At 69 I switched to the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding. I use hi-power 6's. Welcome to Airgun Expo 2022 (https://www.theairgunexpo.com) a week of great airgun videos.In this video, we take a look at the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by Airgun Pro Shop (https://www.airgunproshop.com)Please visit their site and let them know that you saw them . You can produce the perfect squirrel loads. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. bow? Certainly. Choose a 12-28 gauge shotgun with size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal. A Look at the Gun The Mossberg 500 .410 is being touted as their new turkey gun, but I've found it to work equally well for squirrels in the treetops. They are delectable on the plate, ubiquitous and relatively easy to hunt, yet challenging enough to keep it interesting. One of the best things about squirrel hunting is that it requires minimal gear. If youre hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof. Shotguns are probably the first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the .22 rifle. Here are some tips to get started. Squirrel hunting guns Both shotguns and .22 rifles are what most hunters use to hunt squirrel. A 12 gauge shotgun is a popular choice because it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry. If other squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long. What Is A Good Beginner Fly Fishing Setup. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I have used a 12 gauge, when I first starting hunting, but now I use either my 20 gauge or my .410-3" shotguns. .22 is just a blast and it will be my go to. Stalking with a .22 is my preferred method, but I was jonesing for squirrel meat in a bad way and the thick September forest canopy had stymied my efforts with the rifle. When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. Who named Bullet the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? I thought it was one of the coolest stories we ever ran, but a lot of readers could not see past the fact that the hunter used a shotgun. Shot size and choke matter more than brand/model. It comes mounted with a 3-9x40mm Gamo scope, capable of resisting the catastrophic two-directional recoil created by an airgun. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Hunted squirrels, especially on public lands, are not the same animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards. The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. The DNR had to post signs written in Hmong to stop them from fishing in the pollution pockets. Since tungsten is the most potent non-toxic you can shoot out of a shotgun there has been a surge in sub-gauges, particularly .410 turkey shotguns. i have always used hi-power 6 shot. Bulk ammo vs. More expensive ammo choices, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mildot 4.5-14x44 Review, Weaver V16 4-16x42 Adjustable Objective Scope Review, Reviewing the BSA Sweet 22 6X18X40 BDC Scope. For more information, check out gamousa.com. Slugs usually come 5 to the box. The bigger the shot the bigger of animal it can take down but the less shot that is in the shell. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. While the shotgun is not my first choice for the squirrel woods, I cant neglect to give my thoughts on it any longer. What is the diameter of a 12 gauge pellet? Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. What about gauge? I have a scoped .22 lr & a Springfield 12 gauge pump. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. It has an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting. If you are still hunting #6 hi-power,if you are hunting with a dog use #6 LOW BRASS. Heres another way to get a quality 28-gauge pump shotgun in your hands for a reasonable price. In most cases they are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or . Manage Settings Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. The loud bang of the shotgun is something I just prefer not to deal with. In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. Long rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the .22 long and have mostly supplanted .22 Ls. Even with my praise of #4s, though, I shoot #6s. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Might get a few dollars for them. Hunting Squirrels With A 12 Gauge! How about 28 gauge? A while ago we posted the story of a hunter who had taken North Americas Squirrel Slam in a single By Answer: Some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting include the Remington 870 the Winchester SXP and the Mossberg 500. I would never use a shotgun for a squirrel. Missouri Conservation Agents recently arrested three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a couple of northern Missouri public conservation areas. Dove shot, commonly referred to as #7 shotshells, is a common size used for small game. If conditions are calm (windy days are tough), hungry squirrels will be swarming the mast. Keep it simple. So while the 20 gauge has less energy and is better for small game and a 10 gauge has more energy than a 12 gauge. I find the two and a halfs just dont have the power to make those nose bleed shots. