Advice getting started on squirrel

mineral4x

FNG
Joined
Oct 11, 2020
Messages
12
Location
Michigan
I have whitetail hunted for years, rifle and bow. I new buddy of mine suggested we go out for squirrel and give it a try. Neither him nor I have small game hunted before so we'll be figuring it out together.

I picked up a Tikka T1x already and planning to get a Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35 to put on top. We'll be headed out in lower Michigan. No dog.

What advice do you have for our first squirrel outing?
 

JohnB

WKR
Joined
Aug 28, 2019
Messages
451
Bring shooting sticks. The area I hunt has some real tall trees with ag fields in between them. Frequently I'm shooting from a pretty good distance and sticks are invaluable.
 
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mineral4x

mineral4x

FNG
Joined
Oct 11, 2020
Messages
12
Location
Michigan
Bring shooting sticks. The area I hunt has some real tall trees with ag fields in between them. Frequently I'm shooting from a pretty good distance and sticks are invaluable.
Ah yes, I've been looking at Primo trigger sticks. Debating between single stick and bipod. Any suggestions?
 
Joined
Sep 25, 2024
Messages
4
Location
Arkansas
Grey squirrels or reds?

The norm is to spot and stalk, but I like to sit in a big oak flat and shoot. Stay there for a while and they will start poking their heads out for another shot.

I’ve always had better luck early season when foliage still on using a shotgun, but it can be done with a rifle too.


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Agross

WKR
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Messages
1,742
Location
Michigan
It’s squirrels. Don’t over think it. They are everywhere. If u wanna spend money on shooting sticks, go for it, but not necessary. Shoot free hand, lean or rest yer gun in the closest tree, use a stick.
I usually walk slowly and sit and listen for about 20 minutes. Or just spot and stalk slowly. They are everywhere.
 

BLJ

WKR
Joined
Jan 19, 2020
Messages
2,290
Location
WV
Ah yes, I've been looking at Primo trigger sticks. Debating between single stick and bipod. Any suggestions?
I’ve got the tripod version and I would recommend the monopod.
Same results with less weight.
Or if it’s in a wooded area, use a tree for the same purpose.
 
Joined
Feb 24, 2016
Messages
2,505
Don’t rule out calling. Thats a ton of fun.

Like people on the internet, if you say the right (or wrong) thing to them, they can’t keep their mouth shut.

Which ultimately gives away their position…..


 
Joined
Oct 27, 2022
Messages
8
I'm nowhere near an expert on this matter, but enjoyed hunting squirrels quite a bit in PA. I would try to hunt the morning or evening hours (but had success at other times as well), pick a likely spot with some hardwoods, and sit down. After sitting for a bit the woods come back to life and you can hone in on the squirrel noises. You may get a shot from your sitting spot or you may need to put a small stalk on. I had the most success in fall, before the leaves fell off the trees and the snow fell. Never had much luck in the dead of winter, but like I said, I was never a subject matter expert.
 
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