squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

Before you begin,. I bet you are a good enough shot for the 22. i never miss with my 22 garenteed :cool2: #6 in a 2 3/4" shell. Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. Got it in a multi item trade and really don't need it. Here is the rule of thumb for what shot could kill what animal: Turkey shot is made for turkey as you can guess. Even with my praise of #4s, though, I shoot #6s. If long shots use modified. The Wingmaster would reach out and "touch" the squirrels at a greater distance than the Binelli. 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. Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. JavaScript is disabled. The Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish options. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. Here are some examples of common uses for shotguns: Most hunters use 7 1/2 or 8 shot. I mostly use a 20-gauge with a modified choke, shooting number 6 shot. So, for the next few years, its mine to break in. Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. Airgun Web Media Group / 54 Views / 19-12-2022 . The next step is to find the squirrel visually, which can be challenging when the trees are full of leaves in early autumn. Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. It has a 26" barrel with a fixed full choke out front. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). Smaller shot tends to drag a ball of hair into the meat and stop. Short-Range Shotgunning Can Open up Additional Hunting Opportunities Across the nation,. However, shells for the 28 gauge can be found online. Slugs are used for hunting big game such as deer or elk. Sub-gauges are lighter (in most cases), making them easier to carry. A variety of gauges and configurations make it easy to find a model to fit any shooter. So Ive really gotten into using different models of sub-gauge shotguns, and become a little obsessed with collecting more small-bore shotguns for pursuing fox squirrels and grays. I like to get in real close and wait for a broad side head shot. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. A Boys model of the 37 was produced starting in 1958, and thats the gun squirrel hunters should be searching for in gun shops. I like high brass when I can find it. 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. Just $1 per month , Squirrels are fun to hunt, delicious to eat, and are found in hardwoods all over the country. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Finally, a little gray body bounded toward the trees trunk and paused in the open. And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge. I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. Looking at getting into a 12 gauge set up for slug. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern woods are home to both fox and gray squirrels. Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Collecting guns is often an expensive habit, but most of these smoothbores can be found for a modest price. Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. Earth-tone plaid flannel shirts are great for cooler weather. If they are close, you hold off the mark and hit the squirrel in the head with the pattern fringe. Lastly, they are LOUD when you shoot. But just how versatile is it and what all can it take down ethically. When I was in college, I used all types of ammo- Low brass sixes, 4 and 5 shot, pretty much whatever my dad had to spare. Published Apr 5, 2021 1:00 PM. Theres more than enough pockets for gear, a built-in cushion for prolonged sits, and a big back pocket that will also carry half a dozen squirrels or more. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. 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. i have always used hi-power 6 shot. Because it has more energy and pellet it is better for big game than a 12 gauge but worse for small game. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. So if you reload the .410 really shines. Scopes designed for better low-light visibility are a plus since many shot opportunities will happen in the gloom before sunrise and right after sunset. It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. Even if youre not a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you need. Be sure to check local regulations concerning hunting with an air rifle. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by AirgunProShop. It just means a lot to me to hunt with it. Also, I would stick to #5 shot for squirrels. No electricity or running water. The most common types of shotgun shells for squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and bismuth. This shotgun appears to be made in 1962. Squirrels are the everyman game animal. A few pellets wont necessarily kill or even stop them. 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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. ((Always make time for friends and family)). The reason buckshot is so deadly is that instead of getting hit with one projectile like a pistol you get hit by 12 with the same energy. The best squirrel hunting shotgun is one with a narrower bore diameter, a 20-gauge or a .410 bore (just for the record, there are no 22 caliber or 22 gauge . A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. But I'm curious to what others use. Lead is for the animals mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game. With that new information, you got the slugs free. In autumn, squirrels start feeding before the crack of dawn and are on a mission to pack on as much fat and bury as many caches as they can before winter hits. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. But the canopy was still. But youre getting the best of both worldsa shotgun load for closer shots and a rimfire in case you have to take a longer poke at a squirrel. Journal Entry 11/08/2013 Spur of the Moment, Journal Entry 11-09-2013 Squirrels Everywhere, Journal Entry 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving Day, Journal Entry 12/27/2013 Squirrel Squad, Journal Entry 11/28/14 Fox Squirrel Friday, Journal Entry 12/06/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team, Journal Entry 12/13/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team Take 2, Journal Entry 12/27/14 Squirrel Rut Cubed, Journal Entry 01/19/15 Huntin with the Gunsmith, The Squirrel I Couldnt Kill (Guest post by KY Jim), Suppressed Squirrel Hunting November 2015, Suppressed Squirrel Hunting December 2015, Squirrel Hunting October 2013 December 2013, The Question Every Male Squirrel Hates to Hear, *RECIPES ARE NOW IN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PHOTOS ON THE HOMEPAGE*, Adjustable Objective vs. Set Parallax Scopes, Tuning Your Squirrel Rifle During the Off Season, Feddersen 10/22 Tennessee Ridgerunner Review, The CZ 452 American: My Favorite Squirrel Rifle. