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

[oldschoolhunter55]

With as steep and all the uneven hillsides here, I figured that if I’m going to use sticks, it’s going to be the self leveling Trigger sticks. They make perfect sense for this territory. I cannot see how any other sticks would work on such unlevel ground. That’s one reason I bought them. The other was JimK highly recommended them. I can absolutely see how they could be beneficial in some applications.

While out yesterday trying to find some squirrels, I came across one of several trees that were very active hickories last fall. I killed about 10-12 squirrels out of that one hickory. Looking around, I could see exactly where and how the trigger stick would have been of great benefit. Reason being, suitable trees to take a rest from. There really wasn't any, considering the secondary canopy. I'm not great at offhand shooting, especially up in the tops of 30 to 40 foot trees. It became real apparent that had I set up with a chair and those sticks, I most likely would have had better results. I sometimes had to wait for long periods of time before getting a suitable shot due to not being in the ideal position. The other active hickory was worse yet, in terms of finding a suitable rest.

I'm withholding comment on them until I give them a fair field testing. However, they do give me much confidence thus far. Not my style of hunting due to I much prefer to be on the go and cover a lot of ground, but considering I'm flat running out of places to hunt, this ole boy is more than willing to give them a try.

If anyone has a hankering to see how they work, just go to YouTube and type in Trigger Sticks. There's several videos available.

The Trigger sticks are well made and have some great features. I hope to give them a better review after proper field testing.

I like those. sweet but I love camo don't get me wrong. think if I had some like that I would have to have a bright color hahaha. dang I would some how loose them. I like your color.perfect!!!

 

[snakebit]

Sounds like a theme of slipshod academics makes up a large portion of this hunting fraternity. I am guilty as charged, as well. A couple instructors out of the whole earned my inattention, but the main portion were victims of my lack of discipline and commitment, much to my chagrin and their frustration.

I'm not what you'd call "too dumb". I was home schooled in my early years, and was reading at highschool level in second grade. It all changed for me when I got my first squirrel gun, and had several classmates with the same interest. That many stump jumpers in one place was detrimental to a cohesive learning environment.Got even worse when I got my first bow of notable poundage. My poor mother had such high hopes for me.

 

[ETipp]

I like those. sweet but I love camo don't get me wrong. think if I had some like that I would have to have a bright color hahaha. dang I would some how loose them. I like your color.perfect!!!

oldschool, I am adamant about wearing camo clothing. However, I agree with you, I do not prefer camo on some of my equipment. Tree stands........great. Back pack.........great, but just about everything else is not necessary. Its simply too easy to lose the stuff every time you lay them down.

Either way, and as I have mentioned, white flagging tape works great. I also use a lot of white duct tape on certain things, such as my small LED flashlights. Anything other than snow country, white is the most visible color. It doesn't take a whole lot of white.

 

[ETipp]

Excuse me? Beggyer pardon? Can you say that in my good ear????!!!!! Ed is actually embracing the sticks! Good for you buddy! Nothing wrong with workin smarter. I hope you can get them comfortably worked into your kit and kicking @$$ with em

Different situations can sometimes call for different tactics, eh?

I have yet to use try my sticks on a critter, but its certainly on my to-do list. The thing that sold me on the trigger sticks is the adjustability of them. I knew that standard, nonadjustable sticks would not work for me in the extreme, unlevel, steep hillsides here. In all actuality, I still didn't understand the full adjustability of the trigger sticks until I actually was able to get mine in hand and experiment with it a little. I knew of the 360 degree turning ability of the head/grip, as well as the padded notch that holds the rifle. I knew of the self-adjustment of the legs, which is activated by pulling the trigger. However, I still didn't understand how it could be adjusted for slight elevation, such as if one is trying to get a shot at a squirrel on the ground that is walking closer. All it takes is slight movement forward and aft, or lean the sticks a bit more straight up or back. This moves the sticks more vertical and vise-versa.

