her in the dark with her dark marbled fur! Looking back, it was very comical. I imagine I would have looked pretty clueless, and would have been the laughing stock of the deer camp had we been there!

I finally reach the steps to the shooting house and walk in. She bounds up behind me and plops down on an old cushion left over from a long gone ladder stand. She lays down and quickly drifts off to sleep, with only the occasional whimper originating from her dreams to remind me she was there. The only sounds heard was the occasional squirrel, including one that was chattering just outside.

After a couple of hours of not seeing anything, she got up and walked to the door with a soft whine. I eased open the door, checking for deer so I didn't spook any. She growled and darted down the steps! I looked up in time to see the chatter box squirrel run from a fallen log and up a small oak, where it hid from her in the crotch about 10 feet up about 30 yards from me.

As she barked and growled at the bottom of the tree, I knew the squirrel never acknowledged me. So, I reached over and grabbed a .22 air unmentionable that I always keep out there just for tree rats. The lead hit with a thud 1/4 inch to the right of my mark, going into the base of the skull at the neck and coming out the opposite ear. Mission accomplished!

The tree rat fell and landed just in front of little Bonnie. She immediately grabbed it up and started shaking it wildly. After a minute or so, she dropped it and was just pushing it with her paw. I told her "bring it ", a command she has just learned during play time. She immediately grabbed it by the body and brought it. With her still being such a small pup, her head was as high as she could raise it with the head and butt of the squirrel still dragging the ground. It was adorably comical! I would have laughed had I not been so proud of my new pup!

I layed it on the small deck and we both went inside. When I closed the door she looked up at me and patted it with her paw. So, doubtful I would see a deer, I opened it. There she sat, for the next hour, eyes darting between the ground and the trees. She was looking for her next trophy!

As I walked her this morning she got her nose on the ground as though she had caught a scent. She immediately ran to the hickory behind the house and began looking up! The look of sadness and disappointment broke my heart when I called her away because there was no squirrel. But the extra praise and treat seemed to cheer her up!

I may just have me a hunter!

That little dog would be worth a lot of money around here. You could just about name your price if you were selling. She’s a keeper!

 

[rusticbob]

Update...

I've never cared fo using dogs for hunting. Period. Im not against it in any way. I have just always preferred hunting without one. But I may just change my mind.

As some of you have seen in another thread I have recently adopted a new pup which we named Lil Bonnie Blue, Bonnie for short. She is from an Australian Shepherd mom and a Redbone dad. I picked her up last week and we immediately bonded. She has become my Shadow. I simply got her for a woods companion, not a hunting dog.

Deer season ends tomorrow, so yesterday I went out to try and get at least one more. I decided to take Bonnie back to the shooting shack with me just to see how she does.

To start, I'm gonna have to get up a LOT earlier when she goes with me. By the time I got her fed, took her outside, then got her back in, I barely had time to get my breakfast cooked in time. Then, when we got outside and started crossing the field to get back there she thought is was play time again! I really had a time trying to see her in the dark with her dark marbled fur! Looking back, it was very comical. I imagine I would have looked pretty clueless, and would have been the laughing stock of the deer camp had we been there!

I finally reach the steps to the shooting house and walk in. She bounds up behind me and plops down on an old cushion left over from a long gone ladder stand. She lays down and quickly drifts off to sleep, with only the occasional whimper originating from her dreams to remind me she was there. The only sounds heard was the occasional squirrel, including one that was chattering just outside.

After a couple of hours of not seeing anything, she got up and walked to the door with a soft whine. I eased open the door, checking for deer so I didn't spook any. She growled and darted down the steps! I looked up in time to see the chatter box squirrel run from a fallen log and up a small oak, where it hid from her in the crotch about 10 feet up about 30 yards from me.

As she barked and growled at the bottom of the tree, I knew the squirrel never acknowledged me. So, I reached over and grabbed a .22 air unmentionable that I always keep out there just for tree rats. The lead hit with a thud 1/4 inch to the right of my mark, going into the base of the skull at the neck and coming out the opposite ear. Mission accomplished!