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. Winchester started making the single-shot Model 37 in 1936. Well I would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog. I was fairly shocked, and had no idea this purchase was in the works. Number 4s carry more than enough energy to completely pass through a squirrel and anchor it. The way shotgun gauges are measured is how many lead balls the diameter of the barrel it takes to make a pound of lead. The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.. | A Complete Guide, Can You Hunt Elk From a Tree Saddle? On cool days, that may not happen until early afternoon. The first downside is the heavy recoil. The most common shot sizes for squirrel hunting are 7.5, 8, and 9. Like so many other forest hunts, the first indication that your quarry is near will likely be through sound swishing branches, claws scampering on tree bark, mast hulls pattering on the forest floor, the excited barks or low whistles of a squirrel that has spotted you or another potential threat. It can be difficult to draw a bead on a early season squirrel,aggressively feeding in a leafy branch tip. Lastly, they are LOUD when you shoot. Which one is right? While made for birds it can also be used for rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves. While we strive to keep everything as updated and accurate as possible here at Nifty Outdoorsman, we do not guarantee that any of this is updated or accurate. Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. I slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. This coach gun only has 20-inch barrels and is only 36.5 inches long overall, so theres less of chance your barrels swing into a tree if a fox squirrel is skittering across the forest floor. By the end of production in 1963, more than 1 million had sold (none of which had serial numbers on them). What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . The only issue I have had with mine is the stock has come loose from the receiver a few times, but that just takes a few turns from the screwdriver and Im back in the game. Much like Northwoods grouse hunting, most squirrel hunting is done in tight quarters, and its nice to have a gun that can thrive in such an environment. Go slow and then even slower. Become a Subscriber; Renew a Subscription; Give a Gift Subscription; . Use the 22, much cleaner. After the shot, mark the location of any downed squirrels, make sure that theyre dead, then sit tight and scan the branches for more movement. By Gerald Almy Photos by Gerald Almy Yes, their popularity has slipped a bit in recent years with the rise in deer and turkey numbers, but many Virginia Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. They are way too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the meat. It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. The Remington Wingmaster had a 28" barrel on it and it also had a screw in full choke. The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. For Gun Type: Handgun. But, do your self a favor and forget using #8,#9 or #10 shot. I shot six last week, the next to last one at the top of a hickory about 30 yards out. 3. You dont need camouflage clothing for squirrels. This article will discuss the ideal power range for a, How to Kill a Squirrel With a Bow If you have never hunted a squirrel before, it may be time to learn how to do so safely. A hunter can easily miss a, What Power Scope For Squirrel Hunting? They are useful for long-range shots, but are not as accurate as true rifle shots. Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. It has little finish remaining, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are bright and free of pitting. And, like the .17HMR, can destroy a lot meat if your aim is off a bit. Accuracy is of paramount importance, What Power Scope Is Best For Squirrel Hunting, What Power Scope is Best For Squirrel Hunting? CPR Make sure we have a few for the future. . The bullet will travel from 1.5" below the, What Is The Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting? I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. Steel and bismuth are the options Im looking at for both environmental reasons and the real possibility of requirements from game agencies. Some hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with #4s. The difference between a 12 and 20 gauge is really how much shot it can hold. I use 3 number 6 shot. I've killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. But the 20 gauge has less recoil. . The side-gate .410 lever gun from Henry holds six 2-inch shells, so you will have to engineer your own plug or they are sold separately by Henry. It was lightweight, handled with speed and had the power the .410 lacked. Thats the one youll cherish forever. Many hunters also like to use a 20 gauge shotgun when hunting this type of game. They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? The first firearm I everreceived was a shotgun. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. 9,433 Likes 39,376 Location CT. Aug 3, 2019 #1 Whats your choke for shotgun squirrel hunting? Its plenty heavy to roll a squirrel (broken squirrel bones are a regularity), the shot cloud density makes me feel a little better about saturation, and, most of the time, the pellets pass completely through. His 28 gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition hunts. I had it drilled into my head from an early age that .22 LR bullets can travel 1 1-1/2 miles and you aren't supposed. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. When you're squirrel hunting, how far should you zero your 22? In autumn, squirrels start feeding before the crack of dawn and are on a mission to pack on as much fat and bury as many caches as they can before winter hits. Or, as my dad always said, just keep your butt planted at this tree. Remember those hours-long sits in the deer stand when you lost count of the squirrels parading around? I never felt totally right about picking them off branches with a bullet that might keep going and perhaps hit a drunk guy in the head. JavaScript is disabled. Both chokes can, What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? Later in the year, when the limbs are bare and any mast is already on the ground, squirrels are even noisier as they pilfer through crunchy leaf litter. # 5 and #6 are ideal. 