Squirrel Hunting 2010

Sitting in the woods at any time will give an adventure for someone to appreciate some time with mother nature. I went out for squirrels on opening day and brought home 4 nice bushytails. That first week was a good week for them, but now it seems they hole up and dont come out at all. I have sat mostly in the afternoon/evening and can hear them moving on occasion, but its mostly chipmunks. It's almost like they see someone walk in with a gun and they all stay in their nests. I hunt a lot of public land, many different spots, and a few spots of private land. I have the same issue at all the places that I go. Is it just too early for them to be out and about, or am I doing something wrong? I start out with picking a spot to hunt, listen for any activity, and when I pick up on things I try to stalk over to the area. But if things are really slow, I try to stay quiet and not move too much.

I know its a LOT late Sheephead but.... I hunt them with a .177 cal air rifle. I'm not really familiar with your gun or the laws as to where the barrel "starts" regarding length. As far as fps though, I shoot a Gamo Big Cat 1200, rated at 1000 fps with lead, 1200 with PBA ammo... It doesnt get that but it hits 920-925 on the chrono, I get complete pass through. I should think anything even close to that and you will have no problem with a humane kill. I've also shot rabbits with mine and they drop like a brick.

Shot a black squirrel in Dane Co yesterday. First time I have seen one this far south and only the third I've killed.

Got 3 big ones this year. Also a few other things.

A tad off topic. I am wanting to use my crosman 1377c to hunt these critters. I've done some research and found that airguns are allowed. I didn't see anything regarding the minimum caliber. Will I be okay with a .177 caliber pellet?

The regs also state that the barrel must be at least 16" in length. Does that figure include the muzzle break? I'm leaning towards "no."

Also, is there a minimum fps? I have shot mice with my one pump daisy and notta, darn thing just ran away. Anyone know of a recommended fps required to down a squirel?

The regs also state that the total lenght of the rifle must be no less than 26". I plan fitting my 1377 with a stock which will meet that minimum. Will I be okay? Not sure as what the regs say about modifications to a firearm.

I know this question is loaded, and I could simply call the wdnr, just thought someone on here would be able to assist.

Dont officially hunt them anymore. But after the little @#$%^*ers got into my attic this year I declared war with the .177 pellet gun. Needless to say my buddy, who loves to eat them got stocked up for spring with 20+ of some seriously fat bird seed fed tree rats.

So do most of you guys use .22s for shooting squirrels? Thinking about getting a .22 air rifle for the purpose of hunting squirrels. Heard they're good eats despite the stigma attached to them.

Whats the reason behind the Jan.31 closing of squirrel why not keep it the same as rabbit Feb.28??? There's plenty around and how many people actually squirrel hunt this late???

went out this morning looking to target crows and ended up at my favorit squirrel hunting spot on some public in jefferson coutny. got these in 10 min of being there and seen 5 more

Hmm a shotgun, interesting I would think that would leave lots of little holes in it but I guess if they are small enough from the size 8 shot, how far would you think I should shoot it from? also I don't have a 17hmr so thats not really an option

If you want a good mountable squirrel just use a 17HMR and shoot CCI FMJ bullets. Clean pass through with a small hole, barely noticeable.

If I was looking to mount a squirrel where should I shoot it with my 22? Behind the shoulder? Been seeing a couple black ones running around while deer hunting and been thinking they would make a nice mount.

Soakin them in salt water is the key to getting the gamey flavor in the blood out. Brown them on high and then simmer untill tender.

I like them split open salted peppered and put on the charcoal grill .

Went out today for a change from bowhunting. Stalked an oak ridge for these tree rats. NEF Sportster 17HM2.

Went out yesterday at 3ish. got 2 and a hit another one.Gray's