The tree rat fell and landed just in front of little Bonnie. She immediately grabbed it up and started shaking it wildly. After a minute or so, she dropped it and was just pushing it with her paw. I told her "bring it ", a command she has just learned during play time. She immediately grabbed it by the body and brought it. With her still being such a small pup, her head was as high as she could raise it with the head and butt of the squirrel still dragging the ground. It was adorably comical! I would have laughed had I not been so proud of my new pup!

I layed it on the small deck and we both went inside. When I closed the door she looked up at me and patted it with her paw. So, doubtful I would see a deer, I opened it. There she sat, for the next hour, eyes darting between the ground and the trees. She was looking for her next trophy!

As I walked her this morning she got her nose on the ground as though she had caught a scent. She immediately ran to the hickory behind the house and began looking up! The look of sadness and disappointment broke my heart when I called her away because there was no squirrel. But the extra praise and treat seemed to cheer her up!

I may just have me a hunter!

You are a lucky man indeed!

 

[snakebit]

I believe I will try this. I need to build up some due to a shoulder injury and old age

You sure don't have the market cornered on that one friend.

 

[snakebit]

Flathead Fishing.
That takes me back to childhood, setting bank poles along the banks of Spoon river.
Sounds like a good plan Ed.
Hope you haul in a Big One.

Take Care Stay Safe
Fred

I wish we had blues up here. I think they are better tasting than flatheads, I catch a few flatheads on the Susquehanna. I'm right there with you Fred on memory lane. Used to catfish until the sun came up, my mom would get so mad, she figured I was up to no good or dead in a ditch somewhere until I got that stringer of fish out of the car. Then she didn't say a word, just got the stainless steel wash pan and the salt out for me. The old man would just snikker at her and ask her to put bacon in the cornbread. The good ol days.

 

[snakebit]

Only a couple of weeks left here in PA. Itching to get out. Sunny out, but we got 4 inches of snow yesterday and it's windy and cold. Getting over some sinus issues, so I'll just give it a few days and see what happens.

 

[pilot]

Our season is closed.

 

[ETipp]

Our season is closed.

That looks good, Pilot.

I reckon soon as it warms up some here I need to get out and fire up the smoker.

Have until the 29th here until season closes. Hopefully I can get out today to test shoot and adjust the new front sight. With a little luck, I might be able to make it to the woods a couple times this coming week. Weather Gods are forecasting some so-so weather, in terms of squirrel hunting. I do not expect a lot of action by no means due to this time of year. If I can just make it to the woods and ease around some (without paying too heavy of physical price for it) I'll be happy.

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

Pilot, that looks good, makes me hungry.
Last weekend was Anniversary, no hunting. This weekend, low to mid 50s and rain. It rain all day yesterday and seems to be doing same thing today.
Our season closes March 3rd. Hoping to be able to get out on the remaining days. Until then....
Take Care Stay Safe
Fred.

 

[snakebit]

Pilot, that looks good, makes me hungry.
Last weekend was Anniversary, no hunting. This weekend, low to mid 50s and rain. It rain all day yesterday and seems to be doing same thing today.
Our season closes March 3rd. Hoping to be able to get out on the remaining days. Until then....
Take Care Stay Safe
Fred.

Happy Anniversary to you and the Mrs. Freed!

 

[snakebit]

Our season is closed.

That there is why I do it. Fat boy likes to eat

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

Happy Anniversary to you and the Mrs. Freed!

Thanks Tom.
It’s still raining.
I did see 2 out back, and 2 when we went into town.
It’s a steady rain and down right chilly and cold outside…

Take Care Stay Safe

 

[snakebit]

Thanks Tom.
It’s still raining.
I did see 2 out back, and 2 when we went into town.
It’s a steady rain and down right chilly and cold outside…

Take Care Stay Safe

They're taunting you Fred.

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

They're taunting you Fred.

Yes Tom
They are taunting me.
I ll get sooner or later.

Take Care Stay Safe