Squirrel Hunting: Overview and Gear

Learn to hunt, field dress, and prepare squirrel for eating.

[@SldgeHammr]

"22lr's are cheap" ahh the good ole days.

[@stealthysteve1]

yep the good ole days can't find no damn ammo for them garbage

[@field2feast]

I have to buy a small game license each year. Squirrel hunting is an inexpensive sport, especially compared to golf and stock car racing that I took a stab at a few years back. I think I'll stick to hunting and fishing. Thanks for subscribing.

[@field2feast]

Now that sounds challenging. I used to shoot a wrist rocket as a kid, but never for squirrels. I may have to give that a go.

[@field2feast]

I always aim for the head, occasionally the chest if it's my only shot. That way most of the meat (loins and back legs) is still good for eating.You can use a lighter load. CCI makes a quiet .22 round that does little damage.

[@field2feast]

Did they teach you to make rational arguments like this in your public school or are you just naturally clear headed and articulate?

[@field2feast]

Thanks I'm going to take a spring hunt in Arkansas. I look forward to trying it out.Happy Hunting!

[@jimmycarter2492]

Watched your 7yr old post I enjoyed it.

[@MNOutdoorsman]

No way! I just got a marlin .22 just like that from my dad on Friday. I had never seen an "ammo tube" for a .22 before and just this weekend and went squirrel hunting and its amazing! No recoil and very quiet!

[@field2feast]

Have a great squirrel season!

[@field2feast]

I've found that it works best when leaves are still on the trees.

[@dterice8767]

Nice video! I'm a squirrel hunter out of Illinois and I hunt with a Remington 597 AAC-SD .22LR with the threaded barrel. I have some videos as well. Had it approximately three years with 40 kills.

[@field2feast]

I'm glad that you understood the most important aspect of squirrel calling...how you look.HAW

[@thomasschultz4872]

I have a nine year old boy who really wants to shoot a squirrel. I was never really into or introduced to hunting growing up so I want to teach my sons the right ethics, responsibility, and respect. We have been target shooting with a new bow he got but would like to actually shoot something small game. He is interested in keeping and prepping the pelts but I thought I should teach him that we should eat what we kill. Would you agree? I never had squirrel. We just got a Crossman bb / pellet gun that shoots at around 700 fps. Is that enough? I will get a scope on it... but we have had fun target shooting. I also was able to get a nice break barrel Crossman Vantage NP that shoots at around 1200 fps. This was going to be his gift... but I realized it is a bit heavy for him. Needless to say I kept it. :) I also have an old Remington bolt action .22 (no scope) and have used it to take care of some ground squirrel pests in the past. I like the .177 guns because I feel that are safer at this point, easier for him to use and I do not have to worry about the round traveling as far. Just not sure if his gun is okay (depends on distance as well I am sure). Thank you for your videos. I also loved that you prayed, in your video, for your meal. I see you have a heart for Christ and a desire for all to know where you stand and to know His Love for them. Thanks for any help you might be able to give.

[@larrymiller5253]

+Tom Schultz I hope things have gone well for you! And that you, by now, have a bunch of hunting behind you. As far as eating, yes. We have a responsibility for the life around us. However, that said, there are ways to skin/dress the squirrel that will allow for any mounting. These videos are available here, too. If not, pay a taxidermist for an hour of his/her time and have them show you. We have several mounts and each brings back fond memories. As for the .177, generally, no. The conditional would depend on the skill of the shooter and distance, but I think it would be fine for those close in, bird feeder squirrels; I would not "hunt" with that caliber. Too much of a chance for the animal to run off-not ethical. No scopes are fine, again-practice, practice practice. At my age, though, I need a scope.... If you're worried about the distance the round may travel, a 12 or 16 gauge will do-even a .410 (caliber). That has been harvesting small game for some time, now 1-200 years +/- Consider using tree stands. If you befriend a farmer they would appreciate that. Shooting down is much better than accidently killing a cow...and remember, never go into any area and hunt it clean. Always leave some behind for next year. I wish those who fish and follow the stocking truck would learn that!

