With Minnesota small game season ending Feb 28, I figured I'd better get out again today...especially since tomorrow's supposed to be rain, freezing rain, and snow!
At my house it was a balmy 28 degrees and no wind, but when I pulled into "The Land" 40 miles to the SW the wind was very strong and raw. I was wishing I had put on a heavy coat instead of just my fall cotton bibs and jacket with light cotton gloves. Oh well!!!!
I figured the day would be a bust with the high winds but after driving that far wasn't going to give up. I quickly headed off the top of the hill into the valley, but unfortunately the wind was cutting right up the valley as well. Three hours and no squirrels. Did see some deer and with 6 inches of soft, quiet snow, I was able to sneak well within primitive rifle range of several.
Passed the "Shaggy Rub" again. Didn't take a picture today, but this is from a few week's ago. I've seen all kinds of rubs, but nothing quite like this one.
Headed up a narrow ravine on a logging trail moving slowly back up the hill. It was protected from the wind so maybe...just maybe. Suddenly, there was a nice fox squirrel about 40 yards up the hill digging in the snow for nuts. Every time she would put her head down into the snow, I'd creep a few yards up the hill. Finally I was within 20 yards and the Virginia Smooth Rifle did it's work with 50 gr of 2F Goex and 1 1/4 oz of #6's.
I had just finished cleaning the squirrel and reloading when I heard a few barks from up the trail another 100 yards or so. I scanned the area with my 10X Leupolds, but couldn't see anything.
I slowly kept working up the trail and sure enough, right where the barking had come from, there was another big fox squirrel searching for nuts under the snow. This one, however, decided to go up a tree and eat a nut while sitting on a branch. She was looking right my way, so I just casually angled that way until I had a big tree between us and closed the distance. Peeking out from behind the tree, she was still there, chewing away at 20 yards. Again, the Virginia Smoothie did the job. Another tree rat for the pot!
Once on top of the hill I was back in the wind and no more squirrels were seen, but considering conditions, I was thrilled with the results of the day and thanked God for the opportunity to be out in His creation.
These were both really large Fox Squirrels and will make a great meal.
And Kaiah (the Golden) got the heart, lungs, and livers! One happy pooch!
At my house it was a balmy 28 degrees and no wind, but when I pulled into "The Land" 40 miles to the SW the wind was very strong and raw. I was wishing I had put on a heavy coat instead of just my fall cotton bibs and jacket with light cotton gloves. Oh well!!!!
I figured the day would be a bust with the high winds but after driving that far wasn't going to give up. I quickly headed off the top of the hill into the valley, but unfortunately the wind was cutting right up the valley as well. Three hours and no squirrels. Did see some deer and with 6 inches of soft, quiet snow, I was able to sneak well within primitive rifle range of several.
Passed the "Shaggy Rub" again. Didn't take a picture today, but this is from a few week's ago. I've seen all kinds of rubs, but nothing quite like this one.
Headed up a narrow ravine on a logging trail moving slowly back up the hill. It was protected from the wind so maybe...just maybe. Suddenly, there was a nice fox squirrel about 40 yards up the hill digging in the snow for nuts. Every time she would put her head down into the snow, I'd creep a few yards up the hill. Finally I was within 20 yards and the Virginia Smooth Rifle did it's work with 50 gr of 2F Goex and 1 1/4 oz of #6's.
I had just finished cleaning the squirrel and reloading when I heard a few barks from up the trail another 100 yards or so. I scanned the area with my 10X Leupolds, but couldn't see anything.
I slowly kept working up the trail and sure enough, right where the barking had come from, there was another big fox squirrel searching for nuts under the snow. This one, however, decided to go up a tree and eat a nut while sitting on a branch. She was looking right my way, so I just casually angled that way until I had a big tree between us and closed the distance. Peeking out from behind the tree, she was still there, chewing away at 20 yards. Again, the Virginia Smoothie did the job. Another tree rat for the pot!
Once on top of the hill I was back in the wind and no more squirrels were seen, but considering conditions, I was thrilled with the results of the day and thanked God for the opportunity to be out in His creation.
These were both really large Fox Squirrels and will make a great meal.
And Kaiah (the Golden) got the heart, lungs, and livers! One happy pooch!
