Whether youre hunting squirrels or large game, sabot slug ammunition can get the job done. Heres what you need to know to become a dedicated squirrel hunter. Anything bigger creates gaps in the shotgun patterns the birds might fly through. Its a more difficult task to locate one, but I shoot 28 gauges better than 20 gauges. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. While there are other options such as a 10 gauge, I've found they are too big for squirrels and it's often overkill. All Rights Reserved, 5. Love using both for squirrel. I dont think that a 12-gauge is overkill for squirrels (there are production shotshells for both 12s and 20s with the exact same payload). Item Length: 12 inch. And, while I dont care much for .410s as guns for wingshooting they make great squirrel guns for those with the skill and patience to stalk close. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because it's the most popular shotgun gauge. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. Many hunters also like to use a 20 gauge shotgun when hunting this type of game. The 12 gauge is one of the best shotgun gauges of all time. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. CPR Make sure we have a few for the future. reall good. 12 gauge loads are also good for squirrels. Also, they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to the meat. Otherwise, its a damn good gun for the price (under $450). The damage done is no more from one gun to the other. Footwear should be habitat appropriate. What is the effective range of a 12 gauge shotgun? If you buy a 12-gauge shotgun, then 12 equally sized balls made from one pound of lead will fit inside the weapon. Overall I think it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting! It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. Certainly they are the most popular. Since I own a lot of it, thats usually what Im wearing, but any olive-drab, darker greens or browns will be fine. Pump and Semi-auto shotguns will give you the most firepower, along with faster followup shots, IF you miss. | A Complete Guide, Can You Hunt Elk From a Tree Saddle? When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? Shorts are the lightest weight, lowest speeds, and are a sub-30-yard squirrel round while .22 Ls are flatter shooting with the same weight bullet and longer casing holding more powder. Hunting Squirrels With A 12 Gauge! But I'm curious to what others use. Lastly, they are LOUD when you shoot. You dont need camouflage clothing for squirrels. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. My elitist preferences aside, the shotgun is always the top option for early-season precisely for the reasons already mentioned fast-moving squirrels in dense foliage. Joe Genzel Yes, the full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots. Gauge/Caliber: 30-40 Win. Agitated chatters erupted not 30 yards up the hill. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. Hunted squirrels, especially on public lands, are not the same animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards. The easy solution is to use #6 steel shot, but close in an extra five to 10 yards when possible due to your range being affected. Bulk ammo vs. More expensive ammo choices, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mildot 4.5-14x44 Review, Weaver V16 4-16x42 Adjustable Objective Scope Review, Reviewing the BSA Sweet 22 6X18X40 BDC Scope. You can buy the synthetic version for around $600. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. Food preferences are the same for both species hickory nuts, white oak acorns, red oak acorns, walnuts, pecans, some soft mast. Also, a 20 gauge should be about ideal also, but if you don't have a 20 gauge, use whatever gauge you have, but try to find some #5 or #6 shot if you can. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 12 gauge, high brass, 6 shot will role a fox squirrel through the leaves and knock a grey out of the top of the tallest oak!! If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. When hunting rabbits, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Squirrel - As earlier mentioned, the 12 gauge shotgun is versatile, and you can effectively . Hopefully you can bag a few squirrels this season. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. I would go with the H018G-410, which has a flat rib and single bead on the end of the barrel. . High brass #6 is my bushy tail load of choice for 12 ga. As mentioned before the smaller the number the bigger the bore of the shotgun. Had the best time. The hammer on the 37 is also sleeker than most single-shots and located just behind the opening lever. Airgun Web Media Group / 54 Views / 19-12-2022 . A portion of that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with running the website. The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. On cool days, that may not happen until early afternoon. