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GuruBushHippie
MountainMan


Registered: 04/28/11
Posts: 3,434
Loc: USA
Last seen: 7 years, 3 months
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Tips for hunting squirrels:
#17500746 - 01/05/13 07:37 AM (12 years, 13 days ago) |
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As a lot of you here in the GO forum know, I love hunting and eating squirrel. It makes a great meal to eat at home or in camp, but knowing how to hunt them is an invaluable skill to know for a survival situation as well. Here's some tips that I have used for as long as I can remember. Most of these tricks are things that were passed down over the years to the men on my mom's side of the family. Grandpa claims it started with his father who, as a child, had to hunt squirrels as a means of survival during the depression era.
1) The best tip that I or anyone else can give is to be as stealthy as possible. It's just common sense. Camouflage is not a necessity, but muted colors like grey, brown, olive drab, and forest green will help you blend in to your surroundings. Remember that squirrels can see color, so the less you stick out the better your chances.
2) On that same note, when I hunt I find success by staying in one or two acres of the woods that I know really well. I then patrol different trees where I know squirrels are frequently seen. This may be where one of their many food caches is, or it may be where the den is located, called a drey. I have about 15 trees inhabited or used by squirrels on the two acres that I hunt. They are spaced about 1/10 of a mile or less from each other. I have several different ground blinds near each one. I will spend usually 30 minutes to an hour at each one and then move to the next. Remember to listen, keep quiet, move, little, and scan often.
3) During the spring, summer, and fall it is usually not a problem to see plenty of squirrels come your way, but hunting them during the winter requires you to lure them in. The trick my great-grandfather used was an easy to do call. What you do is lick the back of your hand and wet your lips. Now suck on the back of your hand like you're giving yourself a hickie. Make it loud. This squeak-like sound is very similar to a juvenile squirrel in distress. Another easy way to call them is to rub the edges of two poker chips together so that the scored lines in the plastic make noise.
4) Squirrels will often spot you, it's just the way it is. If you do spook one, they won't necessarily run away right off the bat. A lot of times they will just move to the other side of the tree trunk and hide. A way to remedy this is to hang a colorful hat (I use blaze orange or safety green) on the side of the trunk opposite from where you'll be shooting at. When a squirrel goes to hide from you they will see the bright color of the hat and will usually retreat back to your side and stay there. It's almost like they forget you're there once they see that hat.
5) To prevent them from hiding in the first place, you have to be patient and wait for 10 or 15 minutes in silence and not moving. Be like a sniper and wait for the perfect shot. When you see a squirrel, but it is further away or at a bad angle, don't jump the gun. If you let them do their thing for a few minutes they'll let their guard down.
6) It's true that squirrels quickly and easily become aware that they're being hunted and will evade you for that reason. My gramps and my uncle swear that if you carry a bow with you and keep your .22 or .177 somewhat concealed for a little while, the squirrels will think you're hunting larger game and will be all over the place after about 20 minutes.
That's it for now, anyone feel free to add a tip...
-------------------- Two roads diverged in a wood, and I cut straight through the forest, and that has made all the difference.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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All great advice. Back as a kid in Michigan I trained my dog to go to the back side of a tree when I had a squirrel up there. That would often bring them back around to my side if I was quiet. Also if solo you can toss a rock or chunk of wood to the other side of the tree.
I'm doing research on wrist rockets and slingshots right now for some spring squirrel hunting. And it's your doing! I haven't hunted in many years since my High Desert abo days.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.
" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.
With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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GuruBushHippie
MountainMan