[@richardthornton7518]

With squirrel, its in the cleaning. Their are 4 glands you need to get out of the carcass about the size of a BB. Two are easy they are in the front arm pit. Then you know what they look like!! Other two inside the body cavity real close to the backbone about 1/3 the way from the neck area. One woman soaks squirrel in milk for four hours to get out the gamey taste. There is no gamey taste and squirrel is excellent eating just fried up in butter in cast iron!! Internet has footage of how to skin a squirrel. You need to get the pelt off cleanly as the hairs are loose and once on the carcass are hard to get off....you will be eating it!! This guys post here is right direction. Squirrel has meat in the four drumsticks and shoulders. Thats about it so you put the 22 round amidships where there is little meat. We used to call the squirrel shotgunners "meat hunters" for the damage to the meat!! So the 22 not only saves your meat but teaches marksmanship. All my hundreds of squirrel were taken with Marlin iron sights. After you learn good stalking you need few long shots!! Also hunted ruffed grouse with my Marlin. You crawl around till you spot them. Put the 22 round through the back. Grouse have little meat except a nice plump breast. So a few shotgun pellets and: "Lead!! Its whats for dinner1!" You have never tasted any meat till you have had ruffed grouse off a cornfield. So if in a grouse area with pine trees near cornfield, thats the ticket. Would hunt squirrel now only if starving. My stalking got so good I almost pet a Whitetail deer(hand 18 inches away). Would have done with a slight breeze to take away my scent!! Good hunting!!

[@richardthornton7518]

With Grouse, normal diet is pine galls. So the olde timers said: Once the corn is out of the fields forget it!!

[@alexchang3311]

I got the same squirrel caller and yeah u r rite in the early season they do run up to u I use it all the time

[@mikebarb86]

thank you great videos

[@RedIceCreamPvP]

i love your vids you give so much details can you make a vid of squirrel hunting during october and november

[@Jameskenomis3]

Model 60... I have a lot of good memories with my old one. Now I use a Ruger American.

[@field2feast]

I don't know what happened to the "reply option. So, thanks for the positives.

[@justinbanks752]

I hunt with a 16gage

[@maryanethompson4583]

field2feast

[@field2feast]

Yeah, a few do get away when I use a .22. When I get fired up to increase my kill rate I use a .410.

[@foshmonster1481]

I just use a pellet rifle with iron sights. It works pretty well for me.

[@rusty0311]

Thanks for this video series. Very informative.

[@field2feast]

Thanks.

[@tjpisani6475]

Great video, thanks for the info. Where can I purchase and what is the brand of the squirrel call?

[@capnb0b578]

My headphones just popped my eardrums. WARNING!

[@field2feast]

It's a hoot shooting video of excursions to different areas in different seasons. Gets crazy trying to get into the editing bay though.

[@oedowning3870]

Great video.

[@slvpd]

Public land sees heavy pressure on squirrels here in Minnesota, especially early season. Mostly Hmong hunters. Ive talked to guys who have driven 2 hours to come to my favorite WMA

[@field2feast]

Got it. Thanks.

[@Jarris2]

Turn it down before he blows the call.

[@MysteriousRooster552]

the model 60 is awesome.

[@1995mrpalmer]

i have a bark call it works pretty well

[@cjdarwish]

That guys face when doing the call

[@trevormorgan912]

What kind of call are you using, that sounds fantastic?

[@jamesmueller2843]

Pellet guns are more self to hunt with then a 22long don't get me wrong I love a 22long but I feel airguns are the way to go for this kind of hunting . good airguns I no of for this kind of hunting are the 392 airgun in 22cal ro the 880 in 177cal ro a good 25cal air gun works great for that kind of hunting loved your video

[@mikeyjay200]

how much did you spend on your rifle at the pawn shop if you dont mind me asking

[@field2feast]

This was a few years ago but I spent $100 for gun and scope. There are a lot of Marlin model 60's out there so you may be able to get one pretty cheap if you watch and wait.

[@abukii]

Awesome set of videos! Very, very helpful. I have a few questions: Does the marrow in the bone affect the flavor? I can imagine that the answer would be no-- its like any other thing you cook with the bones still in place. But... you have to break the bone in order to get to the good stuff, which, in my opinion, would alter the 'beast' slightly. When de-glanding a squirrel, are the glands in the same retrospective spots for both male and female? Is there a sure-fire way to be 100% that you got them (as well as the bile sack)? I think thats all, but I think you should make a video on some good old fasioned campfire squirrel cooking :) And yea, I almost forgot-- Greetings from Rhode Island and add one to the sub list. Cheers!

[@stealthysteve1]

Oh one more thing I live down south usually we wait until the first hard frost for squirrel hunting what about you.

[@field2feast]

ten22crew I go first day of season, second week of Sept. here in Minnesota. In the south I'm more concerned with mosquitos and chiggers. I'm not sure early season affects the squirrel meat except its hard to keep it fresh in the heat.

[@stealthysteve1]

field2feast I see what you mean In South Carolina where I live It start's in October.