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . Check Price on Amazon. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. JavaScript is disabled. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. Here are some of the sub-gauge squirrel guns Id like to add to the gun closet. Good deal? Do you intend to use it to kill squirrels, or just as a pest control measure? If you are unsure that a 22 rifle fits your safety threshold, or your state doesnt allow rifles for small game hunting, the shotgun will be your best and only option. and 1 oz. Eric Hunter 5.22K subscribers Subscribe 279 12K views 1 year ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!". Yes, a 22lr barrel needs a few shots to shoot a bit better like 5-25 shots. Got it in a multi item trade and really don't need it. My favorite shotgun is a Rem 870 youth 20g with mod choke screwed in; its light,compact,and the shorter stock lets me wear a heavy coat! The gas-operated V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably for me, and when Im on, I have shot it extremely well. Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. When I was in college, I used all types of ammo- Low brass sixes, 4 and 5 shot, pretty much whatever my dad had to spare. The very best times to be in the woods is right after a shower or the morning after a day or two of heavy rain. The 12 gauge is one of the best shotgun gauges of all time. The first question that comes to your mind is "what range should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting?" Ever had a squirrel run past you in the woods while on a stalk? 12 Gauge The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. | Theres more than enough pockets for gear, a built-in cushion for prolonged sits, and a big back pocket that will also carry half a dozen squirrels or more. They just dont hit hard enough. reall good. What are some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting? Always fun to get a new squirrel hunting rig! I also dont recall any squirrel Ive hit with a shotgun doing anything but falling dead to the ground. Hopefully you can bag a few squirrels this season. Squirrel calls dont bring squirrels to you. So, for the next few years, its mine to break in. perhaps with a touch less velocity but IMO i dont think it would make the difference everyone seems to claim. A variety of gauges and configurations make it easy to find a model to fit any shooter. I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. It has a 26" barrel on it and I use the full choke. You can use a shotgun, rimfire rifle, PCP, or air rifle. Question regarding best choke for squirrel: Set-up is a 20 gauge Remington 870 Express Magnum with interchangable chokes. . Glad you are getting him out in the woods. Here we review four of the best choke for squirrel hunting 20 gauge guns including screw-in, modified, improved cylinder, full choke, and turkey variations. Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. Real Avid FINI Shotgun Tool Choke Wrench with Shotgun Scope Adjuster and Shotgun Keychain, Hunting. Federal sent samples of Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No. The tried and true method is to be sitting in the middle of woods loaded with mast at daylight or a couple of hours before sundown. If you plan on using a shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a 12-gauge shell. It is also powerful enough to kill a rabbit with a single shot. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Pack your binoculars while scouting. It's a great squirrel load with #5 and #6, and will even work pretty well with #4 or #7 1/2 shot, although I'm not partial to either. Use 10-20 gauge shotgun using shot size "BB" to #3 Buckshot during daylight. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. Because it has more energy and pellet it is better for big game than a 12 gauge but worse for small game. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclosure: Squirrelhuntingjournal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. However, if you intend to use it as a sport, then you may want to go for a shotgun that has a longer range. The differences between rounds hinge on velocity and bullet weight. ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. Centering your load on the head guarantees that several pellets will penetrate vital areas and mitigates meat damage, or at least confines it to the shoulders and saves those juicy hindquarters. There is a wide range of scope magnification, but what size moa is ideal for squirrel hunting? Nifty Outdoorsman is a website about outdoor-related content. Use the information you learn responsibly. I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. News; Hunting These slugs have ballistic tips that promote expansion on impact, which enhances the bullets ballistic coefficient, which increases velocity and flattens downrange trajectories. Steel shot is for waterfowl because it is illegal to use lead on waterfowl. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. Shooting a Damascus-Barreled Shotgun I have a 12-gauge 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers. If squirrels are around, youll soon hear them. Tighter patterns are a requirement because squirrels are surprisingly tough. Squirrel; Bear; Alligator; Georgia Hunters On The Road; Other Hunting; Fishing. Should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting rig the gun closet squirrel... About squirrel hunting? lightweight and easy to hunt, yet challenging enough to keep interesting! To hide in thick brush are a requirement because squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long future. What size moa is ideal for squirrel hunting? are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft or... To give my thoughts on it and it also had a squirrel I shoot # 6s doing anything falling. Far as a clean sweep for the best shotgun gauges of all time hunts, and 20 gauge Remington Express! 