Hunter501

I was wondering what tactics you use to get some squirrels and rabbits? I tried before in the season but didnt see much. I am using a Air rifle and its pretty acrrurate. I was wonder when you get in position, what you do to get the sqirrels and rabbits within shooting range. And any other tips are helpful.
Thanks alot

Edited by - Hunter501 on 02/10/2003 19:33:38

IrishLad32

My tactics for squirrel hunting are walking up to it with my bow and taking a shot at it. I've found that squirrels let you get close enough to them, they're just so quick that they dodge the arrows. Squirrels will play with you too. It's like they know when you can shoot and you can't. I had a squirrel in a tree once in a place that wasn't a safe shot, so I moved to get a better shot. Then the squirrel moved into another way in which it wouldn't be safe to shoot. As far as air rifles I reckon you can chase em up a tree and wait for them to expose themselves.

Brandan

kodiakhuntmaster

I like to scout out places, then set up where I find the most sign. It really helps develop scouting skills.

Or stalk them.

I love squirrel hunting, there are so many ways to hunt them. And they make a great stew.

"Hey ya'll, watch this"

BIGAMENY

With rabbits I love to stalk field edges. Squirrels are fun to stalk also but you can also simply try sitting in a good area and picking them off as they become active. QUICK TRICK: If a squirrel is circling to the other side of a tree to avoid you. Take off your jacket and hang it on a bush or something then slowy circle around to get a shot. Th squirrel will often stay still or circle once see the jacket and then circle back where you'll be waiting.

bhw

Read all about it here...

http://lewand.tripod.com/sq.html
<img src= 'http://24.124.38.72/uploads/barkmoonsign.jpg'>

Bloodnativ

I prefer to stalk them with a shotgun. If you are quiet and slow you can sneak in without them knowing you are there. You will usually hear or see them long before they see you. Then it's really pretty easy to stalk to within shotgun or even bow range if your slow and quiet. This method works very well for me even on the heavily hunted public land that I hunt.

Hunter501

when you do usually go out?

mauser06

for squirrels i like to find a stand of oaks or other nut trees and just sit and wait..nice way to spend a fall afternoon..and you never know what else youll see in a stand of oaks in the fall..everything form turkeys to giant bucks you didnt think existed...i shoot my fair share of tree rats that way..after i shoot one if i didint see anymore i pick him up and move 50 yrds or so..moving really slow..or some days i basically still hunt through the stands of trees looking for them in the tree tops and the bushy tails bounding away...rabbits are pretty hard to hunt without a dog..i just get in some thick thick brush and jagurs and bust it...never do too good..only one i shot at was pheasant hunting and 7.5 shot and a imporoved choke at 40 yrd didnt hurt him..i hit him all 3 times..i could see the pattern in the dirt as he was running..my friends dad dumped his gun on him too..when i was pumping he shot and when i shot he got back on target..poor rabbit..it had to hurt...he never did stop..i know he caught a few pellets though...good luck...tree rats will be easier with an airgun too...i like using a 22 but an airgun with a good bit of power will take them...

Hunter501

ill be going out tommorow afternoon for squirels not the best time, but it will have to do. Wish me luck guys. Thanks for the info.

SMITTY03

I have a good deal of experience with squirrel hunting. The squirrel will cirlce the tree everytime you do. Before you go into the woods, get a pocket full of rocks. If you know that the squirrel is in the tree, stand on one side that will give you a good shot, and then throw a rock or two past the tree on the opposite side. The squirrel will think that you are walking back around the tree and come to your side. Works every time. By the way, what type of air rifle are you using. I have taken many of squirrels with a benjamin .177 caliber.