[@jamesmueller2843]

If you're state let you try huting with a good slingshot it's fun but hard till you become a good shot

[@JCAchannel100]

Dude when you started with the squirrel call I saw a fricken squirrel in your back yard

[@field2feast]

Who makes it? I'll have to get one and work with it.

[@branwenwashere]

I just use my compound and slingshots haha :p great video!

[@field2feast]

Thanks. I've been considering an air gun but a slingshot I may not be ready for that yet.haha

[@branwenwashere]

field2feast You should check out simple-shot.com maybe pick up a scout or go over to pocketpredators and get a seal sniper or Hathcock Target Sniper since you enjoy guns those have a ridge that makes it really feel like a gun. You pull it back holding it sideways, stare right down that top band and put the little ridge or just look in the middle sit that squirrel right where you would a gun and let go! I have gotten a few this way this season already! Those pocket predators can shoot arrows too! As for air guns I use a old Remington air gun, rated at 1200 fps, never chrono so I cant say for sure but I hear Gamo air guns are a great choice and they have some interesting pellets for hunting. They are awful fun, I like break barrel one shot one chance but I have seen semi autos that take turkey on youtube that use C02, they are illegal to buy where I live however

[@field2feast]

Thanks for the info. I'll look it up. Part of what I like to do on my channel is introduce people to new things. I obviously have to feel somewhat competent before demonstrating how to accomplish the skill. Slingshot hunting would definately be an awesome skill to add to my kit.

[@jamesmueller2843]

Hey a good 177cal airguns work well to

[@Bigdogzq]

What kind of knife would you recommend?

[@field2feast]

Good question. I carry a rapala fishing fillet knife in my pack because it has a thin long easy to sharpen blade. I also carry a sharpening steel with me to sharpen the knife with after every squirrel or two. Most guys use regular hunting knives to field dress with. Browning makes good hunting knives. Most important is that the blade NOT be super hard steel because it is difficult to get a good edge on it once it is dulled.

[@Bigdogzq]

ok, thanks a ton :D

[@Thetateboys]

I use a gerber box knife, works better than any fixed blade I have ever used.

[@Brett235]

I use a folding razor knife, kind of like a box cutter. easy to clean and blades are cheap. Good for skinning deer also.

[@jamesmueller2843]

A good 22cal airgun is good for squirrel

[@coolkidcreations32]

will that squirrel in destress call work in october??

[@WorkerBee2011]

Great vid! Sub'd

[@1995mrpalmer]

Knight & Hale 4-in-1 Squirrel Call

[@eastcoast3016]

What the name of that squirrel call and where can I buy one

[@canthavemilk2822]

I just got a .410 and I'm not sure if it takes wide and short shells or the narrow and long ones

[@Nick1-22]

Porter Maynard look on the barrel

[@gregferguson9154]

do you need a permit or licence to hunt or trap squirrel?

[@jacobmavromatis7957]

What kind of squirrel call is that?

[@jacobdipilato6313]

What kind of call is that and where can I buy one?

[@drewweaver5729]

What kind of squirrel call is that

[@field2feast]

+Drew Weaver Mrs. B's Squirrel in distress whistle.

[@JimmyCubanoVOD]

I can tell this video was made in 2012 because you said .22 ammo is cheap lol

[@field2feast]

Just the fact that I had some was amazing. Thinking of buying a .17.

[@cometozedocter]

field2feast I was at a local gunshow and couldn't decide between and .17 and a .22, i learned that a .22 is better for squirrel hunting if you want to eat them meat and use the pelts, while a .17 can be used for rabbit, raccoon and squirrel if you are careful enough. I ended up buying a mossberg 702 plinkster .22lr semi-auto with a muzzle break and then bought a separate scope an 8/32 which works very well, it also came with a 25 round mag which was amazing!

[@akdude182]

the odds of a bullet actually hitting another person while hunting is so minute that is is not really worth worrying about.so long as you are aware of whats behind your target anyway.

[@thedillestpickle]

what about medium caliber such as 223? Is it considered accepted practice to shoot something that size up into the air?

[@rsw426]

What distance should I sight my sight my scope in on?

[@cometozedocter]

I learned that 25 yards is great and it will also meet the same point of penetration at 50 yards, just what i have learned over the years

[@cannonmakers1530]

I would say 50 yards to 30 yards

[@htooism]

25 to 30 Aug, sep, oct, 45 to 55 after fall

[@artsmith103]

For .22LR High Velocity that I use, I suggest 1" high at 50yds. The actual zero will be ~72yds. You'll be 1 inch low at 85yds. 3MOA at 100 yds. So you'll be +/- 1" out to ~85yds.

