I was talking to my friend and somehow the subject of squrrel hunting came up and we decided to arrange something. Since we're both 14 we don't have to buy hunting licenses, I was wondering does my dad(the one taking us) have to buy a hunting license if he is just there to supervise and not actually shoot? I intend to use a scoped ruger 10/22 with minimag rounds and a 12 ga. pump. what shot size for the boomstick would you use? Also, feel free to post squirrel hunting stories. I guess we're going to a puplic hunting place thingy. I was just kinda wondering what to do (just show up and bag my limit or what?) thanks in advance.
I'm goin hunting for the 1st time
- Thread starter rugerdude
- Start date
Have you attended your state Hunter Education/Safety course? If not, you need to. 
Yes, your dad will have to have a hunting license since he will be with you, it's the law. As for the shotgun #6 or #7 shot should do it. You will need to call your state Wildlife/Fish and Game Department to inquire about the limit in your state.
Yes, your dad will have to have a hunting license since he will be with you, it's the law. As for the shotgun #6 or #7 shot should do it. You will need to call your state Wildlife/Fish and Game Department to inquire about the limit in your state.
Smokey Joe
New member
New Hunter
First off, congratulations and welcome to another magnificent obsession. You are in for a whole series of memorable, exciting treats, not to mention expense, not to mention getting caught out in the rain, stuck in the mud or snow, falling out of boats, tramping hudreds of miles through stickerbrush on wild goose chases, and generally having the time of your life! Mr. Murphy (of Murphy's Law fame) goes along on most hunting trips, and although he doesn't qualify as an adult supervisor, he sure keeps things from getting dull!
That said, I have to say that getting started hunting is not as simple as it was when Gran'pa took a young'un out and taught him/her to shoot squirrels with the flintlock. The advice to take a Hunter Safety course is sound—If you haven't done that, do it first thing. You and your bud and your dad could make a project of it; your dad will call that "quality time" and you may relate to him in a different--better--way during and after the course. (Worked that way with my son and me when we went through the course together for his Hunter Safety cert.)
The rules vary from state to state, but the Hunter Safety course in your state will be tailored to your state's rules, so that'll get covered. Even if your dad isn't required to take the course and get a license, it would be a good thing for him to go through it with you, just so you & he are in agreement with regard to safety procedures and stuff.
It's a good time of year to think about this, as most hunter safety courses are geared to graduate the new hunters in time for the local hunting seasons, so they start around now. Your state Natural Resources dept. or a local sporting goods store should know when/where there will be Hunter Safety courses, or try surfing the Web.
You'll want to put in some range practice with the firearms you'll be using, so that the intended squirrels will actually be in some danger. The more practice the better.
Anyhow, again, welcome, and enjoy! Preparing for the hunt is part of the fun. And when you get home after, preparation for the next hunt commences!
First off, congratulations and welcome to another magnificent obsession. You are in for a whole series of memorable, exciting treats, not to mention expense, not to mention getting caught out in the rain, stuck in the mud or snow, falling out of boats, tramping hudreds of miles through stickerbrush on wild goose chases, and generally having the time of your life! Mr. Murphy (of Murphy's Law fame) goes along on most hunting trips, and although he doesn't qualify as an adult supervisor, he sure keeps things from getting dull!
That said, I have to say that getting started hunting is not as simple as it was when Gran'pa took a young'un out and taught him/her to shoot squirrels with the flintlock. The advice to take a Hunter Safety course is sound—If you haven't done that, do it first thing. You and your bud and your dad could make a project of it; your dad will call that "quality time" and you may relate to him in a different--better--way during and after the course. (Worked that way with my son and me when we went through the course together for his Hunter Safety cert.)
The rules vary from state to state, but the Hunter Safety course in your state will be tailored to your state's rules, so that'll get covered. Even if your dad isn't required to take the course and get a license, it would be a good thing for him to go through it with you, just so you & he are in agreement with regard to safety procedures and stuff.
It's a good time of year to think about this, as most hunter safety courses are geared to graduate the new hunters in time for the local hunting seasons, so they start around now. Your state Natural Resources dept. or a local sporting goods store should know when/where there will be Hunter Safety courses, or try surfing the Web.
You'll want to put in some range practice with the firearms you'll be using, so that the intended squirrels will actually be in some danger. The more practice the better.
Anyhow, again, welcome, and enjoy! Preparing for the hunt is part of the fun. And when you get home after, preparation for the next hunt commences!
I have never been on a "real" squirrel hunt but I can say that I have shot a few squirrels from my bedroom window. I use a scoped ruger 10/22 as well with cheap hp ammo from walmart. Those squirrels are a bit quicker than I first realized when I was looking at them through the scope, hehe.
I cant really bring myself to do much hunting because I have a bit of a weak stomach and anything I kill I clean and eat. Squirrel's hind quarters arent bad tasting fried up w/ some flour.
I cant really bring myself to do much hunting because I have a bit of a weak stomach and anything I kill I clean and eat. Squirrel's hind quarters arent bad tasting fried up w/ some flour.
TheGunslinger
New member
Check state law. I believe In Oregon your dad would NOT have to have a license, (I maybe mistaken though)