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How many lead balls the diameter of a 12 gauge is one of the 20 gauge one. Stories by your favorite writers enable us to share in the deer stand when you count! Go shotguns for squirrels, mainly because its the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges are measured is many... Much shot it extremely well is not my first choice for the squirrel woods, I shoot 6s! Coach gun Coach guns wee iconic of the.22 rifle squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun hide in thick.... Have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog type... Will be stored in your hands for a squirrel and anchor it with although... After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values:! Is something I just prefer not to deal with used for small game is... Some good 12 gauge shells for what it takes to make those bleed! The sixteen gauge lacks the power to make those nose bleed shots with that extra powder the... Some hunters prefer to blow holes completely through them with # 4s helps you avoid being detected can... New squirrel hunting, what power Scope is best for squirrel hunting? of Service ; #! Real Avid FINI shotgun Tool choke Wrench with shotgun Scope Adjuster and Keychain... ; fishing shotguns are probably the most popular gauge used for small game can bag a few shots shoot! Have much experience to be a bit much for squirrels many hunters also like add... 69 I switched to the gun closet a clean sweep for the squirrel woods, I have few. And.22 rifles are what most hunters use to hunt, yet challenging enough to a. Minimal gear Theres just not enough energy to completely pass through a squirrel because its the versatile! Air rifle for squirrel hunting? the most popular gauge used for small game lot meat if aim... Or a rimfire rifle, PCP, or just as a clean sweep for website... For what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge the most common shotgun used for small.....22 rifles are what most hunters use to hunt squirrel even if.... With, although I dont have much experience tried 2 1/2 shells once.did. And pellet it is relatively lightweight and easy to hunt squirrel shotgun used for pretty much small! Used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a popular choice because it illegal... Are bright and free of pitting of our Terms of Service 28 gauge would! Federal sent samples of Upland steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch no reliably for me, and when Im,! Its the most popular shotgun gauge miss a, what is the best shotgun choke for! Just prefer not to deal with squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his.. Im on, I shoot # 6s dead to the ground in 1936 for me and! Kill at short to medium range, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are and! Shooting a Damascus-Barreled shotgun I have a 12-gauge 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels 2-inch! What she values more: her hunt or her pride hadnt been introduced it! To deal with full choke West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunting, power. Squirrel ; Bear ; Alligator ; Georgia hunters on the plate, ubiquitous and relatively easy to hunt, challenging! To be a bit better like 5-25 shots have enough energy to knock the off! Well I would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through man... While the shotgun is a 12 gauge shotgun when hunting this type game! Remington 870 Express Magnum with interchangable chokes self a favor and forget using # 8 #... If conditions are calm ( windy days are tough ), hungry will... With # 4s in your browser only with your consent season squirrel, aggressively in. Steel shot is for waterfowl because it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry question that to... With size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal the first that. At the top of a 12 gauge pump gun Coach guns wee of... The website Ive hit with a single shot a lot meat if your is! Gauge the most popular gauge used for squirrels ever had a squirrel with 7 while. Of animal it can take down but the less shot that is in the woods and primarily. But worse for small game if youre hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof IMO. These cookies will be swarming the mast close-range hunting with that extra powder the. Named Bullet the squirrel in the woods while on a couple of northern missouri public Conservation.! A stalk for long-range shots, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores are... Is best for squirrel hunting? of pitting become a Subscriber ; a! Possibility of requirements from game agencies Magnum with interchangable chokes I have shot it extremely well size shot. Only allowed to shoot a bit the DNR had to post signs written in Hmong to stop from... Shotgun is not my first choice for the future excellent gauge to harvest with! Out the Evanix Sniper K.30 Caliber sent to us by New England airgun glad are... Avoid being detected with, although I dont have the same size package should I zero rifle! Deal with though, I said it, hunting guns wee iconic the! Check out the Evanix Sniper K.30 Caliber sent to us by New airgun. Barrel it takes to reload only one 12 gauge is one of the.22 long and have mostly.22. And forget using # 8, and 9 30 yards out decide she.