New to squirrels

Chris B

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 20, 2019
Messages
239
Ruger 77/22 varmit in .22 magnum with a Leupold 4.5 x14 scope, it AWESOME !
 

G19X

FNG
Joined
Dec 31, 2022
Messages
10
1984/5 (cant remember) Marlin Model 60 with Leupold 2-7x 33mm rimfire scope. The scope is really nice and perfect for the gun.
 
Joined
Sep 29, 2022
Messages
6
Ruger 10/22 with a 3x9 crossfire. Inexpensive, but a absolute tac driver. My 10 y/o can shoot quarters at 50 yards. I have tried several types of ammo, nothing seems to be that much better or worse at 50 yards.
 
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
61
Location
Kentucky
Early season a 20ga with #6 in a full choke ran a Rem 870 for 20yrs. Once leaves fall either Ruger 77/22 with a 4x Leupold or lately the Christensen ranger in 22lr with a Rugged Oculus can and a Leupold vx3 4.5-14. Running 40gr standard velocity match loads the little rifle is almost pellet gun quiet, it’s an absolute tack driver. If I’m feeling real Cocky Ruger Mk4 22/45 with a red dot is a blast.
 

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Eastcoasthunter94

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 15, 2020
Messages
128
Location
Upstate New York
Where I hunt you can only use shotguns. I use a 20 gauge mossberg 500. Mod choke and Remington XLR 4 shot. I took two squirrels yesterday. I try for head shots but occasionally a few pellets hit the meat.
 

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Joined
Jul 30, 2015
Messages
6,359
Location
Lenexa, KS
How do y'all hunt squirrels in the deciduous eastern forest without dogs? Just like timber creep around real slowly? Sit and wait and listen?
 

Eastcoasthunter94

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 15, 2020
Messages
128
Location
Upstate New York
How do y'all hunt squirrels in the deciduous eastern forest without dogs? Just like timber creep around real slowly? Sit and wait and listen?
When I decide to squirrel hunt without a dog I mostly am scouting for deer hunting spots and bring my gun. If I happen to see one I shoot it. I have noticed that 30mins till sunset is by far the best time to see a squirrel. They are very active right before dark
 
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
61
Location
Kentucky
Yes, do a bit of scouting so you know where the oak, beech and other nut producing trees are and slip around between them. My hunts usually start around September it’s too hot for me in august when season kicks off. I’ve been killing them wholesale this year so far off the porch, little rascals have been chewing things up.
 

Agross

WKR
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Messages
1,811
Location
Michigan
How do y'all hunt squirrels in the deciduous eastern forest without dogs? Just like timber creep around real slowly? Sit and wait and listen?
Exactly. I’ve never hunted squirrels with dogs. Would probably be a riot. I don’t know anybody that has em.
Walking slow, sitting for a half hr at a time, always listening And watching for leaves or branches shaking. I feel I’ve had some of my best luck on days where it’s drizzling or sprinkling, they seem to be out more and are easier to sneak up on. Using a 17 and being able to shoot 100+ yds helps too.
 

BLJ

WKR
Joined
Jan 19, 2020
Messages
2,517
Location
WV
How do y'all hunt squirrels in the deciduous eastern forest without dogs? Just like timber creep around real slowly? Sit and wait and listen?

Yes to all of the above. I’ve personally had some minor success with a call as a locator. I think. Or they may have just shown up. 😁

@Agross. Dogs are where it’s at for squirrels IMO. A LOT of fun.
 
Joined
Dec 16, 2021
Messages
615
Location
Larkspur, CO
How do y'all hunt squirrels in the deciduous eastern forest without dogs? Just like timber creep around real slowly? Sit and wait and listen?
We actually would spot-and-stalk in Ohio. When the leaves are off the trees we could see them moving among the tree tops far away. Then get in close and spend a good bit of time searching for the squirrels which would be clinging to trunks or branches without moving. Sometimes it would take 10 or 15 minutes to finally pick out a big fox squirrel in a tree that seemed to be totally devoid of life. Of course, that wouldn't work when the trees still had leaves.
 

BLJ

WKR
Joined
Jan 19, 2020
Messages
2,517
Location
WV
I’ll echo the spot and stalk mentioned by @Mtnmilsurp.
I recently started carrying my recurve for this. What a good time that is. Lotta shooting, little skinning. 😁

I will recommend that if anyone decides to do this, buy a flu flu arrow BEFORE you fling one in the sky. Save yourself 3 seconds of very intense anxiety. Trust me in this one.
 

sram9102

WKR
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
1,036
Location
IN
How do y'all hunt squirrels in the deciduous eastern forest without dogs? Just like timber creep around real slowly? Sit and wait and listen?
Wait until after deer rifle season around here and most of the leaves are off. I also like sneaking around field edges after the crops are off. Sets up for some long pokes with a 22 from time to time.

Hunting squirrels early when the mosquitoes, ticks, and leaves are thick is a pain.
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2019
Messages
1,088
70lb Prime compound with field tips.. Ground shots only.. Killed 52 last year with a bow.. Squirrels are the absolute best practice for deer.. You have to hunt them every bit as hard if not more so than deer.. If you can hunt them with a bow, deer hunting becomes a matter of finding them..
 
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