I will admit that I am a thinker. I have a tendency to over-analyze many things. Some of which has caused me grief in my life. I'm sure this is directly related to my aviation background. However, I also use this for hunting applications, even on squirrels.

 

[ETipp]

It's common in my area for squirrels to be out in very cold weather (single digits +/- zero F) not long after daylight...if it is calm. If it's windy or a strong breeze, then not. I find that wind is more of a deterrent than temp.

Spike, I understand what you mean. Squirrels in certain geographical areas will come out in very cold conditions. I lived in Michigan when I was young and the fox squirrels were out a lot in snow and cold. Hillbilly grey squirrels just do not seem to display the same traits, unfortunately. If they do come out in cold conditions, they tend to hold tight to the trees near their den holes and just soak up the sunrays. However, I still hope to go out as soon as I am able despite if its cold temps or not.

I concur, a cold wind or breeze restricts squirrel movements as well.

 

[Christophero]

You are about as good of a field rep for that product as anyone can be. By your description I can now certainly understand why that devise has become part of your kit. Having squirrel hunted along the South Fork of the Cumberland River, south of Somerset, I fully appreciate the steepness of the terrain, and the heights of the trees your quarry resides in.
The two Spring Small Game Seasons I went down toward your parts were to test and force my foot, which had become riddled with a dozen screws and two plates from a motorcycle wreck, to adapt to uneven ground again. The hiking paths weren't too difficult, but veering off to work my way to where the squirrels were feeding is another story. That stick JimK has encouraged you to procure makes complete sense, now that you've explained its many benefits as well as you have. Handier than the aluminum hiking sticks I've used out west to hike out and snipe Prarie dogs with.
Hopefully with these moderate temperatures a story of your exploits in those hills will be forthcoming.
I'm praying for your improved physical recovery and that the LORD Creator will meet you in those haunts you so enjoy.

 

[ETipp]

You are about as good of a field rep for that product as anyone can be. By your description I can now certainly understand why that devise has become part of your kit. Having squirrel hunted along the South Fork of the Cumberland River, south of Somerset, I fully appreciate the steepness of the terrain, and the heights of the trees your quarry resides in.
The two Spring Small Game Seasons I went down toward your parts were to test and force my foot, which had become riddled with a dozen screws and two plates from a motorcycle wreck, to adapt to uneven ground again. The hiking paths weren't too difficult, but veering off to work my way to where the squirrels were feeding is another story. That stick JimK has encouraged you to procure makes complete sense, now that you've explained its many benefits as well as you have. Handier than the aluminum hiking sticks I've used out west to hike out and snipe Prarie dogs with.
Hopefully with these moderate temperatures a story of your exploits in those hills will be forthcoming.
I'm praying for your improved physical recovery and that the LORD Creator will meet you in those haunts you so enjoy.

Thank you, Christophero, for the compliments. However, I'm not so sure about being any kind of field rep. Merely passing along my thoughts on the Trigger Stics that ole wise one JimK suggested to me. I will not know for sure until I actually get to use them on a squirrel.

Indeed, much of the terrain here is not for sissies. On several occasions I have stopped to examine my own facilities. In some locations, the briars are the worse of all. They can be flat out brutal. Down in the Southfork area where you were at is some serious terrain. I just started hiking and hunting that initial area a couple weeks ago. My plans are to work my way southward until I find what I am looking for. With any luck, I'll be able to tentatively put together another possible squirrel Rondi for early next fall. I have not stopped looking and researching this. It crosses my mind often.

For what it's worth, the lying weather station here is forecasting light rain for several days this week. This suites me just fine. I only hope that the squirrels will be out and about like they often are during light rain this time of year. Hopefully, the wind will be light. I do not mind getting wet one bit, as long as its not a downpour. I have also found that during light rain this time of year squirrels do not pay nearly as much attention to their surroundings as they normally do, or should.

Really looking forward to squirrel hunting in the light rain this week. I sincerely hope it materializes, rather than turn into another weather forecast lie.

