The TRUTH about .22 Long Rifle VS 20 gauge for Squirrel Hunting!

[@stevenscott759]

I use a Remington model 62A, pump, 22 lr. Bought the rifle when I was in the 3rd grade (61years ago) and that is all I have ever used for squirrels.

[@marshmutt8975]

Remington pumps from that era were the 12 or 121. Winchester made the 62A.

[@AJOutdoors1]

Man its been over 30 years since I've been squirrel hunting. Thanks for bringing back some memories!

[@jamesgraves1639]

I always used high brass #4 shot in a 20 ga. Never had a problem with taking those tree top squirrels!

[@tamminicholson5060]

Bring a buddy and bring both! One guy has .22 for ground shots & other has shotgun for tree shots! (Never hunted just seems logical 😉)

[@thomasmoje5926]

Preference for me is a shotgun (.410 bore for squirrels only; larger gauge when other game may be a possibility) for the following reasons: 1. aging eyes rifle sights getting hard to see precisely, and 2. small woodlots I hunt and closeness of roads/houses, etc. shotguns just a better choice for me. When I want a real challenge, I use my scoped .177 cal. air rifle. .22 rimfire bullets just have possibility of flying too far if they don't hit anything.

[@PowersPlays97]

Biggest squirrel I ever saw was the size of a cat of course it was deer gun season so I couldn't take it. Always see the deer while squirrel hunting and always see the squirrel will deer hunting. Lol

[@joeybrown6288]

Powers LD 100% true

[@thahsee19]

For that reason I alway take 22 air gun with me when I bow hunting

[@jakeneal7355]

Saw one run round a tree and he had to be as big long as the tree was wide but as you said always see deer when squirrel hunting and squirrels while deer hunting.

[@jeffalston3890]

Powers Plays That’s a fact. I saw 3 deer yesterday 01/09/2020 while squirrel hunting and our deer season ended 01/01/2020.

[@domersftw1503]

July

[@graysonhesser6349]

I don’t know about y’all but I use my 50 bmg armor piercing incindeary rounds

[@josephnimmons1835]

Cook them at the same time

[@fishin3196]

@@josephnimmons1835 what do you mean cook them wouldnt be anything left lol

[@josephnimmons1835]

@@fishin3196 it would cook them and blow them into perfect choice cuts

[@fishin3196]

@@josephnimmons1835 lol shoot them then have dinner on the spot

[@justyouraveragegunguy6936]

Bruh that’s weak, I call in my army friend who owns a howizter 105mm to take care of those things.

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

Ten squirrels in crock pot and pull the bones & drain good, add a gallon barbecue, simmer for two hours and have you a pretty decent pulled squirrel sandwich add some hot cheese or cheddar!

[@reaperhunter7297]

That actually sounds really good. May try that what kinda bbq sauce?

[@stephen5174]

Safety is my biggest reason for shotguns. You don’t have to worry as much about the little pellets flying off into the great blue yonder.

[@jkashoto]

"...Doberman's running through the trees.." All time fav quote. :-) Love your stuff, best channel on youtube. Mostly small mountain trout streams around me (cold north).. but I'm dreaming of a tarpon! Thanks for the work you put in to this channel.

[@SouthernFoodJunkie]

We use a treeing squirrel dog a lot. Usually, the person to handling the dog takes a .20 ga and the person not handling that day takes a .22. When we get to a tree, the person with the .22 uses the scope to look for the squirrel to try to snipe the squirrel. If that person misses or when you get to the tree the squirrel runs, the .20 ga person shoots them. I like your method and how you explain it. Nice video buddy.

[@fredfable5655]

No dog, just an airgun ...that's all you need!

[@wagstag89]

@@fredfable5655 that might be all you NEED to kill a few but if you want to kill a ton then a dog is better than walking around with an air rifle. Way more fast paced and fun too. I've had days where we killed 20 or more in less than an hour. There's also no need for anyone who already has a shotgun or 22 to go out and buy an air rifle other than just trying something new.

[@agac130]

I like my Ruger 10/22 for squirrel. More of a challenge.

[@jamiesloan5902]

Agac130 That's a REAL challenge with a 10/22. Least accurate .22 that I own... lol. And the least reliable.... Junk, basically.

[@rex8958]

@@jamiesloan5902 and for me the sights are impossible to see

[@Pendragon501]

I don't know anyone that hunts squirrels from a kayak or canoe. I actually live up north like you were describing and we all use .22's. It's quieter, wont piss off your neighbors, lighter, cheaper ammo, much greater range, less likely to destroy the meat. I've really never encountered a situation squirrel hunting where I went to myself "Oh man I really with I had a shotgun!" I have however went "Oh man I really wish it were deer season!"

