First time squirrel hunting
 

Just looking for some advice from all the squirrel vets. Squirrel season here in oklahoma opens up next week. This will be my first time going squirrel hunting. I am just trying to figure out whether or not to go with a shotgun or go with a .22. I have a mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey just trying to figure out whether to change out the choke or get a new gun. Thanks

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

you can use the 12ga, this time of year it may be better due to leaf cover. I prefer a tighter choke than on a bird gun, either IM or full.

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

if u didnt notice thier is about five active topics on this right now

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

go with the shotgun

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

A shotgun is probably a better choice with all the leaves. I think a 12 gauge is overkill. I prefer a .22 but when I shoot a shotgun, it is a 20 gauge. If you are shooting lead shot, #6 will do the job. I like #4 for non-toxic loads.

PS...I know there are squirrel dog people in OK. See if these guys are close to you:


Sam Allar
Whiskey Creek Feist

http://www.whiskeycreekfeist.com/

Good luck and welcome to the "squirrel huntin' addiction" !


-Marc

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

.22 is good but like others said go with the 12 gauge because of leaf cover.

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

Go with the .22 they work real nice, I have shot more squirrels with a .22 then a shotgun.

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

Go with a partner cause the squirrel is always on the other side of the tree.Take it slow because they will hide and let you walk by.Work the edges of fields early in the AM and just before dark.On a hot day they will sleep alot of the mid day.

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

go with the shotgun shoot them in the head

RE: First time squirrel hunting
 

For spring squirrel, scattergun. Especially here in east TN they aren't staying in the trees, they hit the ground a kick up a rooster leavin' the area. It's very difficult to do any good w/ a rimfire right now. Early-mid fall I will occasionally bring out the .17 but its usually my old 20g Remington 1100. Yesterday morning we saw about 15 and even w/ shotgun only got 3 shots off at a few dumb enough to stay in the trees.