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

[ETipp]

When I was a young feral kid, season opened up on August first. So I had about 2 good weeks to roam the bottoms before I had to go back to the salt mines (school). For anyone who's ever been in Southern Illinois knows it's hotter than ol Scratch's butt hole in August. I would freeze old plastic baby bottles (pop bottles were glass then). I cut the canvas game pouch off of an old hunting vest that came over on the Mayflower. My ma would save me bread bags. When I killed a squirrel, id skin it on the spot, slide it in the bread bag with one of those frozen bottles and go look for another one. Extra work sure, but in my mind I it was practical. Then in again, I didn't notice things like heat or cold in my feral youth. Now I get crabby if it's over 70° and the beer isn't cold enough.

Right on!

 

[longcruise]

With that said, it’s not going to happen this year, fellas. It will have to be postponed until next fall. I simply cannot pass this up, considering how much my vision has deteriorated in the last 2-3 years.

This is way more important than the hunt.

. I’m looking so forward to having my eyes fixed to where I can see well again and no longer have to wear glasses

I'm in the same boat. I haven't sought to have them done yet but they get more and more problematic. Had an exam recently and got new prescription but not as helpful as I'd hoped. I discussed the "when" thing with the eye doctor. He was willing to give me a referral but I'm not sure that makes approval automatic.

Here's what i dont understand. How does this eliminate the need for glasses? I wear trifocals and don't see how removal would change that??

I use hot pink. I'm a daughter dad, ain't skeered o pink, and macho boys never steal my stuff.

Been my go to for many years. Practically glow in the dark and are a color that isn't common in the fall in Colorado.

 

[ETipp]

Shadows, those darn shadows.

What does the word “shadows” mean to a squirrel hunter? Sounds innocent and simple enough, eh? After all, everyone knows what a shadow is, but not so fast here. Let’s look at this more.

Any halfway seasoned squirrel hunter knows to remain in the shadows of the trees whenever walking through the woods. It helps keep one concealed by doing so. The worse thing a hunter should do is anytime the sun is an issue, in terms of shadows, is to walk out into the bright sunshine whenever the woods is otherwise dark. Doing so will certainly make a person stick out like a turd in a punch bowl. It can give your position away fast like. So, we all do our best to avoid such situations.

So what’s another “shadows” thing of interest to a squirrel hunter? Well, I can think of at least two. One of which I’m quite certain most of you have experienced.

During the early fall squirrel season here in Kentucky, the woods and underbrush are thick. The woods are also, generally speaking, quite dark. During those nice, clear early mornings while out squirrel hunting when the sun is rising, depending on location, this can create some rather unpleasant situations. The woods are dark yet the sun often shines nice and bright behind you, or off to the sides. This can distort your sight picture substantially. So much so that one morning last week, I had a squirrel that was close to me, yet due to the sunshine behind me, and the fact that I was pretty much in the shadows of the trees, I could not see well enough through my sights to make the shot. This same squirrel kept moving on the ground for about a 120 degree radius from me. Not once was I able to see due to the glare of the sun even though I was about halfway in the shadows while leaning up against a tree. Rest assured that had I been in complete shadows to where the sun was not a factor, I could have easily made a shot.

Another very interesting aspect of squirrel hunting in the shadows I once again experienced a few days ago. I was standing next to a tree watching a few squirrels cutting hickory nuts up in a tall hickory. I had been there for quite some time just watching and patiently waiting for my chance to put the smack down on any squirrel that would come down lower and stop, thus giving me a shot. While doing so, the sun was getting higher in the sky behind me. I was still in the shadows of the thick trees behind me, however, the sun was bright on the ground and the brush in front of me. All of a sudden, and this happened multiple times, I noticed the shadow on the ground in front of me that was absolutely tree limbs moving. I could also clearly make out the shadow of a squirrel in those limbs. Then I heard it. Sure enough, it was a squirrel that was on its way to join the festivities up in that tall hickory in front of me. So, try as I did several times of this, not one time was I able to score one of those squirrels that were sneaking in from behind me. However, at least one of those times it was my fault. Had I played my cards right I could have gotten one or two of them.

Now I’m sure some of you all have experienced this one as well. Ever be in the dark woods standing in the shadows, looking around, then all of a sudden, in front of you a little bit you spot a squirrel either on the ground or up in a tree that you never knew was there until it moved from the shadows out into the the sunlight? I’m amazed at how bright looking a grey squirrel can be when out in the sunlight after walking from the shadows. They almost glow.

Indeed, one thing this ole boy absolutely hates is to be in the dark woods, being very quite while easing around, then have no other choice but to have to step out of the shadows into the bight sunlight. This is especially true whenever trying to put the sneak on some squirrels. In those situations, I do my very best to avoid walking in those spots even if it means having to side track a ways. However, sometimes it’s just not possible. In those events, the best I can do is move really, really slow with each step until I can get back into the shadows.

Those shadows can be an asset for a squirrel hunter as much as they can be counterproductive. Like many things in life, ya just gotta play each one out.