[@MackinNC1]

shotguns are used alot in the south as the woods are thick and the leaves don't come off the trees till late in the season. sometimes (alot) you can barely see the squirrel due to leaves and vines. also shotgun doesn't ruin any meat unless you shoot them at extremely close range.

[@dzimm-mq3tw]

1984sFinest You gotta remember down there they still have a lot of leaves on the trees during season so they get wayyyy closer shots than we do

[@dzimm-mq3tw]

Justa Human Ya took the words right out my mouth.

[@Mr.Potato420]

The WMA I hunt lets you take hogs during small game season so 20 gauge and have a slug handy :)

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

get a Chiappa double Badger in .22 LR / .410 gauge or a .22 LR/ .20 gauge problem solved, or even a Savage over and under.

[@MikeS63301]

I’ve got an old Fox (Savage) 16g double barrel with full and modified choke. It’s a fantastic squirrel gun.

[@JustCallMeTango]

Ruger 10/22 takedown with the integrally suppressed barrel. Simply cannot be beat and quiet as a mouse

[@jimmygangster]

I wanted one of those so bad but I just couldn't do that much money for one :/ I mean, I can afford it, I just can't justify it personally.

[@rickabercrombie8995]

Savage model 24. Got a 20 gauge on bottom and 22lr on top. Great for small game.

[@peterschrauben6092]

My dad has the same gun

[@Evenflo76]

Have the same, 24c

[@rumjack5286]

I used to hunt with a 410 till I got tired of spitting shot like watermelon seeds now I only use the 22

[@jeffreyelliott622]

I know it ain't funny but I had to laugh with the analogy you used spitting out lead like watermelon seeds !!!! DAMN !!!!

[@bxstixn_1744]

if your eating it .22, if it’s for pest control- shotgun of choice

[@bearsplitz96]

LeGoat Better than jordan I’ve seen a lot more meat damage done with a rifle than a shotgun

[@bxstixn_1744]

Bear Splitz96 i don’t have damage when i shoot em in the head with a .22

[@bearsplitz96]

LeGoat Better than jordan I consider the head to be meat I’ve always eaten the brains, tongue and cheek meat

[@bxstixn_1744]

Bear Splitz96 that’s someone i do not do but everyone has there own tactics of doing things

[@survivor-3572]

I prefer a .22 because I hate biting into bb's

[@dill5500]

I prefer 30-06

[@sirpercival4731]

Don't even have to gut 'em ....do yah !

[@Stonedzioba]

Leroy The-Savage just no meat at all left on the squirrel😂

[@moose2709]

I prefer an ac130

[@scubajeeper1]

Jack, once you hunt them with a quality PCP air rifle, you won't want to use anything else. I used to use my bull barreled 10/22 but it stays at home now.

[@fredfable5655]

Agree!!

[@jamiesloan5902]

scubajeeper1 Nah. I prefer the smell of gunpowder.

[@andrewkelso3532]

.12 gauge, I can lighten the loads or heavy the loads depending on the circumstances. Plus 12 gauge is more common to find ammunition for or to reload which I do. But one of these days I will purchase a 22 rifle. After my divorce. I pretty much lost all my guns so I have to restart over. So 12 gauge is what I can afford and it's more multi-use.

[@robertsalyers1351]

I've just ordered me a 20 gauge Simi auto shotgun for squirrel hunting

[@pacoletriveroutfitterstoo9385]

We always team up. One with 20 gauge shotgun n one with 22 for the same reasons you went over.

[@candycox9601]

20 gauge browning auto 5 with full choke and lead 4 shot will never fail you even if you bump into a coyote.

[@backyardoutdoors8353]

I personally like a 20Ga Mossberg 500 with federal 1oz hi-brass #6 with a XL full Turkey choke This combination seams to handle any conditions I may get into. With that being said I Carry all my gear in a turkey vest and I keep a carlasons “Light Modified “ ported white wing choke in my vest just incase there on the ground or hanging out low. It also gives me the option to chase rabbits or woodcock and snipe I try to keep and all around anything I may see kit on me. But that’s just me !! I really enjoy the Channel. Keep them coming !!!!

[@jacobblythe5780]

Every summer my dad grows a garden and the squirrels help themselves to the tomatoes. I go out in the garden and wait for a squirrel to come trotting along into the tomatoes, and then I pop him with my Ruger 10/22. I shoot at about 100 feet and the 22lr always takes them down, unless I miss.