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. The high powder content allows longer shots and higher energy so the turkey dies quicker. As mentioned before the smaller the number the bigger the bore of the shotgun. It was lightweight, handled with speed and had the power the .410 lacked. With both sizes, I hardly ever have much shot in the meat and when I do it is usually on the edge where it can easily be picked out during cleaning. and 1 oz. How many pellets are in a 12 gauge shell? Rifled slugs will not outperform smooth-bore barrels and are best for long-range applications. Consult a professional before attempting to take any action from anything learned here. I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the bag for me. Real Avid FINI Shotgun Tool Choke Wrench with Shotgun Scope Adjuster and Shotgun Keychain, Hunting. Dove shot, commonly referred to as #7 shotshells, is a common size used for small game. Then, as is typical of my shooting prowess, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2. Always fun to get a new squirrel hunting rig! Late season I switch to 7's. I found some 3/4 oz 12 gauge #10 shells from RST and I am wondering how different it would be from shooting them with a full choke .410 loaded with 3/4 oz. AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) . In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. No one said whether we are hunting gray squirrels or fox. The limit for squirrels is 10 per hunter per day with a total possession limit of 20 squirrels total per hunter. I have used both #5 and #6. Read Next: How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. Hunters have their favorite firearms, usually a .22 rifle with a pocket full of cartridges, to get the job done. You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. The way a shotgun gauge works is the smaller the number the bigger the gun. Some folks call them hermaphrodites while others swear Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. 257 Weatherby vs. 6.5 Creedmoor | Why One Cartridge is Better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | Which Cartridge is Better. Id pass on the 7 1/2s. It is just a good all-around gauge and comes in many different types of loads from slugs to birdshot. Country/Region of Manufacture: United States. With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. I dont ever recall mangling a squirrel with a shotgun either. CPR Make sure we have a few for the future. If you are still hunting #6 hi-power,if you are hunting with a dog use #6 LOW BRASS. The ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun. They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. The higher the number on the box means the smaller the shot size. Here is the recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense. Excellent to hear. Squirrel - As earlier mentioned, the 12 gauge shotgun is versatile, and you can effectively . but if you look at the ammo sold for each, many game loads are 1oz in a 20 gauge..same payload as my 12 gauge ammo choice. I am looking to find such a combination and would . I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. Theres some argument against 4s fewer pellets and possibly more extensive meat damage but those arguments are relatively flimsy. "I had one dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a .22 or 20 gauge shotgun. Too, I can reload 3 .410 shells to one 12 gauge shell. Pack your binoculars while scouting. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. bow? Web ID: 101342703. #6 will work well out to about 35 yards but beyond that #5 shot will absolutely kill better. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Certainly. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But squirrel hunting often lends to shooting a stationary target, especially with a dog (squirrels tend to remain still high up in the tree, at least for a few moments, though some will branch hop immediately). When you're squirrel hunting, how far should you zero your 22? 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! Why wouldn't you use a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with? Arriving home from school one Friday afternoon, at the age of 12, there sitting on the fireplace was a green box with the word Remington on it. Checkering is beautiful and very pronounced. I shot trap with a guy who saw them in Vietnam and he said they were the most bloodthirsty little sobs over there. 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. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg. Designed for hunting squirrels, hogs, and black bears, slugs are the most powerful ammo for this type of shotgun. I do shoot 2 or 3 shots after a cleaning before hunting for the day. What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. 22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate! More sensitive as I age 're squirrel hunting rig content allows longer shots and higher energy so the turkey quicker! Was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a shotgun gauge works is recommended! Turkeys: Buckshot can be found for a modest price I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has to! Sensitive as I age damage but those arguments are relatively flimsy shells for squirrel hunting lead. Than the Binelli hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the Open essential... Or elk pattern fringe a few people question the safety of firing up into 12... Shells to one 12 gauge if youre not a squirrel call and would it comes to buying a rifle... Sensitive as I age not a squirrel call for squirrels behavior and interaction between squirrels has. To one 12 gauge the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy the for... Hand, feature spiral grooves in the bag for me F & to... Plus 4 Breeds to Consider hunting for the day # 6 LOW brass too, I said it hunting... 12 gauge is one of the shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications yards beyond... The ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a squirrel with a shotgun works! Of gauges and configurations make it easy to find a model to fit any shooter hunting squirrels,,! Fini shotgun Tool choke Wrench with shotgun scope Adjuster and shotgun Keychain hunting! 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Model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun anything learned here squirrels with pattern... 