 

[ETipp]

This is way more important than the hunt.

I'm in the same boat. I haven't sought to have them done yet but they get more and more problematic. Had an exam recently and got new prescription but not as helpful as I'd hoped. I discussed the "when" thing with the eye doctor. He was willing to give me a referral but I'm not sure that makes approval automatic.

Here's what i dont understand. How does this eliminate the need for glasses? I wear trifocals and don't see how removal would change that??



View attachment 345306

Mike, after cataracts are removed they install a lense in each eye. Depending on the particular type, some will correct distance vision issues, some will correct near vision issues. Yet if there’s any astigmatism they will not correct that. With any of those, you will still have to wear some sort of glasses.

The next one is where it will correct for either near or distance vision. You will still need to wear reading glasses if you were to choose to have distance vision restored. Astigmatism can be done away with.

Then there is some styles that can correct for near vision issues, distance vision issues plus correct any astigmatism. No wearing of glasses will be necessary after that. It is this type of lenses that I’m trying for.

Referrals can be made for specific other testing that a regular eye doctor cannot do. One of which, in terms of cataracts, is known as glare tests. Insurance companies are generally the ones calling the shots. They have a general minimum but special tests can outweigh that.

 

[longcruise]

. Insurance companies are generally the ones calling the shots. They have a general minimum but special tests can outweigh that.

That's my main concern. I'm in a Medicare Advantage plan with Kaiser Permanente and so it's up to them and their policies I'm sure. Seems like doctors are not allowed to make decisions. Just follow policies.

 

[longcruise]

And the information on vision correction is new to me and thanks for getting into that. Very enlightening. I kinda plan on trying to get this going in February or March. If it's going to happen it would be nice to have it done by June.

 

[snakebit]

I have an announcement to make for all that it may pertain to, in terms of the squirrel hunting get together.

I have finally, after fighting for this for several years now, been successful at finding someone that’s going to remove my cataracts. Last week I had a few test done, one of which was a glare test. Surgeon said it’s time even though insurance kept refusing. The first eye surgery is scheduled for the end of September. The second eye will be done somewhere between 2 weeks to one month afterwards, depending on the schedule. This puts it very close to the previously scheduled get together dates. Of course there will be down time in between with restrictions.

With that said, it’s not going to happen this year, fellas. It will have to be postponed until next fall. I simply cannot pass this up, considering how much my vision has deteriorated in the last 2-3 years.

I apologize.

I'm with the other fellas Amigo, get it done. They'll be other hunts/camps. Plenty of time to sit around a campfire telling lies and passing around some Amber liquid,err um I meant singing hymns and drinking soda (for any wives that may read this).

 

[ETipp]

And the information on vision correction is new to me and thanks for getting into that. Very enlightening. I kinda plan on trying to get this going in February or March. If it's going to happen it would be nice to have it done by June.

Mike, as long as you fit the criteria for cataract removal, insurance should pay for the most basic surgery. That may or may not help in seeing open sights. If you meet the criteria, I’m sure you could pay whatever insurance does not cover IF you want the better lenses.

Often times, the criteria is 20/30 vision with corrective lenses. However, if cataracts are a safety issue and glare testing proves it, then it’s time. Insurance will, or should, pay for the most basic cataracts removal.

 

[ETipp]

I'm with the other fellas Amigo, get it done. They'll be other hunts/camps. Plenty of time to sit around a campfire telling lies and passing around some Amber liquid,err um I meant singing hymns and drinking soda (for any wives that may read this).

 

[Kansas Jake]

I had my cataracts done 12-15 years ago. I can’t remember.exactly. Insurance paid for the basic lenses. I paid for special lenses that do focus somewhat. The extra also included surgery to correct astigmatism. It was a couple of thousand out of pocket for each eye. I’ve been very happy with them. They may be cheaper now with more options. You will have to check with your eye surgeon. Over the intervening years my eyes have changed some and I use reading glasses for reading and close work. I also have prescription glasses I use for driving and shooting. I guess it is just a matter of aging. I still use my smart phone without glasses as I type this. From my perspective it was money well spent if you can swing it and you are a candidate.

Now to get back to Kansas and hunt some squirrels.

 

[longcruise]

Mike, as long as you fit the criteria for cataract removal, insurance should pay for the most basic surgery. That may or may not help in seeing open sights. If you meet the criteria, I’m sure you could pay whatever insurance does not cover IF you want the better lenses.

Often times, the criteria is 20/30 vision with corrective lenses. However, if cataracts are a safety issue and glare testing proves it, then it’s time. Insurance will, or should, pay for the most basic cataracts removal.

I don't think I have a need or desire to upgrade to special lenses. I've been wearing glasses since a teenager and trifocals for the past 25 years so I'm ok with continuing that way. The double vision especially at night is a problem.

 

[ETipp]

I don't think I have a need or desire to upgrade to special lenses. I've been wearing glasses since a teenager and trifocals for the past 25 years so I'm ok with continuing that way. The double vision especially at night is a problem.

