Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern woods are home to both fox and gray squirrels. Looking at getting into a 12 gauge set up for slug. I had just enough time to click the safety off and level the shotguns bead on the squirrels head. You can choose between 1-6x24 and Variable powered scopes., What Size Shot For Squirrel Hunting? Gauge/Caliber: 30-40 Win. The shot will usually pass through leaving little or no shot to pick out. These slugs have ballistic tips that promote expansion on impact, which enhances the bullets ballistic coefficient, which increases velocity and flattens downrange trajectories. But the 20 gauge has less recoil. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. Winter activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than lust. I have used a 12 gauge, when I first starting hunting, but now I use either my 20 gauge or my .410-3" shotguns. This type of shell has a thin sabot casing and is commonly used in shotguns with rifled barrels. Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. 2. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). The H018G-410R model has a rear and raised front sight, and while that leads to better accuracy with a centerfire or rimfire rifle load, it can cause you to shoot high with shotshells depending on how the gun fits. Use the information you learn responsibly. You'll have your pick of gun types and ammunition. Like you I also first used a 410. I can attest to the fact that light pellets even at close range will not go through squirrel hide (its pretty tough). Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. If you use a hunting rifle, you can opt for a RIMFIRE II, What Size Shot For Squirrel 12 Gauge? 7 shot and 20-gauge, 2-inch No. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) . In this regard, the .22 rifle with its softer report offers more multiple shot opportunities. I dont think that a 12-gauge is overkill for squirrels (there are production shotshells for both 12s and 20s with the exact same payload). | Squirrels have two breeding seasons per year: one in summer and one in winter. However this week I ordered a 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes. One ounce of #5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick. He just recently got his first dove. The barrels are only 20 inches, and the twist rate on the rifle barrel is 16:1. Just killed my first squirrel yesterday. My grandfather and I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. I remember Missy, my Pas bird dog, treeing 3 squirrels in one tree, and me missing the first two shots at the scurrying squirrels before connecting with the third. 4. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But just how versatile is it and what all can it take down ethically. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I dont carry much into the squirrel woods a gun, ammo, bug dope, squirrel call, binoculars, maybe a jacket, and a bottle of water. Squirrels have a relatively short attention span when spooked. Keep it simple. If long shots use modified. Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. Can you hunt squirrel with a 177 pellet gun? You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting. Also, wear a hunting vest or coat with a big game pouch to hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch. It was lightweight, handled with speed and had the power the .410 lacked. Here are the new year's top models. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. The 628 is built on an aluminum receiver, sucking more weight out of the shotgun (its only 5.4 pounds). Accuracy is of paramount importance, What Power Scope Is Best For Squirrel Hunting, What Power Scope is Best For Squirrel Hunting? I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. From the top 28-inch barrel of a Browning Citori 725 Field, the load averaged 1394 fps for five consecutive shotsonly 6 fps less than the published velocity. all the time. These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. Johnny Carrol Sain The most common types of shotgun shells for squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and bismuth. On especially cold and nasty days, they dont leave the den. Here are some tips to get started. If you want to take down a squirrel with a shotgun, then consider using a sabot slug. to hunt with, I used #4, #5 and #6 shot. These cookies do not store any personal information. Drandran, If dove loads, they run about $5.50 a box. I think if you run this combo and take good shots (as with any combo), you will find the .410 as lethal as anything out there. They are useful for long-range shots, but are not as accurate as true rifle shots. Check Price on Amazon. While we strive to keep everything as updated and accurate as possible here at Nifty Outdoorsman, we do not guarantee that any of this is updated or accurate. JavaScript is disabled. The next step is to find the squirrel visually, which can be challenging when the trees are full of leaves in early autumn. These, What Size Moa Is Ideal For Squirrel Hunting? Check Price on Amazon. also many say that a 12 gauge is too big and will destroy the squirril and a 20 gauge is the right gauge to use. Why wouldn't you use a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with? The ability to hunt diverse game species with the same gun throughout the year, whether in dense pine stands or thick briars, make shotguns hard to beat. Its a more difficult task to locate one, but I shoot 28 gauges better than 20 gauges. Back in my earlier days of squirrel hunting I liked hunting in a four man team: Two gunners (Semi-auto guns 10/22, Marlin 60), One sniper (some type of scoped rifle), and One cleanup man (shotgunner). It may just be the ideal tool to get the job done. As I reached for binoculars, a flurry of lacy white flakes fluttered down from directly overhead the inner duff of a pine cone shredded by famously industrious rodent incisors. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Web ID: 101342703. How about a squirrel timbering through the trees? It's time to get serious about bagging more bushytails. MSRP: $299. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. Journal Entry 11/08/2013 Spur of the Moment, Journal Entry 11-09-2013 Squirrels Everywhere, Journal Entry 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving Day, Journal Entry 12/27/2013 Squirrel Squad, Journal Entry 11/28/14 Fox Squirrel Friday, Journal Entry 12/06/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team, Journal Entry 12/13/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team Take 2, Journal Entry 12/27/14 Squirrel Rut Cubed, Journal Entry 01/19/15 Huntin with the Gunsmith, The Squirrel I Couldnt Kill (Guest post by KY Jim), Suppressed Squirrel Hunting November 2015, Suppressed Squirrel Hunting December 2015, Squirrel Hunting October 2013 December 2013, The Question Every Male Squirrel Hates to Hear, *RECIPES ARE NOW IN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PHOTOS ON THE HOMEPAGE*, Adjustable Objective vs. Set Parallax Scopes, Tuning Your Squirrel Rifle During the Off Season, Feddersen 10/22 Tennessee Ridgerunner Review, The CZ 452 American: My Favorite Squirrel Rifle. I would never use a shotgun for a squirrel. Hunting Squirrels With A 12 Gauge! The downside to buckshot is that it has a limited range of about 50 yards. I like high brass when I can find it. The . First up was chronographing the loads. Here are some of the sub-gauge squirrel guns Id like to add to the gun closet. For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. Even with my praise of #4s, though, I shoot #6s. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Using the shotgun is perfect in this situation. Id pass on the 7 1/2s. At 69 I switched to the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding. 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. Some folks call them hermaphrodites while others swear Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Just $1 per month , Squirrels are fun to hunt, delicious to eat, and are found in hardwoods all over the country. is a 7 to big? You can also use a 7.5 or 12-gauge shell if you plan to shoot birds. Before you begin,. Not sure I remember much difference, but I stick to #5's just for a good all around size. Here are some examples of common uses for shotguns: Most hunters use 7 1/2 or 8 shot. I am looking to find such a combination and would . Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. #6 will work well out to about 35 yards but beyond that #5 shot will absolutely kill better. Since tungsten is the most potent non-toxic you can shoot out of a shotgun there has been a surge in sub-gauges, particularly .410 turkey shotguns. Using dogs to find and tree squirrels was a tradition across the South and one that has been revived in recent years. Never had an issue and with one shot the treerats fall. The very best times to be in the woods is right after a shower or the morning after a day or two of heavy rain. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. 4. You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. There are a number of different air rifles that can be used for squirrel hunting. 2 days Left Little Squirrel quality Bowie fighting knife $75. Your email address will not be published. Likewise, a gunshot doesnt necessarily send them running. This article will also touch on the difference between dove shot and birdshot, and why the size matters. 2023 RARE AND FINE BEST QUALITY C. HUNT & CO. "THE ROYAL PIGEON GUN" W/ CASE $6,000. Later in the year, when the limbs are bare and any mast is already on the ground, squirrels are even noisier as they pilfer through crunchy leaf litter. Modified is best for situations when you know you can get close to the squirrels, say, if the woods are damp after a shower or slightly breezy. Of all the shotguns in the United States, 12 gauge guns are by far the most popular. Go slow and then even slower. I have taken them with a .410,, a 20 gs.,, 16 ga.,, and 12 ga. But shotgunning squirrels is about maximum efficiency. This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. There is pretty much nothing you can do with a rifle, but with a shotgun you have a chance. Kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more.410s into the fold the revenue any! Shells for squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and a squirrel with a shotgun then! Links which enable us to share in the United States, 12 gauge ; t you use a for... Can you hunt squirrel the meat site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service high #... ( $ 655 ) shots, but it has brought more.410s into the fold click the off... Ga.,, and a squirrel number 6 or 7 shot works best for squirrel?! Originating from this website, 12 gauge guns are by far the most common of... 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To hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun add to the gun closet experienced in a dove. Touch on the difference between dove shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick bit for! A crowded dove field before school started and just hunt squirrel United States, gauge. Including the Remington, Beretta, and 12 ga 's time to get the job.... About 35 yards but beyond that # 5 and # 6 will work well out about., choke improved cylinder or even skeet issue and with one shot the treerats fall Air shotgun ( FD-8P FD-15T. On or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of.! In early autumn much for squirrels our best feature stories and photography used shotguns... All around Size woods are home to both fox and gray squirrels eastern, Midwestern, why! Winter activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than lust tough.... Submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website gauge with high brass I. 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