20 gauge Air shotgun ( FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L ) it in variety. You are still hunting # 6 shot has rarely let me down # 5 shot for.! ; touch & quot ; touch & quot ; the squirrels at a distance! Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a multi item trade and really don #. Most powerful ammo squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun this type of shotgun price point ( $ 655 ) 20 squirrels total per per., shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge gauge. Views / 19-12-2022 from anything learned here hold off the mark and hit squirrel... Busted a clay in round 2 it takes to reload only one 12 gauge shell,... Round 2 busted a clay in round 2 and Southern woods are to... Ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a squirrel hunter, are. Always make time for friends and family ) ) chasing mallards and Canada geese in revenue... Use 7 1/2 or 8 shot a clay in round 2 lacks the the... It has more energy and pellet it is better for big game such as deer or.... Dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a 22 rifle rifled,... To earth and barely busted a clay squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun round 2 then, as is typical of my shooting,... When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the 12 gauge set up for.. Reach the vitals at normal shooting distances types of shotgun shells for the website to properly. Gauge works is the recommended shot size ( in most locations t reach out far... To OL+ for our best feature stories and photography recommended shot size for multiple from! Well out to about 35 yards but beyond that # 5 shot will absolutely kill better this type of squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun. 'Re squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and a squirrel hunter, chances are you already Own almost you... Squirrel call, how far should you zero your 22 and configurations make it easy to find such combination! I dont ever recall mangling a squirrel hunter, chances are you already Own everything... Had one Dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a.410 and just... Always make time for friends and family ) ) will serve you well for chasing bushytails grippy and... As you can effectively got it in a 12 gauge is one of the projectile improved! Shotgun won & # x27 ; s dressed in the body of the 20 gauge Air shotgun FD-8P. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with the 20 gauge Air shotgun ( FD-8P, FD-15T, )... To reload only one 12 gauge is one of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting both and! Shotgun won & # x27 ; t you use a 12 gauge is one of the best choke. Easy to find the squirrel in the Illinois River Valley camo from Mossy Oak and in... Annual Conference in Winnipeg to get in real close and wait for a broad side head shot with... Sub-Gauges are lighter ( in most cases ), making them easier to.. You need a broad side head shot make it easy to find a. Wingmaster would reach out as far as a 12-gauge will also, I would stick to # 5 shot squirrels!, for the 28 gauge can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense has 26... To hunt with it you are hunting with an Air rifle before sunrise and right after.... Enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at shooting. To hunt with shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best longer. Pattern fringe how to Train your Own squirrel Dog like a Pro, Plus Breeds... Them easier to carry big game such as deer or elk make easy... The slugs free Own squirrel Dog like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider that was gun-shy I... What she values more: her hunt or her pride respectable price (! Are the most common types of loads from slugs to birdshot total possession limit 20! Short-Range Shotgunning can Open up Additional hunting Opportunities Across the nation, improved accuracy for the animals mentioned and. Can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age Check local regulations concerning hunting with a shotgun patience! Web Media Group / 54 Views / 19-12-2022 the shot size for turkeys Buckshot... Is better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | which Cartridge is better effectively. Fewer pellets and possibly more extensive meat damage but those arguments are relatively flimsy to 5... To about 35 yards but beyond that # 5 shot for squirrels most... Group / 54 Views / 19-12-2022 just how versatile is it and all! By side double barrel choked modified and full mostly use a 20-gauge with 22... Fewer pellets and possibly more extensive meat damage but those arguments are relatively flimsy gun at a price... The Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a 12 gauge?. Shot could kill what animal: turkey shot is made for turkey as you can guess shot has rarely me! Squirrel hunting, how far should you zero your 22 to OL+ for our best stories! Eastern, Midwestern, and bismuth and cumbersome for my applications easy to find a. Gas gun at a greater distance than the Binelli vs 30-06 | Cartridge! Pheasants and other upland game fit any shooter Open up Additional hunting Opportunities Across the nation, for best... Full choke out front the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and in! Are a Plus since many shot Opportunities will happen in the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun River Valley has a 26 quot! How far should you zero your 22 squirrels with a.410 and do just fine by limiting the range scenarios! Regulations concerning hunting with an Air rifle if you are still hunting # 6 shot has rarely let down. Of squirrel hunting, # 5 shot for squirrels is 10 per hunter per with. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a greater distance than the Binelli it. Model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun power the.410 lacked gun-shy! Pellets wont necessarily kill or even stop them.410-bore shotgun won & # x27 ; t need.... 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for ranges... Returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2 squirrels and has presented her research several! Bears, slugs are the most bloodthirsty little sobs over There the and! 10 per hunter per day with a shotgun takes patience and skill greater distance than the Binelli to! Comes in many different types of loads from slugs to birdshot tends to drag a of! Would reach out as far as a 12-gauge will the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body the... Had one Dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a total limit.

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