Ehhhh. I want to get some more meat in the freezer this year. I have a .22 and a 12ga that are both okay for hunting small game. My big problem is the place where I can go to hunt whenever I want is shotgun only. I've heard mixed reviews about using shotguns to hunt small game.

My biggest concern is about destroying the meat and swallowing some bbs.

Any advice or tips prior to me heading out there with my 12ga? I'd love to use my .22, but its not an option where I'm hunting.

I use remington express #6 shot on squirrels and have not had a problem with meat damage on squirrels. I use those shells in both 12 and 20 ga. When counseling thensqurriels you can get most of the pellets out. I use a shotgun delicately in the early season when the trees are full of leaves.

I use larger shot sizes than most guys (fewer pellets that often pass through) and do my best to point my shotgun at the critter's nose. I can't imagine how many bushtails and rabbits I have taken with a 12 ga and #5 or #4 shot.

Thanks guys. I'll shoot #5 loads and see what happens.

im like big uncle, i use larger shot in express loads so, like number 4's. They move faster so you normally get pass throughs, and give you a little more range as well. I normally hunt with a 20gauge if i go shotgun but 12 is fine. If you have a fairly close shot try not aiming dead on, aim a little to one side or the other of the animal and that way they dont get a full blast of shot.

Sounds like good advice to me. Thanks!

I find very few shots that stay in squirrels with rem express #6 , the ones that stay in the squirrel are easy removed doing skinning. I think the large shot would damage more meat. I mainly use a 20ga now but doing fall Turkey season I switch to a 12 ga. Been using #6 shot for years not a problem. Longer range Fox squirrels I some times use rem nitro mag 6 shot.I use a full choke also I aim for the eye.

this sounds crazy but use 2 shot. I have shot a lot of squirls and rabbits with 2 shot. it is very big to use for small game but the pellets are so big that they don't spread as far. if you aim on or a little in front of there head than you will not get any bbs in the meat.

I shot a squirrel with a 3" #2 before was hunting turkeys in fall got into them , didn't get any forgot to change shells and shot a Fox squirrel about 10 yards with the #2. The squirrel was like a wet dish rag. Meat totally destroyed. Would not advise the use.of #2 on squirrels. I always have a couple #2 with me Turkey hunting Italy as back ups to my #6 or for a coyote.

Well, wish me luck fellas.