Squirrel shooting

[Sandy25]

Evening all,

Was stalking at one of the farms we manage for muntjac and saw loads of squirrels, then bumped into the landowner who said they would be very pleased if we could get them gone.

Was planning on wandering around with a mate and two 20b shotguns to clear them up, or maybe a .22 and a shotgun.

Wondered what people’s thoughts were on what to take, and whether they find shots spook the critters or not.
Have never done much squirrelling before so keen to get a few

Have seen them up trees and on the tracks so not sure which way to go on firearm choice.

Many thanks in advance,

Sandy

 

[Smellydog]

Airgun first.

 

[shakey jake]

my mate puts up feeders and shoots from a hide. dray poking is fun

 

[eldon]

12b and thermal.
I take wife (birdspotter) and she comes with coffee and a picnic

We had x9 the other week and since seen another x20 or so. As part of the new year management plan and stewardship scheme these will happen then

 

[eldon]

Here you go....

 

[Sandy25]

Here you go....

Will give it a go wandering around with a shotgun

Might try the .22 another time depending how I get on……

 

[HallyButt]

Firing 22 into trees could be sketchy …

 

[Sandy25]

Firing 22 into trees could be sketchy …

Yeah that was the issue - would be limited to ground squirrels not those up in the trees.

 

[Klenchblaize]

For what its worth, such an opportunity/invitation should not be squandered in terms of maximum enjoyment.

If your first love is rifle shooting over that of shotgunning you have it made as wheather you shoot themn on the ground with a 22lr or from a branch with a suitable air-rifle there is very likely no finer sport to be had IMHO.

K

 

[WalkedUp]

I shot 6 squirrels yesterday, picked up four. With the 12 bore. Three out of one tree, two landed in the drink.



I was out stalking this morning and going to ask the estate if I can take my boys in February for a squirrel day. If we don’t get 20 I would be amazed. 28 bore and .22LR, for me, will be the order of the day.



Sadly this chap was not in the cull plan this morning and was the only quarry in my sights.

 

[kevtherev]

Put plenty of grain out in places for them .22 lr with subsonics and wait really effective way.
Up in the trees I find a 12B or a .410 very effective too.
(They go mad for whole maize too)

 

[Tony Morgan]

to clear them up

If only! But have fun trying

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

If they shoot on the land i would recommend going drey poking after the season ends

Its a very effective way of controlling them.

Once the sail comes Into the trees then air guns and feeding stations are a good way of controlling them.

 

[Pellet Pinger]

Interesting thread, had a meeting with my land owner the other week regarding deer numbers and squirrels came into the conversation, never really paid much attention to the squizzers but the last couple of stalks i’ve noticed rather alot through the thermal.
I think a day with the shotty might be in order.

 

[wanderer]

I have set up a squirrel feeder today within air rifle range of one of my high seats.
The food is whole maize.
Sort of a Christmas present but with ties..

 

[Nickb]

I personally would use the shotgun , thos covers all opportunities wether they are on the ground , up trees or running.

1st attempt should produce a considerable bag

 

[jall55]

Put a feeder or two up - .22 will mop up plenty

 

[BenBhoy]

If you want to make decent bag in short time then feeder the way to go. Sensible with position/backstop & 22lr sub does fine job

 

[Ratcatcher]

Air rifle is your best friend, I have all the other options and to be honest wouldn't think of anything else, and please don't be afraid to try eating them, skinning is a bit of a faff ( use the American method - u-tube) but the culinary results are really worth it, below are my efforts for squirrel korma, bit like nutty chicken

 

[Cyres]

Feeder with whole maize and a good hide. Start at dawn. Take coffee and lots of ammo.
Best way is 2 prefer 3 people. . 22lrs and thermals and a 3 shot shot gun. Walk either side of hedges or in a wood need to surround tree. Thermal is best tool ever for squirrelling.
Shotgun for runners or the ones hiding in ivy. A dull overcast day when all leaves are gone is best. You can see a squirrel at 300yds with a decent thermal.
D