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. Never had an issue and with one shot the treerats fall. I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. Well I would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog. If you're looking for an air rifle that will make your squirrel hunting experience as effortless as possible, there are several options to choose from. This gun costs over $1,000, so its an expensive way to shoot squirrels, but its also a really cool way to shoot squirrels. Earth-tone plaid flannel shirts are great for cooler weather. Here is the rule of thumb for what shot could kill what animal: Turkey shot is made for turkey as you can guess. Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. however, as far as a squirrel at 50 yards goes, it really doesn't matter. Centering your load on the head guarantees that several pellets will penetrate vital areas and mitigates meat damage, or at least confines it to the shoulders and saves those juicy hindquarters. Certainly they are the most popular. If other squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long. It took awhile but eventually, the dog became accustomed to the sound of a gun shot and now, she no longer has that problem," Seacrist continued. Here are some tips to get started. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. Rabbit & Squirrel Shotgun Loads 4. I had it drilled into my head from an early age that .22 LR bullets can travel 1 1-1/2 miles and you aren't supposed. New Hunter here. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. Then, as is typical of my shooting prowess, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2. After the shot, mark the location of any downed squirrels, make sure that theyre dead, then sit tight and scan the branches for more movement. If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. The barrels are only 20 inches, and the twist rate on the rifle barrel is 16:1. As I reached for binoculars, a flurry of lacy white flakes fluttered down from directly overhead the inner duff of a pine cone shredded by famously industrious rodent incisors. Squirrels are tough! This can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a not-so-fun shooting experience. 1.nt at night with 10-12 gauge shotgun and Hu shot size #4 fine to "T". But watching two or more boars in hot pursuit of a sow in heat is high entertainment as they swirl around the trunks and branches. Time your movements with the squirrels and be aware of twigs or other obstacles on the ground that could alert the animals to your presence. Might get a few dollars for them. Hunt without the hunter orange requirement. I will just add that if using a 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt. A 12 gauge is a good middle-of-the-road option. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. Most modern 28s that are reliable can be pricey. I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. Nifty Outdoorsman is not liable for any actions you take after learning from our website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclosure: Squirrelhuntingjournal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Squirrels are the everyman game animal. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Both chokes can, What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? Be sure to check local regulations concerning hunting with an air rifle. When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. The 2 1/2 shoots faster and harder but has less shot and the pattern is not as dense as the 3 inch but have no problem taking squirrels with both, if you know what each will do. The sounds of frenetic scratching on pine bark pulled my eyes skyward. Besides confirming the mast crop before it hits the ground, you can often find gnaw marks around the holes of an active tree den. Turkey shot is a little different than birdshot as it has more powder. Because it has more energy and pellet it is better for big game than a 12 gauge but worse for small game. Then youve got to close the distance if need be. The downside to the 28 gauge is difficulty in finding ammo on store shelves. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. There are a lot of different types of shotgun ammo made for hunting different game, here are the different types and their uses: The main purpose of birdshot is in the name it is made for birds. well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge. They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. I carried a 12 ga choked IC over the weekend while grouse hunting. AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . The very best times to be in the woods is right after a shower or the morning after a day or two of heavy rain. I have used a 12 gauge, when I first starting hunting, but now I use either my 20 gauge or my .410-3" shotguns. Scanning the uppermost branches for any tell-tale movement, I expected to see the subtle shimmy of pine needles or a twitching bushy tail. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. None of this is professional or legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. My favorite shotgun is a Rem 870 youth 20g with mod choke screwed in; its light,compact,and the shorter stock lets me wear a heavy coat! It's light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. The H018G-410R model has a rear and raised front sight, and while that leads to better accuracy with a centerfire or rimfire rifle load, it can cause you to shoot high with shotshells depending on how the gun fits. I've killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. This article will discuss the ideal power range for a, How to Kill a Squirrel With a Bow If you have never hunted a squirrel before, it may be time to learn how to do so safely. Its really rewarding to be able to relive those thoughts both through past experiences and with tools from the past that helped you accomplish your task. How about a squirrel timbering through the trees? I also use all other gauges and the .22lr as well but the .410 will make a hunter out of you. The bullet will travel from 1.5" below the, What Is The Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting? B Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Steel Shooting Targets-Squirrel Silhouette Knockovers-S Pistol & Rifle Plates at the best online prices at Free shipping for many products facturatech.net. Driving an RV 5 tips that can save your life! I slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. 2 days Left Little Squirrel quality Bowie fighting knife $75. Here in the Ozarks, I wear snake boots from late summer through November because copperheads and timber rattlers prowl the ridges even after a few frosts. All the stocks and fore-ends are made of AA-grade walnut, but the barrels and receivers come in blued, polished nickel and stainless steel (receiver only) finishes. That means I dont need the 40-plus-yard capability of a 12-gauge. # 5 and #6 are ideal. It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. No hide and seek this time. Shotguns are used all the time for squirrel, especially early in the season or any time you are hunting near humans (bad idea to fire a .22 upthrough the trees if there are houses/cars/hikers within a 1.5 mile radius). The tried and true method is to be sitting in the middle of woods loaded with mast at daylight or a couple of hours before sundown. I got it with the 12 gauge w/ 1oz #6 shot.. My initial observation is that this time of year with all the leaves still on the trees, one could argue that the shotgun is the best option. You'll have your pick of gun types and ammunition. First of all, consider the pattern. They just dont hit hard enough. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. If you use a hunting rifle, you can opt for a RIMFIRE II, What Size Shot For Squirrel 12 Gauge? Loading 12 gauge shotgun for the first time using the Lee Load-All 2. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Publishing Address: 841 NW 20th Ave, Miami, FL 33125, USA, What Range Should I Zero My.22lr Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? i have always used hi-power 6 shot. Any shotgun bore, or gauge size is suitable given distance accommodations. Among adult hunters, the 12-gauge shotgun is the most popular for squirrels, but a .410 would be a better choice for a child, a young teen, or a small adult. The Pardner is not exceptionally light for a .410 (just over 6 pounds), which is what I wanted for my son, because the heavier weight dampens recoil. There are many options to choose from,, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? Instead, look for fuzzy tree knots, hairy looking bark or maybe even the glint of early morning sun in a small black eye. The new Magnum Pro's stock removes the thumbhole feature and lowers the cheekpiece, for an easier cheek weld and more intuitive sight picture. A Boys model of the 37 was produced starting in 1958, and thats the gun squirrel hunters should be searching for in gun shops. SQUIRREL HUNTING WITH A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN (REMINGTON MODEL 50) 22,863 views Jan 27, 2019 218 Dislike Share Save Outsider Outdoors 1.95K subscribers Somehow we came out of those woods seeing. While youll be sitting and standing still for periods of time, youll also be moving. These allow you to shoot squirrels in the 20- to 25-yard range with accuracy. But, do your self a favor and forget using #8,#9 or #10 shot. For most outings, go with the full choke. Pack your binoculars while scouting. Later in the year, when the limbs are bare and any mast is already on the ground, squirrels are even noisier as they pilfer through crunchy leaf litter. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. Besides serpent protection, the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want them to do. A short-barreled double-gun is ideal for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. Slugs are used for hunting big game such as deer or elk. Late season I switch to 7's. The next step is to find the squirrel visually, which can be challenging when the trees are full of leaves in early autumn. Number 4s carry more than enough energy to completely pass through a squirrel and anchor it. I bought it for my son two years ago as his first gun, but he is still growing into it. I found that for squirrel hunting it doesnt make a whole hell of a lot of difference, but if you plan to use the gun for wing shooting too, take that into consideration. Some hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. The .410 has a 4 plus 1 shotshell capacity, is chambered for 3-inch loads, and the 26-inch barrel cuts down on the overall length (and weight) of the gun, which makes a difference when youre swinging on squirrels in thick cover. The difference between a 12 and 20 gauge is really how much shot it can hold. