Posted: 10/25/2014 12:10:21 AM EDT
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I want to hunt squirrels in some of the local pecan orchards here in SW Texas. I know the local farmers will give permission and checking with Fish and Game there is no specific season so everything looks good to go. The squirrels here make their dens in the drainage canals and I plan to get them coming in or out of the ditch and this area also offers a good backstop.
I have a Ruger American .22 with a Bushnell scope that prints into a 1/4 inch at 50 yards with subsonic ammo. I plan on getting a call and a friend wants to come along and act as my spotter. I'm going to scout some areas next week to find some good spots before I start. Looking for tips and suggestions that you guys may have to offer. Right now I dont plan to eat but mostly to help the farmers. I know one that recovered 700 pounds of pecans and shells from a den that was found when a road washed out. |
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Look for broken pecan shells on relatively flat, elevated surfaces like stumps, rocks, etc.
Squirrels tend to eat or shell nuts in the same place. Sit under a nearby tree and be still. If a squirrel sees you it will probably try to be still. They'll often be motionless except for their tail, which they occasionally move. Look for it. Choose your shots wisely. A 22lr, shot at a 45 degree angle as you might do when aiming at a treed squirrel, will travel VERY far. |
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Other than what was posted one other thing you should do is listen.
If your in an area with squirrel activity you can hear their claws click in the bark of trees as well as hear the noises they make. So every 20 yards or so stop and listen for a minute. Pissed one off once by sitting under the tree it was in, he started doing the bark they do and threw things at me. Backed up and shot him out of that tree then went back to sitting under it. That was an experience only time dinner has ever thrown things at me. Shame your not going to eat them. If you quarter them and season/cook them like chicken drummies they make wonderful appetizers to serve to your friends. |
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Great advice given so far. I've found that when they are actively feeding they are less skittish to people. Some even get curious and come and check out what is walking up to them. I've had some run out on a limb, stare at me and start barking at me. That said, sitting and stalking is the best way to get good shots. As others said, look for active piles of shells, and listen for them chomping on nuts. You can often see their tails flipping back and forth, and that is a good give away on position.
I like head shots, but body shots work too just like for larger game. A .22 will usually go through and through so just be sure of what is behind the shot. |