[@fredfable5655]

I switched to PCP air rifles and never going back!!*Way quieter than the .22 powder burner.* With any of my Benjamin Marauders I shoot headshots after headshots up to 50 yards. Absolut silence, I hunt squirrels, rabbits if I have a coyote I get my .25 PCP and Beep beep your ass coyote!!

[@Jhoite]

Yak any chance you’d do a video on cleaning squirrel? Never done it before and I’m interested. Thanks keep up the great vids

[@YakMotley]

I did a couple videos on it last year .

[@RCTTV2319]

I use my 20 gauge for birds and my 22 for rabbits and squirrels but they both come with me when I go walking in the woods!!

[@goodboy-jm7vk]

I prefer to use 22lr for hunting at least you can shoot 200 yard but 12 16 20 gauge it's only for short distance.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

9 times out of 10 when I still hunt on a 5 gallon bucket I see and call my tree rats well within 35 yards or just spot and stalk to within that comfortable range and BOOM !!! 12ga. 7 1/2 shot 20 ga. #6 shot or even .410 bore #6 shot and just maybe the .22LR since I have the shotgun adapters to go in my break open H&R 12 ga. !!!

[@mondoshrimpo]

I love all your vids Jack I'm in South Alabama we have the exact same accent lol l think it would be so cool to hunt and fish with you

[@tannermefford9818]

I use a Remington 1100 12 gauge

[@joeybrown6288]

For pest control I would chose something that will destroy it and you don’t need exact precision. But if your eating the 22 will save 90% more meat than a 20 gauge

[@stevedouglas5443]

Michigan here, I use a 22, and sometimes I take my 22 mag. Yes, mag. They really don't destroy meet like most think.

[@hosedragger-204]

I take both, a 12 gauge for shots into treetops, and a 22lr pistol for ground shots.

[@janhollon3078]

Wrist rocket with steel ball bearings knocks them out cold and its super quiet. 20 gauge #3 & #4 buckshot is for uninvited home invaders. Gives them a really bad hair day.

[@syrig834]

I shot 4 squirrels out of the same tree with a 22lr yesterday so yeah you are right about the stealth

[@TexasBowHunter]

I just can’t wait for the season to start. I love your hunting videos, good luck.

[@griffith7783]

Squirrel season in New York begins September 1. Glad I saw this video ... I'll be on the lookout for those Dobermans.

[@doughesson]

My local WMA just started allowing. 22s for squirrels & not just shotguns. I've long thought that a 12 gauge was a heavy trip for a squirrel.

[@Poj-DAB-Nkauj-Hmoob-Nplog]

Went deer 🦌hunting saw so many squirrels but I only bought my savage 243 rifle I wish I would of brought my winchester spx or ruger 10 22 I counted over 15 squirrels out deer hunting ..

[@robbiebaker2412]

I carry my single shot .410 for squirrels. However, I have and ace in the hole...or in the holster I should say. My .22 lr revolver with 6 inch barrel comes in handy when they a little farther out there or higher in the trees

[@timgiles9413]

single barrel break action 12 ga 6 shot low brass when there are leaves on and ruger 10-22 late with less/no leaves

[@tpires3024]

Squirrels like to eat my wires and sleep in pillows that they chew a hole through and then spend the day in. I hate it, but it's kinda funny. Oh, and they love F#@%ing with the cats.

[@alwrite3001]

I think that the shotgun is more for the beginner. I understand the early hunt being tough because of all the vegetation, but with the .22 it's more of a challenge. If you can't get the shot this time then maybe you will next time. Plus, shotguns do so much damage to the meat... and those pesky pellets at dinner time are not for me. My rule is .22 rifle or pistol, head shots only. With my friends, if it's not a head shot you buy a round.

[@rogersrandoms5405]

Here in Central Texas we usually hunt pecan bottoms. I’ve used both. Like you said depends on where and weather among other factors. Great video!!!

[@kevindunseoutdoors26]

I hunt public land that is heavily pressured, and often my average shots are running and or far. With that said, I generally run a 20 or 12 gauge with a turkey tightness choke to reach them when they're out and running.

[@kevindunseoutdoors26]

Also worth mentioning I'm hunting larger gray and fox squirrels in southern wisconsin, so I'm running 4, 5, or 6 shot.

