Advice getting started on squirrel

[mineral4x]

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]

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.

 

[mineral4x]

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?

 

[OctoberHouses]

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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[JohnB]

Ah yes, I've been looking at Primo trigger sticks. Debating between single stick and bipod. Any suggestions?

I use trekking poles. A buddy has had luck with the Wiser Precision Quick-Stix adapter.

 

[RS3579]

Find nuts, sit and relax. If inclined, walk slowly. It’s a good time to be in the woods. It’s also great shooting practice. Good luck. Fox, grey, or black squirrels?

 

[mineral4x]

Fox seem to be healthy and fat around here so we are looking at. Maybe some grey, but they seem to be a bit smaller.

 

[cowdisciple]

A suppressed T1X is a joy forever, so they say.

I just started shooting mine suppressed and it's wonderful.

 

[Agross]

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.

 

[mineral4x]

A suppressed T1X is a joy forever, so they say.

I just started shooting mine suppressed and it's wonderful.

Ah yes. I have a DA Mask that I use on my Mark IV. Good part of my decision for the T1X was to use it on there too.

 

[Carr5vols]

Squirrels will come down in late winter to the ground certain times of the day...learn when this is and it's easyyyy

 

[BLJ]

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.

 

[MallardSX2]

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…..

Amazon.com

 

[BillingsKeith]

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.

 

[Ditt44]

Like deer. Only different. Lol. Find their food sources like mast crop trees. I hunt them in PA like whitetail. Oaks and hickory stands. Narrow hollows and usually toward the head of the hollow. Be quiet. If you're able to be in before daylight that's great. I've had success at all times of day but much depends on weather.

Still hunting can be very productive as well. I generally believe that if you can be a good squirrel hunter you can be a better deer hunter. Where you find squirrels you find deer.

 

[Watrdawg]

I love my suppressed Bergara BXR. As others have said those tree rats are everywhere. A ton of fun!

 

[doc holiday13]

You should make it a 2 man affair. 1 guy with a 22lr and 1 with a shotgun with #6 or #7.5 shot. Shotgun is cleanup or squirrel on the run. I carry a 28g when I'm shotgunner. Its 5# loaded and 3/4oz is enough payload to make a difference. I run squirrel with a dog on a good day we clear 6ish miles and the dog clears 12.

 

[Buffalotears]

You should make it a 2 man affair. 1 guy with a 22lr and 1 with a shotgun with #6 or #7.5 shot. Shotgun is cleanup or squirrel on the run. I carry a 28g when I'm shotgunner. It’s 5# loaded and 3/4oz is enough payload to make a difference. I run squirrel with a dog on a good day we clear 6ish miles and the dog clears 12.

I am also new to squirrel hunting (only deer hunted). In your opinion, Is it possible to squirrel hunt with a 12g or is it just to much?

 

[Erict]

Good luck!

 

[Mike Islander]

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.

This ^^^. I also call them with squirrel barks. I can do this with my mouth, but you can use a little wooden call. The squirrel rut is coming soon where I live. Yes, it's a thing.

You can try head shots. I now just shoot center mass with CCI Velocitor. Not much meat in body, so very little waste and instant death.

22lr is great fun, great practice, and unlike shotguns, no shot in your stew. I use the same scope as on my big game rifles.