Double vision would be bad for sure. I’ve been known to experience that sometimes during the weekends.

For this ole boy, the only thing worse than having to wear glasses is if I were blind. With my extremely active lifestyle, being out in rain, sweat, heat, fog, snow, spider webs getting on lenses about every 10 to 20 feet this time of year in the woods, **astigmatism**, glare, and having to deal with dirty lenses constantly is not good. Trifocals are the worse and can be down right dangerous when up on a ladder or climbing a tree in a climbing stand. Also, all the expense of constant new prescriptions, breaking or bending frames, and fighting with vision centers.

I’m really hoping this cataracts lenses deal works out well. 53 years of glasses nonsense is more than enough for me.

If there’s ever been any good out of this (other than being able to see) it is possibly a couple of times glasses has prevented something from getting into my eyes.

I can only imagine how nice it would be to squirrel hunt, or hunt in general, without having to worry about glasses issues.

 

[Duk]

I absolutely hate having to wear glasses. The only thing worse than having to wear glasses is if I were blind. With my extremely active lifestyle, being out in rain, sweat, heat, astigmatism, glare, dealing with dirty lenses constantly, I hate it. Also, all the expense of constant new prescriptions, breaking or bending frames, and fighting with vision centers.

53 years of that stuff is long enough for me.

I've been lucky in life as far as my eyes go. Now I'm pretty close to 62 years old, i can see distance just can't see $hit within arms length. Open sights depend on the light so I started to use a peep sight, it made all the difference for me.

 

[ETipp]

I've been lucky in life as far as my eyes go. Now I'm pretty close to 62 years old, i can see distance just can't see $hit within arms length. Open sights depend on the light so I started to use a peep sight, it made all the difference for me.

Yes sir. You got that right, Duk.

If it were not for peeps I wouldn’t be shooting traditional ML’s. They definitely save the day for this ole boy. Even then, it can be a real struggle at times. I carry a small bottle of Systane eye drops in my possibles bag. That sometimes helps during certain situations.

Squirrels can be some mighty small targets at times. I’m finding that the lighting conditions in the woods to be a major factor. I can use all the help I can get. I reckon that’s why I pretty much try to take only closer up shots nowadays. I’m also big on wearing camo. I like em up close.

 

[longcruise]

I carry a small bottle of Systane eye drops in my possibles bag. That sometimes helps during certain situations.

That started the wheels in the ole brain. I've never tried any kind of eye drops. Need to look into that.

 

[ETipp]

That started the wheels in the ole brain. I've never tried any kind of eye drops. Need to look into that.

I highly suggest trying some but stay away from Visine. Sustane is the best OTC eye drops. Dry eyes can cause vision issues that is sometimes used wrongly for the need for glasses. I have a nephew that was prescribed glasses and it wound up being dry eyes.

It can’t hurt to try eye drops as a self diagnostic tool.

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

These black squirrels are driving me nuts here in Michigan! Man they’re pretty.View attachment 345157

Beautiful Squirrels for sure.
Thanks for the picture.

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

May come down to a case of self defense?

It might Rabbit, it might. Then again it might not.

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

When I was a young feral kid, season opened up on August first. So I had about 2 good weeks to roam the bottoms before I had to go back to the salt mines (school). For anyone who's ever been in Southern Illinois knows it's hotter than ol Scratch's butt hole in August. I would freeze old plastic baby bottles (pop bottles were glass then). I cut the canvas game pouch off of an old hunting vest that came over on the Mayflower. My ma would save me bread bags. When I killed a squirrel, id skin it on the spot, slide it in the bread bag with one of those frozen bottles and go look for another one. Extra work sure, but in my mind I it was practical. Then in again, I didn't notice things like heat or cold in my feral youth. Now I get crabby if it's over 70° and the beer isn't cold enough.

Good old days and the way it use to be.
Not sure if it me being to hot and sweaty, or the warm can of Budweiser.

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

I have an announcement to make for all that it may pertain to, in terms of the squirrel hunting get together.

I have finally, after fighting for this for several years now, been successful at finding someone that’s going to remove my cataracts. Last week I had a few test done, one of which was a glare test. Surgeon said it’s time even though insurance kept refusing. The first eye surgery is scheduled for the end of September. The second eye will be done somewhere between 2 weeks to one month afterwards, depending on the schedule. This puts it very close to the previously scheduled get together dates. Of course there will be down time in between with restrictions.

With that said, it’s not going to happen this year, fellas. It will have to be postponed until next fall. I simply cannot pass this up, considering how much my vision has deteriorated in the last 2-3 years.

I apologize.

Ed, I'm glad your fixing your eyes. I've looked into some different procedures to correct my eye sight, for now I'm just sticking to my glasses.

As far as pushing the The Squirrel and Camping for this year, it is what is! Fixing your eyes is more important, if you have the chance to do it that's the best thing.

Squirrel Hunting Rondi 2025/2026 hunting season.