Decisions for bushy tails

I have used a 20 ga for well over 40 years. Number 6 shot works well, shorter shells are fine. My first gun was a full choke but it tended to pepper the animal and its hard for a person to chew a squirrel peppered with number 6 shot. Now for my very rare small game expeditions I use an o/u with medium top and improved cylinder bottom.

One of my grandfathers had a single shot 20 ga, the other had a 12 ga side by side. My father had a 16 ga automatic but it didn't help him get more squirrels. Various uncles tended to use 12s or 16s but not 20s. The 16 is probably the perfect squirrel gun but they're hard to come by now so the 20 is the best available. (Save the 12 for geese and turkeys.) One of my school teachers used a .410 but I don't know anyone else who did.

A good question is what sort of dog. I think that is much harder than what kind of gun because you really need to take the dog into the woods and see if it likes them or does it go off and chases other critters.

Another really good question would be whether to fry them or put them in a stew. This year's young squirrels are good fried but if they're over a few months old they should be stewed.

My 2 cents.
 
The only thing I've shot with a bushy tails are coyotes. I don't use a shotgun much for preadator control but I've heard good thingns about Hevi-Shot Dead Coyote brand. Pretty expensive stuff though checked it out on Midway. I've used #4 on coyotes in 2 3/4 before with a full choke @ 25 yards it killed the yote dead. 12 or 20 gage will make little differnce other than the amount of shot, but at close range there will be little difference. I've killed all mine with a 12ga when I've used a shotgun.

There aren't any squirrels on the eastern plains where I grew up except for the burrowing kind and they don't have a bushy tail. If your are talking about squirrels then have no experience in that arena, but I think a pellet rifle or .22 short would be a better choice.
 
amen...22lr or my Winchester break action .177 pelet rifle w/ a red dot that zips Daisy premier hp pellets at 1050 fps. Put the pellet in backwards for true hp expansion...Ultra accurate...I nailed one last night in the shoulder at 53yds. (had rangefinder, takes the lie factor out...) Knocked it dead.:D
 
When I first started squirrel hunting when I was little I used a 20 gauge with 2 3/4" number 7 1/2 shot out of a full choke barrel and it worked great. I now use a .22lr but there is nothing wrong with using a 20 gauge IMO. I've also used a .410 for squirrels and that is also a great choice but not one of the two you listed, so out of your choices I would go with 2 3/4" 20 gauge shells. Good luck hunting!
 
We hunt with 1 shooter using a .22 and 1 using a 12 gauge. #6 or #5 shot in a heavy trap (1250) fps load. That way we have the birds covered too. Sauteed partridge breasts really offset the squirrel stew. Orange marmalade and some wild rice mix adds to the zest. Just my $0.02. CB.
 
Shotgun used to be fun. Then it got too easy.

22LR was fun. Then it got too easy.

I don't think the bow will ever get easy.:D
 
Last edited:
mrawesome,

try the slingshot, it's fuuuuunnnnn!!!

As for the OP, I've used everything from .410 to 12 in shotties, and .177 pellet guns to .22 longs in rifles. It'll all work. My favorite is to hunt the little beasts with my Benjamin .22 pellet gun. Quick, clean kill, with a very fun little gun.
 
The .22LR is the most popular,
We have to remember the distance the bullet will travel. I remember as a youth shooting at them jumping from tree to tree and not even considering where the bullet went that missed the mark, which most did.
Have taken many with a .410. but that was bone headed also, as we used to stuff 3" shells (closed it over the knee) into an old Ranger SXS that doesn't even like the 2 1/2" as they don't eject properly. Have found that 2 3/8 fit the chamber properly.
 
I have to agree with a few of the other guys. A 20 gauge with low base #6 is a good round for squirrels, mainly when you have a lot of leaves on the trees. As the leaves fall off the trees, then a 22 is sporting and fun.

Up here in Northern Wisconsin, when ruffed grouse season is on, it is not unsual for me to have a good hunt in which I bring back a couple of grouse, rabbits and squirrels. Now that is a good hunt and excellant table fare.

The grouse season in Northern Wisconsin has been ending at the end of December. So I then switch to a Marlin 39A - 22 with peep sights that I have had for over 30 years. This is a great gun for snowshoe & cottontail rabbits and for when a squirrel sticks his head out on those cold winter days.

Enjoy the hunt!

Respectfully, Ben
Rhinelander, WI

Go Green Bay Packers!!! :D
 
Having squirrel hunted all my life....

I have to agree with a few of the other guys. A 20 gauge with low base #6 is a good round for squirrels, mainly when you have a lot of leaves on the trees. As the leaves fall off the trees, then a 22 is sporting and fun.
Click to expand...

Until the leaves are off the trees hunting with a 22 around here is not really all that productive...it can be done, but early in the season I want meat. I love young tree rats for breakfast with biscuits and gravy. The older ones make great mulligans, dumplings, and dressings.

Unless I am hunting virgin timber with really tall oaks I prefer the 20 ga and a modified choke. If I am hunting in really big timber I step up to the 16 ga and a full choke.

I differ from most on shot size. I actually prefer #5 because it penetrates the body better and there is less shot in the animal on a solid hit, if I cannot find #5 and I often can't I will generally choose #4 for the same reason.

If you are up for a real challenge try hunting the with your Thompson Center Contender 22 with a pistol barrel....Now that can be fun!

Good luck! Have fun.
 
.22 LR is the way to go on the tree rats as far as I'm concerned. Doesn't tear them up as much as a scatter gun. It does limit ones ability to take a grouse or anything else you might see while hunting.
 
Anything using 1-1/8 of..

5, 6, or 7-1/2 in any gauge. Partial to 5's in a 16, or 7-1/2 is 12 & 20 as I use my trap reloads for hunting.

for sidearms, anything using a 4" or longer barrel and good accurate .22 load. Did use MiniMag's back when now use dwindling supply of CCI Silhouette or PMC Scoremaster.

Preently enjoying 10" Contender!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top