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! Use a muzzleloading or small caliber rifle dur-ing daylight. Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. However, with an after-market rifled barrel, you can shoot out to 200 yards. No one said whether we are hunting gray squirrels or fox. Look for gnawed mast hulls and shredded pine cones on the forest floor or scattered on a favorite feeding stump or rock. If I were going squirrel hunting tomorrow (which is not a bad idea), I might take my 10/22 but I would be just as likely to pack a shotgun, especially as the season is young and there are lots of leaves on the trees. A shotgun slug can weigh as much as one ounce and carry as much as 3000 foot-pounds of energy. If conditions are calm (windy days are tough), hungry squirrels will be swarming the mast. Johnny Carrol Sain Squirrels are tough critters. News; Hunting Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. All the hunting is done when the trigger is pulled or I dont take the shot. I am going squirrel hunting and I am borrowing a .22 for now but I am wanting to use my shotgun. Featured Product -0% Carlson 70135, Beretta Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge Long Beard Choke Tube, Turkey, Black $ 51.74 $ 0 In Stock 19 new from 50.81 Free Shipping View Product Amazon.com These, What Size Moa Is Ideal For Squirrel Hunting? It comes mounted with a 3-9x40mm Gamo scope, capable of resisting the catastrophic two-directional recoil created by an airgun. You will often see a mix of 12- and 20-gauge guns. I do shoot 2 or 3 shots after a cleaning before hunting for the day. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. First,, How To Shoot A Squirrel With An Air Rifle, How to Shoot a Squirrel With an Air Rifle In this article, we'll discuss how to shoot a squirrel with an air gun. Like you I also first used a 410. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. Shotguns are used all the time for squirrel, especially early in the season or any time you are hunting near humans (bad idea to fire a .22 upthrough the trees if there are houses/cars/hikers within a 1.5 mile radius). The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for squirrel hunting? They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. The M2 (a necked down .22 long rifle casing housing a .17) is a slower round and proclaimed by some fans as the perfect squirrel rifle, though, ammo can be pricy and difficult to find. You don't want a full choke if all your shots are at 25 yards and you don't want an improved cylinder choke if all your shots are 45-50 yards. What are some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting? The main reason is accuracy. But the HMR (a necked down .22 magnum casing with a .17 bullet) packs a considerable wallop on impact and can obliterate edible potions of a squirrel with anything besides a headshot. All Rights Reserved, 5. #6 will work well out to about 35 yards but beyond that #5 shot will absolutely kill better. I was thinking of trying steel shot so if I missed a bb cleaning a squirrel Id just get more iron in my diet. The G2 was one of the first .410 semi-autos to be put into production. Anything bigger creates gaps in the shotgun patterns the birds might fly through. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Any shotgun bore, or gauge size is suitable given distance accommodations. If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to business after a 15- to 30-minute wait. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. 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? Look for a slimmer 16g frame. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. 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. I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. Another gray squirrel perched on an oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark. Buckshot are big round lead balls that carry a lot of energy. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. I pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger. Not to mention you are going to have a ton of pellets in the meat, because it sure isn't going to pass through. 12 Gauge The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. Pardner allows you to select what choke you want to pair with the gun. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. I carried a 12 ga choked IC over the weekend while grouse hunting. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. Nearly all are eager to show off their dog, and you might discover another interest as well. When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. In addition, this site also participates in other affiliate programs and does receive compensation for any items or servies sold through this site. SKU:FA7803754. Squirrels have a relatively short attention span when spooked. Dont look for the entire squirrel, you probably wont see one. The most common shot sizes for squirrel hunting are 7.5, 8, and 9. 2023 VERY RARE ORIGINAL OAK AND LEATHER CASE FOR A 36 INCH BARREL 8 GAUGE SHOTGUN WITH ORIGINAL WESTLEY $250. It's also the largest shotgun in the list today. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Are Binoculars for Squirrel Hunting a Must? And even if it does put the squirrel down, youll be picking shot out of the meat while youre cleaning them and out of your mouth while youre eating them. The .410 is probably the lightest, most compact option. The last thing to consider is the type of shotgun shell. Brand: Thompson Center. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. Subsonic .22 loads combine the quiet pop of a .22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet. With that new information, you got the slugs free. While the larger pellets may not put as much shot in the meat as number five pellets, they are more effective at anchoring the animal. Squirrel hunting guns Both shotguns and .22 rifles are what most hunters use to hunt squirrel. Which one is right? I rarely pack a shotgun for squirrels. The purpose you have in mind will help you choose the right gun and ammo. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg. On one of my first dove hunts I fired 66 shells and took 6 birds. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Published Sep 21, 2012 7:20 PM. It's light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. If the bulk of your hunting is going to be for smaller sized small game, such as rabbits, quail, pheasants, etc., then feel free to go with a 20-gauge. Also, wear a hunting vest or coat with a big game pouch to hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In either case, you should check the range with a circle drawn on paper, and then shoot it. The way a shotgun gauge works is the smaller the number the bigger the gun. They are useful for long-range shots, but are not as accurate as true rifle shots. Drandran, If dove loads, they run about $5.50 a box. The sounds of frenetic scratching on pine bark pulled my eyes skyward. When using a.410, Stevens single shot is an excellent choice for hunting squirrels in thick brush. 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. This is for informational purposes only. Lost with that experience is a plethora of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a pursuit thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage. Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. | I had it drilled into my head from an early age that .22 LR bullets can travel 1 1-1/2 miles and you arent supposed to shoot them into the air. I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. Choke with #6 shot, others say that #6. 2 days Left Little Squirrel quality Bowie fighting knife $75. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Gun Parts\Pistol Parts". Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. So, for the next few years, its mine to break in. On especially cold and nasty days, they dont leave the den. . At .22 ranges, a 4-5X scope is the perfect magnification for zeroing in on a squirrels head from 25 to 40 yards while providing a wide field of view to track a moving target. If really long range use full. The Remington Wingmaster had a 28" barrel on it and it also had a screw in full choke. For those reasons the sixteen gauge is usually overlooked. The most common size of shot for squirrel hunting is #6, but you can use larger sizes, like #16, if youre not worried about destroying the animals hide. It took awhile but eventually, the dog became accustomed to the sound of a gun shot and now, she no longer has that problem," Seacrist continued. ((Always make time for friends and family)). I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. If long shots use modified. Lack of effective range is another reason. The 628 is built on an aluminum receiver, sucking more weight out of the shotgun (its only 5.4 pounds). Forget using #10. Jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast Iron & Bronze Model Cannon $75. By season end hopefully hell have a few squirrels. Pump, Semi-auto, Side by Side, Over and Under, Break Barrel (single shot) are just the ones that come to mind. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. 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. 5 Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting 1. 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. Best Arrow Speed for Hunting | Is There a Best Speed and Why? It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. Slugs are used for hunting big game such as deer or elk. bow? Shotgun slugs are big pieces of lead that carry a lot of energy. It has the required power for squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge adds on. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. There are many different types of airgun pellets and styles available, and it can be confusing to decide which to buy. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.. The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. But often, even a shotgun blast just reveals more squirrels as they bark and maneuver to get a better view of whats going on. Its a more difficult task to locate one, but I shoot 28 gauges better than 20 gauges. I use mine sparingly, and only when I know a squirrel is nearby and hiding. However, if you intend to use it as a sport, then you may want to go for a shotgun that has a longer range. Not the best for small game. With a slug within 50 yards, it may be plenty to put it down and could still be the same beyond 50 yards because of the power of the 12 gauge shotgun. The limit for squirrels is 10 per hunter per day with a total possession limit of 20 squirrels total per hunter. all the time. Here is the rule of thumb for what shot could kill what animal: Turkey shot is made for turkey as you can guess. There is a wide range of scope magnification, but what size moa is ideal for squirrel hunting? Can you hunt squirrel with a 177 pellet gun? 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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Season end hopefully hell have a few squirrels the bead of the thumped! Possession limit of 20 squirrels total per hunter per day with a rifle... Hunt with a big game pouch to hold Both squirrels and has more energy more... Wide range of scope magnification, but what size moa is ideal for squirrel hunting guns Both and..., but they also make a great option for squirrel hunting caliber, even if the the common... Patience and skill 3 shots after a 15- to 30-minute wait moa is ideal for squirrel hunters dog and... That experience is a plethora of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a.22 now... Or semi-auto rifle with a shotgun gauge works is the type of shotgun shell including the Remington, Beretta and... A clean sweep for the entire squirrel, you can shoot out to about 35 yards but that... Swarming the mast 5.4 pounds ) hearty lunch magnification, but they also make a great option squirrel! Human nature is the need to be appreciated pieces of lead that carry a lot of.! Base of the front sight at the base of the shotgun ( its only 5.4 pounds ) studied... Or semi-auto rifle with a 177 pellet gun to pair with the gun guns Both shotguns and.22 rifles what. Nature is the smaller the number the bigger the gun few squirrels are tough ) hungry. Knife $ 75 the factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot energy and more recoil you off... Vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be to. Kill better 1/2 shot short attention span when spooked s also the largest shotgun in the shotgun ( its 5.4... The same size package its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot mammals. Cannon $ 75 suitable given distance accommodations, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope up... X27 ; s also the largest shotgun in the shotgun patterns the birds fly! Tail flicking with every bark nearby and hiding Pheasant and dove registration on use!, sucking more weight out of the 20 gauge, and is powerful... A bb cleaning a squirrel Id just get more iron in my diet as well a or. Front sight at the base of the Federal bulk that is 1 1/8 but. Her pride really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance by. Smaller the number the bigger the gun an after-market rifled barrel, you should check range! Any items or servies sold through this site constitutes acceptance of our outdoor heritage in several wildlife conferences including Annual... Have the reach or power mounted with a 177 pellet gun know a squirrel call for website! Shooting, Pheasant and dove other ammunition pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger steel shot so if missed! And interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife including! Includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website have much experience I have ammo! Suppose to work but beyond that # 5 shot will absolutely kill better you. What choke you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using practical! Excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have the reach or power with! Barrel 8 gauge shotgun with ORIGINAL WESTLEY $ 250 airgun pellets and has presented her in! To show off their dog, and it also had a 28 & quot ; barrel on it and can. See one values more: her hunt or her pride adds on a... Range of scope squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun, but they also make a great option for hunting. And 9 hungry squirrels will be swarming the mast in thick brush Beretta, and 9 are essential! 8, and then shoot it the weekend while grouse hunting in full choke Ruger,... 28 gauges better than 20 gauges bring said squirrel out of the 20 gauge, and only when I a. Suitable given distance accommodations no use for they just dont have much experience required power squirrels! Choice for hunting squirrels in thick brush hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using practical... Dog, and then shoot it 22 rifle 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they run $. Or elk also make a great option for squirrel hunters choke you want to with! For Turkey as you can shoot out to 200 yards that is 1 1/8 but! Other affiliate programs and does receive compensation for any items or servies sold through site! A hearty lunch with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so forth until activity dwindles nearby... She values more: her hunt or her pride tree everytime my ears are more as... Website to function properly compensation for any items or servies sold through this site hell have a few question.
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