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

oldschool, I am adamant about wearing camo clothing. However, I agree with you, I do not prefer camo on some of my equipment. Tree stands........great. Back pack.........great, but just about everything else is not necessary. Its simply too easy to lose the stuff every time you lay them down.

Either way, and as I have mentioned, white flagging tape works great. I also use a lot of white duct tape on certain things, such as my small LED flashlights. Anything other than snow country, white is the most visible color. It doesn't take a whole lot of white.

that's a good idea

 

[longcruise]

You are about as good of a field rep for that product as anyone can be.

Yup, he had me looking at them during a recent trip to a local sporting shop. When I saw the price tag I ran for the parking lot!

 

[Trigger]

This job..

Only 15 min break. 8hr cold building..

 

[snakebit]

Yup, he had me looking at them during a recent trip to a local sporting shop. When I saw the price tag I ran for the parking lot!

A quick cursory look on the Internet, I found Powder Valley with the best price, around 120 (bipod model), worst price was fleabay pushing 150. If Jim and Ed say they are good to go, I'll get some eventually. Just after Christmas. I won't spend money on myself until I replenish my sock drawer stash.

 

[Trigger]

Well.. I don't know..

Everyone was scared to walk early to break.. I noticed that.

I was late back from break. Not allot couple mins. He followed me in. didn't say nothing.



Hunting tomorrow I guess

 

[Buff1958]

put me down for 2

 

[longcruise]

A quick cursory look on the Internet, I found Powder Valley with the best price, around 120 (bipod model), worst price was fleabay pushing 150. If Jim and Ed say they are good to go, I'll get some eventually. Just after Christmas. I won't spend money on myself until I replenish my sock drawer stash.

I saw them at Sportsman's Warehouse while shopping for binoculars. $154 !!!!!

 

[yellowhammer]

put me down for 2

@Buff1958 , more pics, please, of your awesome squirrel-gettin' smoke pole!

 

[snakebit]

I saw them at Sportsman's Warehouse while shopping for binoculars. $154 !!!!!

I've gotta hold off a while I think. Saving for a Kibler.

 

[longcruise]

I have this stick from Cabelas that was given to me by family because they know i can't hit the woods without a walking stick or trekking pole in.my right hand. It doesn't work for a walking stick because the friction clamps that hold it extended are not tight enough. At that moment when it's needed most it Will collapse. however it is useful as a shooting stick while sitting or standing in wait but OTOH, a trekking pole suffices just as well in those situations. I'm fiddling, and have been off and on for a while, with another trick that I saw being used. I'll try to post about it tomorrow if possible.

 

[snakebit]

I have this stick from Cabelas that was given to me by family because they know i can't hit the woods without a walking stick or trekking pole in.my right hand. It doesn't work for a walking stick because the friction clamps that hold it extended are not tight enough. At that moment when it's needed most it Will collapse. however it is useful as a shooting stick while sitting or standing in wait but OTOH, a trekking pole suffices just as well in those situations. I'm fiddling, and have been off and on for a while, with another trick that I saw being used. I'll try to post about it tomorrow if possible.

View attachment 367478

I have a trigger stick mono. I think the bipod will work much better.

 

[ETipp]

I saw them at Sportsman's Warehouse while shopping for binoculars. $154 !!!!!

Was those bipods or tripods?

 

[ETipp]

I have this stick from Cabelas that was given to me by family because they know i can't hit the woods without a walking stick or trekking pole in.my right hand. It doesn't work for a walking stick because the friction clamps that hold it extended are not tight enough. At that moment when it's needed most it Will collapse. however it is useful as a shooting stick while sitting or standing in wait but OTOH, a trekking pole suffices just as well in those situations. I'm fiddling, and have been off and on for a while, with another trick that I saw being used. I'll try to post about it tomorrow if possible.

View attachment 367478

It looks well made. I hope it works out well for you, Cruiser.

I have been thinking about using mine as a walking stick as well but I have reservations of doing so. The limestone here can be sharp. I'm not sure I want to chance destroying the rubber pads on the legs.