Getting into the woods early in the morning and sitting against a large tree are both effective methods of finding the first squirrel of the day. Sit near an open area where squirrels congregate and listen for their signals. Spend about half an hour listening for the first squirrels of the day and you may be able to shoot them with a seated position from a similar tree. The first time you shoot a squirrel, you may want to shoot it into the same tree where you were sitting.
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Hunting squirrels with a rifle
The type of firearm used to take squirrels can vary significantly, and it is important to select the right one for the job. While shotguns are a great option for early season hunting, they don’t make a good choice for fox squirrels that dart through the treetops. A rifle, on the other hand, is ideal for carefully placing a headshot at a sitting squirrel. Regardless of which type of firearm you choose, it is important to have enough practice shooting small game to get comfortable with it.
To make sure you get the kill, you need to select the right rifle ammo for the species you’re trying to hunt. If you’re going for long shots, a rimfire or shotgun will do the trick. The range of a shotgun varies, and if you’re targeting ground squirrels, a shotgun will be your best bet. However, a shotgun’s knockdown power will depend on the type of pellets you shoot with.
Targeting a squirrel’s head
If you’ve ever tried to hunt a squirrel with a rifle, you’ll know how difficult it is to target a squirrel’s head. This is because squirrels are very skittish creatures, and they often hide in the trees or underneath the canopy. Fortunately, you can target their head and cause them to flee, although the process isn’t foolproof. Here are some tips to make it easier:
First, remember that a squirrel in a yard is very different from one in a woodlot. While it might not be obvious, wild squirrels generally assume that bowhunters are coming for their kills. As a result, they keep a safe distance when they approach. Moreover, when approached, they flatten out against tree trunks and branches. To effectively target a squirrel’s head, you must wait until the animal has stopped moving and is in a stationary position. Then, make a shot that exposes the head and vitals, which are slightly larger than a golf ball.
Getting accurate with a.22 caliber rifle
Getting accurate with a.22 caliber rifle when shooting a squirrel can be challenging, but it’s necessary for early-season success. While you may not be able to hit an aspirin tablet with a.22 caliber rifle at fifteen feet, you can shoot at least one hundred yards and adjust your zero to compensate. You’ll also want to clean your rifle frequently to increase its accuracy.
A.22-caliber bullet will destroy the meat of a squirrel if it’s shot on the body. It won’t hammer the squirrel too much when head-tapping, but it will need to hit a target the size of a walnut from fifty yards or more. You’ll need to have a rest nearby, and it can be hard to find a good one at this time of year.
Using a scope to shoot a squirrel
While a traditional fixed-magnification riflescope may not be necessary for taking a squirrel, an FFP scope may be a better choice if you want to acquire a shot quickly. An SFP setup works best for squirrel hunting, especially if you have a bait station in your backyard. Moreover, you can memorize the adjustments of your SFP riflescope. Depending on the distance you’ll be shooting at, you may even consider a reticle.
The best way to get started in squirrel hunting is to acquire a rifle with a scope. The use of a scope is important because you will be able to see the target better. Make sure to buy a scope that is made for rimfire cartridges. A 22 LR scope will cost less than 20 rounds of premium deer rifle ammo. A scoped rifle will last for several hunting trips and can even be used for target shooting.
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.
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