Small Game, Predator and TrappingFrom shooting squirrels in your backyard to calling coyotes in Arizona. This forum now contains trapping information..
I'd recommend the .22, for several reasons. First you can shoot squirrels further away. Second the report from a .22 is far less than 12 gauge, which means you won't scare other squirrels near as much, resulting in more shooting more frequently. Thirdly a squirrel shot with a 12 gauge will be full of bbs, less salvageable meat. Lastly it would be cheaper shooting using the .22, 30 more rounds for about the same price.
12 gauge ? - What are you gonna do with them when you're done. (sorry - LOL !)
Use your .22
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It all depends on what time of year you're hunting...as well as what type of squirrel you are hunting. I squirrel hunt in central Ohio and central WV. Where I hunt in Ohio is nothing but fox squirrels and they are freaking huge. Where I hunt in WV is 99% grey squirrels and they are tiny.
I do use a 12 ga when the season first starts. Trying to find the head of a squirrel cutting hickory in the top of a 100' tree with ALL the leaves on will give you vertigo...LOL
When the leaves are 1/2 way gone, I'll switch to a .410 and when the leaves are gone I'll bring out my S&W 22A-1 pistol with the 4X scope.
Despite what some will say....there is nothing wrong with using a shotgun for squirrels. In fact, you have to where I live if you are the public land here...no 22's allowed.
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The more you cry, the less you have to pee
22 is always a good bet. You have to be alot more stealthy when hunting if hunting with a rifle. The shot gun will give you better opportunities at running squirrels but will also tear the meat up. So try one if ya don't like it switch.
what gun should i use...