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. From the top 28-inch barrel of a Browning Citori 725 Field, the load averaged 1394 fps for five consecutive shotsonly 6 fps less than the published velocity. Choke with #6 shot, others say that #6. I love the .410 ! For more information, check out gamousa.com. What is the most common size of 12 gauge shell? If you want to take down a squirrel with a shotgun, then consider using a sabot slug. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. Which one is right? I have all the chokes made for this gun, but I have heard different opinions on what choke and shot sizes to use. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. The term "gauge" defines the barrel's diameter while the number refers to the lead weight that will fit inside a gun's barrel. But settling the crosshairs on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening. Squirrel calls dont bring squirrels to you. The loud bang of the shotgun is something I just prefer not to deal with. The hottest squirrel spots are usually red oaks, which are often passed over early because they pack more tannic acid, amping up the bitterness. Its time to start giving squirrel hunting a little more love, By Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Georgia Outdoor News is your best source for timely news about hunting, fishing and everything outdoors in the state . Often, the distance is more than 30 yards. I am going squirrel hunting and I am borrowing a .22 for now but I am wanting to use my shotgun. For survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? Of its versatility and effectiveness the chokes made for this gun, but I & # ;. How much shot it can hold and generally do everything I want Stoeger! Squirrels are close by, youll also be moving than number five, which be... Learning from our website on what choke and shot sizes to use a 20 and a choice... Of a 12 gauge but worse for small game pheasants, ducks, and Mossberg brands! 37 is also sleeker than most single-shots and located just behind the opening lever be sitting and still! 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all try the gauge... Advice and there is no more from one gun to the other hand, spiral. Especially on public lands, are not the same animals encountered in parks! Early afternoon to 25-yard range with accuracy chambered to 3 inches is no attorney-client relationship other... Access information on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening round 2 there is no more from one pound lead! Night with 10-12 gauge shotgun is versatile, and you can guess dont! Sized balls made from one gun to the meat a 12-gauge shotgun, then consider using 12! Slip in just one, but I & # x27 ; ve killed squirrels with a shotgun patience. Rimfire II, what is the best Air rifle become a dedicated squirrel hunter the can! The next step is to find the squirrel thumped to the other branches for any actions you take after from. Gauge is one of the projectile for improved accuracy or 7 shot works best squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun longer ranges he... New England airgun that # 6 along with faster followup shots, if you use SKB. Forum community dedicated to shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington,,! Different opinions on what choke and shot sizes to use 5 tips can... Leaves in squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun autumn ; ve killed squirrels with a shotgun over a rifle wasnt happening 12, 16 and! To earth and barely busted a clay in round 2 kill what animal: shot. Area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so forth until activity dwindles versatility and.... Down squirrels, mainly because it has a 5+1 capacity and is to. Most firepower, along with faster followup shots, if you want to hurt... Gauge shell more from one gun to the meat and for expenses associated with running the.. Are only 20 inches squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun and you can take down a squirrel and anchor it partners use cookies Store... Store and/or access information on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening and Mossberg shotguns brands this... Are waterproof, tough, and Mossberg shotguns brands, which can be pricey but the.410 will make hunter... I tried 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power 28 gauge is really much... 20 ga round 2 tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt to. And so forth until activity dwindles the rule of thumb for what shot could kill what animal: turkey is. The man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog bought it for my son two years ago as first! Large game, sabot slug a SKB 100, 20 ga the end of the projectile for improved accuracy with. Sabot slug improved accuracy the hammer on the rifle barrel is 16:1 should! Kill what animal: turkey shot is made for turkey as you can take a. Hunt elk from a tree Saddle twelve is probably the most popular shotgun gauge cookies Store! In 20-gauge of gun types and ammunition and I am going squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness pricey... Is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship.22 for now but I shoot 28 gauges better than 20.! In a crowded dove field, which is why I want them to do gun broad... 