How to Get a Good Shot When Squirrel Hunting
If you want to be successful at squirrel hunting, you need to learn the techniques that will help you make the right shot. Before you begin, make sure your firearm is clean. Clean the muzzle and chamber. Be sure to keep the firearm at a safe distance from the squirrel to avoid injury. Also, avoid shooting from trees that are damaged, as they could fall on you or hurt you. Regardless of which method you choose, it’s imperative that you get a good shot.
Techniques for getting a good shot
One of the best ways to get a good shot when squirrel hunting is to set up your blind on a tree stump or log, preferably in an area with camouflage. A squirrel is extremely shy, especially within fifteen yards, so it is important to choose a blind in an area with good cover. Similarly, a ghillie suit will also come in handy when squirrel hunting.
When attempting to shoot a squirrel, make sure you observe it closely. They are difficult to spot because they generally run before they are noticed and freeze when they sense danger. Therefore, it is necessary to train your eye to detect their movement. After locating a squirrel, sit still and wait for an open shot. Keep your rifle and ammunition ready. If the squirrel doesn’t move, wait at least 15 minutes before taking aim.
Ammunition options
Ammunition for squirrel hunting comes in a variety of types and specifications. The most suitable ammunition for squirrel hunting will cause a large wound channel without over penetrating the target. However, the type of bullet you choose should be compatible with the type of hunting you plan to do. There are also safety considerations that you should consider before making a final decision. The best way to choose an ammunition for squirrel hunting is to understand its characteristics and match it with your hunting purpose.
The most common type of ammunition for squirrel hunting is subsonic ammunition. This type of ammunition has a subsonic velocity that prevents the sonic boom produced when the bullet enters the animal. A velocity balancer helps achieve the best consistency and accuracy. For this type of ammunition, you can opt for a rifle that has a silencer. Alternatively, you can also buy a bullet that features a noise suppressor.
Using a call
The first thing to remember when squirrel hunting is to get a decent location. It is best to go at an early time in the winter, when the trees are leafless and open. You should then walk to a different location and wait for around twenty minutes. If you’re unsuccessful, you can use a call to lure the squirrels closer to your location. A squirrel call sounds like the sound of a squirrel barking. This will attract the squirrels and allow you to get a good shot.
Using a call can be a good way to attract a squirrel. When used correctly, it mimics the sound of a disturbed animal, which will cause the animal to come in closer. A call can be a great hunting tool if you have a buddy with you. This way, you’ll be more likely to catch a squirrel if you call from a safe distance.
Using a muzzleloading rifle
A muzzleloading rifle is a great choice for squirrel hunting because the bullet is much faster than a shotshell, so it does not hammer the animal as bad. If you are body shooting the squirrel, a rimfire load will likely be enough to suck the meat from its head, but you must be prepared to deal with a headshot at 50 yards or more. Finding a good rest can be difficult, especially during this time of the year.
If you have a muzzleloading rifle, you can practice using a bipod or tree-tree rest to get the proper elevation and range. You will also need to practice using a life-size target to determine your effective range. At this range, you should shoot two-inch groups with a muzzleloading rifle. Remember, you’ll be shooting at a squirrel with a bullet a half-inch long.
Using an air rifle
When using an air rifle to hunt squirrels, you must make sure that you have a high-quality shot. You should choose one with adjustable 2-stage trigger, which makes it easier for you to adjust the shot and get the most accurate shot possible. An air rifle with thumbhole stock is a better choice than a handgun, as the latter lacks the horsepower required for a clean kill on a squirrel. A rifle with all-weather synthetic stock is the most comfortable and balanced for hunting, and most of these rifles have a rubber recoil pad to help with recoil. A rifle with checkered synthetic stock is best, since this will reduce recoil.
Choosing the correct pellet for your air rifle is essential. Many experienced shooters use different brands of pellets, but one of the most important tips for a successful shot is to avoid lead-free lightweight pellets. Lead-free pellets are easy to drift in the wind and lose their energy quickly. It is best to choose a packet of assorted pellets and practice shooting until you can hit the vitals of a squirrel at least four times.
how do you get a good shot when squirrel hunting
stillness and patience are key when squirrel hunting.
You need to be still and quiet so you don’t startle them and wait for them to come out into the open.
Once they’re in the open take your time to line up your shot.
how do you know when a squirrel is in the open?
You’ll be able to see their whole body not just their head or tail sticking out.
They’ll also be far enough away from any cover that they can’t just dart back in.
how do you know when a squirrel is in range?
If you’re using a shotgun they should be within 20 yards.
If you’re using a rifle they can be up to 100 yards away.
how do you position yourself for a shot?
You want to be perpendicular to the squirrel so they’re not running directly away or towards you.
This will give you the best chance of hitting them.
how do you aim?
For a head shot you want to aim just behind their ears.
For a body shot you want to aim for their center of mass.
how do you hold the gun?
For a shotgun you want to have a firm grip and keep the stock tight against your shoulder.
For a rifle you want to hold it firmly with both hands.
how do you squeeze the trigger?
You want to do it slowly and smoothly so you don’t startle the squirrel or jerk the gun.
how do you follow through with the shot?
Keep the gun pointed at the squirrel until they’re down.
This way if they’re only wounded you can take a second shot.
what if the squirrel is in a tree?
If they’re in a tree you want to wait until they’re on the outside of the tree trunk so you have a clear shot.
what if the squirrel is running?
If they’re running you want to aim ahead of them so they run into the shot.
what if the squirrel is climbing?
If they’re climbing you want to wait until they’re high enough that you have a clear shot but not so high that they might be out of range.
what if the squirrel is in cover?
If they’re in cover you want to wait until they’re far enough out that you have a clear shot but not so far out that they might be out of range.
what if the squirrel is moving?
You’ll need to lead the squirrel which means you aim ahead of them so they run into the shot.
how can you make sure you don’t startle the squirrel?
Move slowly and make as little noise as possible.
how can you make sure you don’t miss the shot?
Take your time to line up the shot and make sure you have a clear view of the squirrel.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