[@stevenpeebles8409]

Various 12 guages...using mostly #5 but prefer #4. Hunting in Missouri

[@richardwalls7168]

20 guage full chock #5 when leaves are on 22 after leaves fall

[@reedwacker2090]

12ga Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 with either Mod for walking and shooting them like when they scamper across dead fall or run up a tree. Full choke with low brass #6 for sitting still and shooting. Sometimes I use high brass 5 or 6 when there is a lot of foliage otherwise I use # 6 low brass. I may try my .22 Marlin 60 later this season like Yak said. Thanks for the vid Yak, Reed

[@Kayceesoutdoorliving]

I usually take my shotgun and my rifle. Unless I'm walking all day then it's usually a shotgun in grouse country and a rifle if its dedicated squirrel woods.

[@billposton2878]

Way to backup the previous video. In Nebraska right now I use 12 gauge for small game and waterfowl. I only have one shotgun with me. 7 or 7 1/2 is normal, but I always carry a high brass 4 in case they keep their distance. While I haven't done it in a while, hunting squirrel with an good air rifle is much fun.

[@Cwnidog]

Like I said on the .410 vid - why choose? I have a Savage over and under - .22 LR over 20-ga. 3" 20-ga w/ 6 shot worked well in New England.

[@megamattoutdoors7648]

I have the exact same 20 gauge. My favorite. I've used it to hunt dove up to hog. Best gun I own. You made a great decision to get that gun

[@johnroberts2620]

.22 any day over any shotgun.

[@RH-qk5lt]

I'm in Northern Illinois and have never hunted squirrels with a .20 ga. because I've never wanted to pick out the shot. But....I may try it soon.

[@nightwave3782]

I used to hunt them with a mossberg 500 in 20 gauge back in Ohio with number 6 shot with modified choke . Meat damage was minimal if any most of the time

[@robertsalyers1351]

12 ga all day every Day until my new 20 gauge Simi Auto Shotgun arrives

[@brandonking1275]

17 HMR 20 grain hornady

[@user-rx5tx2ko8n]

Brandon King That’s a little overkill for squirrel.

[@potatosbed4392]

17 grain polymer tip

[@OldMockingbird]

Brandon King 💯

[@MightyGaius]

Great vid!! Thanks so much for your input !

[@TheRosslouviere]

22 all day! Cci Quiet or CCI supressor rounds. However my first ever squirrel was taken with a 20 gauge. It's about the marksmanship now!

[@moziasgezias]

Always use 20ga in case I kick up a rabbit while I'm walking

[@Hatch61]

That's why I use the old Springfield M6 Scout, .22 over .410, and it takes a beating.

[@davidmontgomery2929]

Thanks man, love your vids. Think I'll start the season with the 20 break barrel, then 22lr once the leaves come off. Good breakdown of the considerations.

[@nickbullard42]

id have to go with 22 mainly. 20 ga would be good i guess but ive never killed a squirrel with a shotgun, i wasnt allowed to use a shotgun when i was young.

[@marottafamily6279]

Ive used a .177 cal does the job everytime just need to make sure your scopes sited in

[@seanyouknowwho798]

If you expect to shoot them on the move, shotgun. If you can get them sitting still, 22 with a scope is better. I hunt in a few different locations. Some the squirrels are much less wary of hunters and sit still. Others they scamper about with every crackle of a dry leaf. As for loads on 22, I have moved to CCI quiets. I can either treat my 10/22 as a bolt action and use them since they won’t cycle the action or I can put in a modified spring to allow for the CCI’s to cycle the action. For shotgun, 20 and 12, I do use #4 typically due to hitting on the run and at distance. Plus, when I was young, sort of learned a bit of intuitively to move my aim closer to the head as your distance closes to concentrate the pattern in the upper body or mostly head.

[@Elboygoat850]

Pcola bruh. Love your videos man. I just subscribed today.

[@freshfowler1398]

Early in season me and the 12gauge full choke w/ high brass #6 or #7.5...but I always bring just a few 3" #4 Turkey loads with me for long range 45-60 shots. Later in the season after leaves are gone it's a scoped 10/22 w/CCI mini mags!✌👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@urrealdad3769]

22lr the tree rats shot guns are for thanksgiving chickens

[@rickydavid2731]

22 long rifle

[@kevinashby3784]

You make a few very good points. I went last week and I carried a 12 ga, a 22, and a pellet rifle. Couldn’t decide which to use. Early season, so I probably should have used the shotgun. Either way it rained me out. LOL

[@homeschooled5683]

.22 for the ground shots. 20g in the trees.

[@larrymcmakin3429]

Grew up with the 20 ga. but I have confidence in my shots with my Remington 552 Speedmaster. Lots of practice got me there.