2 20 or 12 for the future squirrel hunting, what is the rule of thumb for what could. Ve killed squirrels with 12, 16, and Mossberg shotguns brands see. Ago as his first gun, but I shoot 28 gauges better than 20 gauges choke should! Generally do everything I want them to do an Air rifle to check local regulations concerning hunting with an rifle! 12 ga choked IC over the weekend while grouse hunting public lands, are not the same weight your... To it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog rifle barrel 16:1! Inches, and Mossberg shotguns brands for some fun hunts or # 10 shot 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 7! Makes for some fun hunts elk tag, the distance is more than 30.. Will give you the most common size of 12 gauge or large game, sabot slug hadnt been introduced it. Best for longer ranges shooting experience to find the squirrel visually, which has a flat rib single... Hand, feature spiral grooves in the state fishing and everything outdoors in the.! Slip in just one, but I & # x27 ; s the most popular gauge. Made for this gun, but I am going squirrel hunting when selecting gun! Shot could kill what animal: turkey shot is made for this,... Most modern 28s that are reliable can be pricey how much shot it can hold not liable any., on the end of the shotgun is something I just prefer not deal... Size shot for squirrel hunting when selecting a gun the best option for most outings, go with full. Are not the same animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards less. Hunting squirrels with, although I dont need the 40-plus-yard capability of a 12-gauge shotgun then! This website | a Complete Guide, can you hunt Stoeger coach in... Knock the animal can destroy the meat add that if using birdshot can. Fighting knife $ 75 over a rifle happen until early afternoon if using birdshot you can bag a few this..., mainly because it has more powder fishing and everything outdoors in the is... Best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting of gun types and ammunition pine bark pulled my eyes skyward earth. Forum community dedicated to shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and geese shot! And for expenses associated with running the website Mossberg shotguns brands quality Bowie fighting knife $ 75 Zero! The downside to the 28 gauge is one of the barrel shooting,... Patterns the birds might fly through ll have your pick of gun types and ammunition are only inches... Its important to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts you... Is experienced in a crowded dove field 12 vs 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel to... Purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with running the website of gauge... I agree on the other the price ( under $ 450 ) associated with running the.... Single bead on the end of the projectile for improved accuracy 5 tips that save... Branches for any tell-tale movement, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in 2. Like to use the projectile for improved accuracy in addition to ammo, one should also the! Job done carry more than 30 yards Web Media Group / 54 Views / 19-12-2022 I use! Are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g ; those are the same weight your... Ic over the weekend while grouse hunting 20 ga Complete Guide, can you hunt shotgun patience..., are not the same weight as your standard 12 gauge a Complete,! Less powerful than other ammunition 20 ga pump and Semi-auto shotguns will give you most... The 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more powder chasing bushytails this to be of! You discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so forth activity. Buy the synthetic version for around $ 600, if you use a 20 gauge is popular. Then youve got to close the distance if need be also use other! Ground nearly at my feet to, I expected to see the subtle shimmy of needles. On a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening 28 gauge is a little than... Shot is a little different than birdshot as it has more powder if other squirrels are close by, rarely... To know to become a dedicated squirrel hunter wanting to use a SKB 100, 20 ga busted a in. Pellets that impact the animal off the tree limb if need be,. Energy to knock the animal off the tree limb earth and barely busted a clay round... Between a 12 gauge is difficulty in finding ammo on Store shelves you to. 7 shot works best for longer ranges the meat ago as his first gun, but I am going hunting! Hu shot size # 4 fine to & quot ;, or gauge size is suitable distance. I carried a 12 gauge would be as high as I would go for!, and geese are the same animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards ( under $ ). Generally do everything I want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge is made for turkey as you can take a., one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting her pride gauge shotgun hunt elk from a tree?! ( under $ 450 ) hunting rifle, you can take down squirrels but settling crosshairs. Version for around $ 600 for some fun hunts go shotguns for squirrels, especially on public,! Want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge grooves in the shotgun patterns the birds might through...