[@oreopuppydawg1564]

rsw426 with a 22 the best zero is 42 yards

[@1995mrpalmer]

ok tell me how it works for ya!

[@blueswin3]

Was that dubstep hahaha

[@ikillnewbz17]

A 410 shotgun shell would work best

[@laytonletendre]

When I shot a squirrel with a 22lr and it blew out the whole belly&ribs of it

[@1958trickyricky]

by early you mean early summer late spring i think

[@field2feast]

September... we don't have a spring season here in Minnesota.

[@1958trickyricky]

ill give it a try i have that call

[@field2feast]

I look forward to hearing how it goes.

[@mattrodgers948]

sorry if i seem like a dumbass, but is that a real sniper or squirrel sniper?

[@mattrodgers948]

i mean bb/pellet

[@field2feast]

.22 powder burner. I have considered going to a .22 air rifle but just haven't wanted to spend the cash.

[@noeezyfluff]

+matt rodgers its real. the .22 caliber is very small as opposed to a sniper you would see in movies like a .50 caliber.

[@richardthornton7518]

Never used a scope on my squirrel hunting Marlin. It adds weight to the days hunting and is hard to follow a running squirrel. At some point with the iron sights you can just roll a running squirrel with a "feel shot!!"at 15 feet or so!!

[@dontmindme333]

Lol

[@hunterveneman1498]

A hollow point will ruin your meat on a body shot

[@dmay950]

You would kill way more with a shot gun..your not gonna be able to shoot a squirrel on the run with a scope

[@Sparky_007]

What's the point in hunting squirrels?

[@Nick1-22]

Ear rape at 3:50

[@allenstewart7426]

I hunt with air rifles at 22lr for squirrels

[@xfghsthsh]

a good slingshot is enough for squirrels . . . hunting with slingshot is far more fun than firearms.. one more thing . a good air rifle will do the trick equally good rather than using 22lr rifle.. ammo for air rifle is much cheaper than 22lr

[@robfarris3171]

I think 22s are to dangerous for squirrel huntin. shotguns only guys.

[@miguelcervantes309]

buy your food in the supermarket and leave the animals in peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DAMN HUNTERS!

[@field2feast]

I find the food in the supermarket to be raised in pens, pumped with hormones and antibiotics. I am an omnivore with my eyes in the front, unlike herbivores. It does look, from your comment, like you are emotionally charged up and unable to have a discussion based on reason. However, I am glad to discuss world views and dietary philosophy if you have an open mind. May you find peace from your great discontent. By the way if you can't have a logical discussion, stay in your own narrow world and don't be a troll.

[@MNgunhead]

field2feast We hunters are sometimes take criticism for our persuits. We hunt meat that runs wild and lives free. Those who condemn hunters, but are not 100% vegan have no argument. Even vegans have leather shoes and belts, so I guess they're argument is weak as well. (Do you have leather seats in your Prius?) I don't let it bother me. If you consider a completely vegetarian diet eaten by some person living in a city, you also have to consider all of the insects, small animals and large game that are killed in the process of bringing their veggies to the market. Look at your windsheild when you drive. Look at the side of the road. There is death everywhere you look, but I don't hear liberals saying they don't want to drive to save racoon lives. Hunters understand that God made animals for us to consume. We harvest these animals with ethics and use them for food. Hunters have nothing to be ashamed of. More-so, they should feel proud that they take part in the natural food chain, which is where we belong. You are right Les, our eyes are facing forward, like coyotes, wolves, and lions. This means we are predators. God made us this way.

[@jaykae3952]

if you get it at the supermarket the animal is still dead and last time I checked you can't get squirrel meat at the supermarket

[@josephmedvec3359]

+Miguel Cervantes If you do eat meat I guess you only eat meat that committed suicide. Most people would be vegetarians if they had to get their own meat.

[@Shawn-rq4py]

How exactly do you think the meat gets to the supermarket? They are kept in pens and pumped full of steroids, antibiotics etc. then when the time comes the butcher walks up to the animal....cow, pig etc and simply puts a bullet in their heads. And you're chickens are kept by the thousands in small cramped pens laying eggs until they dry up then they're slaughtered and processed then packed in the store. They have no way to leave, they can't hide from them etc. we hunters go out into the wild and hunt them......we have to find where they are and when we do its not guaranteed we kill something. Before you condemn us "damn hunters" you should look very closely at your supermarket meats because I promise they don't live in peace before it gets to the store. Why is it that folks are so against hunters for getting fresh wild game want to condemn us? Vegans cuss us and call us names. And at the same time hunters don't push our way of life on anyone. If you eat veggies then eat them.