[@sc6802]

12g, #4, soft turkey choke

[@robertsalyers1351]

Great video...I'm up in Coal County...LoL So, I either take my 20 ga semi or the 12 ga over/ under....Thunder Stick

[@Dutch.1722]

.22 lr subsonic no matter what. I takem like a ninja with a bolt. Shotguns suck. Loads are heavy. Loud. Short ranged. And get stuck in meat and hide. .22 usually exists unless its -15 out. Then they can be found in squirrel.

[@LizardKing513]

I struggle with this dilemma a lot! Thanks for breaking it down, Jack.

[@milwaukeetweed4843]

I prefer a .22 but the suburban grounds I hunt don't allow rifle hunting, shotgun or archery only. The rule is geared towards deer hunters but effects small game too. I'm sure the soccer field I hunt next to just loves to hear the 20 gauge......

[@The_BenD]

Milwaukee Tweed How about air rifles? That might be an option if it's allowed

[@reelfishing002]

I carry both , Incase I have to do a slow motion jump through the air shot 😎

[@calebferguson8543]

I love useing the 22 makes it a bit harder an you can do head shots with a shotgun you aim it pretty much anywhere close to the thing an it will drop it

[@jeremiahherron8702]

so if im understanding this right 22lr is for fun and 20 Gage is for meat

[@markjob7736]

Exactly

[@jeremiahherron8702]

is 17hmr fmj to much for a normal grey squirrel down hear in the south 2 if no than if i mill how far will it go

[@jeremiahherron8702]

p.s yak if you ever need someone to hunt with i live pretty close to FL

[@markjob7736]

@@jeremiahherron8702 it's not too much but if you miss one high in a tree it could potentially carry over a mile.

[@markjob7736]

@Justa Human You are a 100% correct. It really depends on the amount of woods you hunt in and how close houses and roads are. Happy hunting.

[@kissmyblackass]

I use a .22 or .25 the range good with a nice scope. I hit a squirrel with a heartshot maybe 40 to 45 yards. And that was dead on it. The impact of the pellet connecting then the actual shot.

[@AgentXRifle]

Why choose? I bring my takedown 10/22 with a scope and CCI velocitor rounds, and I also bring my FD-12 bullpup semi auto shotgun with an EOTec 512 sight. Bring bird shot for game and slugs for defense from bears/cougars/crazies.

[@chriso2710]

I never have that problem I own a 22 Magnum 20 gauge savage LOL.

[@sc6802]

truth about cold weather thick hide squirrels

[@daleosborn3729]

I live in NY. I hunt squirrel with my Savage Mark II .22 lr, with CCI mini-mags when I'm not worried about backstop, or firing into the air (skyline shots). When I am worried about those things.... Remington 870 12g full choke #6 Winchester Super X!! He is right, thick hides, and long shots require 12g full choke

[@daleosborn3729]

Hahaha

[@Leeroy2586]

The squirrels are gonna be deaf lol

[@npittman_03]

Her me I've allways had luck with my Remington 552 longrifle

[@tpires3024]

The 552 SpeedMaster? Old post, but I just inherited one of the old Remington 552s.

[@tomrudd1118]

The best thing would be a .22 or .25 spring rifle with a good scope on board. They can kill a small pig if you shoot the brain. How tough then is a squirrel, rat or fox?

[@caden8724]

i use a ruger 10/22 with a ultra vision 3-7 x 20 using Winchester 36 grain plated hollow point 22lr its a grate set up for up north in like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan area.

[@aftonm693]

I am in Wisconsin and I even use a single shot pellet gun sometimes, just get it right and they will falls

[@bigdave1579]

I used to hunt bushy tails with a 20 gauge and a .22 loaded with .22 shorts. Then I purchased a pre-charged air rifle FX Crowne in .22. Got addicted to it and have been hunting with it. Then I brought a Benjamin Woods Walker in .22 plus an Umarex in .177. I throw dice to determine which one! All of them are stone cold killers out to 50 yards!! Then I saw the Henry .410 lever action! Trying to figure out a way to sneak it in the house past the wife. Anyone got any tips as to how I can do this?

[@alandothompson7592]

Just take both fuck it💯

[@karynwalker9536]

A 20ga is a boom stick

[@CAUSEDEATH]

Thanks Jack

[@HickLife]

I use both my marlin mod. 60 (.22) or my old Sears Mossberg 20 gauge (grand daddy's gun I inherited) but I like using the .22 as it's lighter quieter and of course cheaper. But my Mossberg has a lot of room for error or fast moving varmints....

[@mjwalsh85]

I can't help but notice that this guy sounds like Steve-O.

[@Dutch1722]

I use an air rifle or a .22 bolt action.