Registered: 04/28/11
Posts: 3,434
Loc: USA
Last seen: 7 years, 3 months
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Icelander]
#17502152 - 01/05/13 02:18 PM (12 years, 13 days ago) |
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Quote:
Icelander said: All great advice. Back as a kid in Michigan I trained my dog to go to the back side of a tree when I had a squirrel up there. That would often bring them back around to my side if I was quiet. Also if solo you can toss a rock or chunk of wood to the other side of the tree.
I'm doing research on wrist rockets and slingshots right now for some spring squirrel hunting. And it's your doing! I haven't hunted in many years since my High Desert abo days.
Hooray! I'm always happy to inspire someone to get out and play I love hunting tree rats with a slingshot. If you can land a good shot in the head they're pretty much dead immediately.
-------------------- Two roads diverged in a wood, and I cut straight through the forest, and that has made all the difference.
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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I also got a slingshot thanks to you. Maybe I'll use it on those racoons that hang around our house at 3am.. fuckers are annoying crawling on the roof and freaking out the cats shit
--------------------
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Quote:
GuruBushHippie said:
Quote:
Icelander said: All great advice. Back as a kid in Michigan I trained my dog to go to the back side of a tree when I had a squirrel up there. That would often bring them back around to my side if I was quiet. Also if solo you can toss a rock or chunk of wood to the other side of the tree.
I'm doing research on wrist rockets and slingshots right now for some spring squirrel hunting. And it's your doing! I haven't hunted in many years since my High Desert abo days.
Hooray! I'm always happy to inspire someone to get out and play I love hunting tree rats with a slingshot. If you can land a good shot in the head they're pretty much dead immediately.
I haven't shot my old wrist rocket in years. I got it out and the band was rotten.
Here's what I'm going to try this time around although I found many beautiful slingshots out there for under $40. http://www.slingshotsusa.com/chief-aj-quick-point-combo-pack-stealth-black-with-beige-band.html
I'll be learning a new shooting style to go with it. The beginning of the video shows his grip and at the end of this short video it shows him taking pheasants on the wing. (btw the guys kind of a character)
As for me now I'll always try for a head shot unless it's a bird on the wing. I'm really not that desperate for game to try anything else now. That means I'll need a good amount of practice. I'm going to try for 10 mins. a day and then maybe by spring I'll be ready for something alive.
I also liked these guys. Great shooting instructional videos in this first link. http://www.simple-shot.com/collections/slingshots http://www.pocketpredator.com/two.html
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.
" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.
With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
Edited by Icelander (01/05/13 03:40 PM)
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Shroomism]
#17502378 - 01/05/13 03:00 PM (12 years, 13 days ago) |
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Quote:
Shroomism said: I also got a slingshot thanks to you. Maybe I'll use it on those racoons that hang around our house at 3am.. fuckers are annoying crawling on the roof and freaking out the cats shit
If you don't want to kill them better shoot em soft or you'll wound them.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.
" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.
With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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Dough
Chillin


Registered: 05/25/12
Posts: 1,110
Loc: New England
Last seen: 7 years, 8 days
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Icelander]
#17513498 - 01/07/13 06:30 PM (12 years, 11 days ago) |
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you hunt more than squirrels?
-------------------- Trippy Kit
trippy mane
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Dough]
#17513547 - 01/07/13 06:41 PM (12 years, 11 days ago) |
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If you're asking me, yes. I've hunted a lot of game in my day , from raccoon to pigeon.
Now I'm hunting with only a slingshot so my targets will be mostly grouse and rabbit.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.
" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.
With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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Rifki
Stranger

Registered: 09/25/12
Posts: 213
Last seen: 9 years, 7 months
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Icelander]
#17513597 - 01/07/13 06:49 PM (12 years, 11 days ago) |
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i thought only mountain men hicks ate squirrel's.
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Dough
Chillin


Registered: 05/25/12
Posts: 1,110
Loc: New England
Last seen: 7 years, 8 days
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Rifki]
#17513615 - 01/07/13 06:53 PM (12 years, 11 days ago) |
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you dont have to be one you just have to want to try new gamey tasting shit and have a weapon to play around with
-------------------- Trippy Kit
trippy mane
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Rifki
Stranger

Registered: 09/25/12
Posts: 213
Last seen: 9 years, 7 months
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Dough] 1
#17513652 - 01/07/13 07:01 PM (12 years, 11 days ago) |
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Bluejay burgers. yummm
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Dough
Chillin


Registered: 05/25/12
Posts: 1,110
Loc: New England
Last seen: 7 years, 8 days
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Rifki]
#17513696 - 01/07/13 07:07 PM (12 years, 11 days ago) |
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nah bluejays and cardinals are cool dont shoot em, exotic colored birds are cool, shoot the stupid fat fucking ones that plague farms or kill crows
-------------------- Trippy Kit
trippy mane
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GuruBushHippie
MountainMan


Registered: 04/28/11
Posts: 3,434
Loc: USA
Last seen: 7 years, 3 months
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: Rifki]
#17513830 - 01/07/13 07:31 PM (12 years, 11 days ago) |
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Quote:
Rifki said: i thought only mountain men hicks ate squirrel's.
Yep. Don't you be a comin' round my way, boy. Me an' my mutated kinfolk rape and eat cityboys like you every day
-------------------- Two roads diverged in a wood, and I cut straight through the forest, and that has made all the difference.
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trueze
Fisherman



Registered: 11/17/11
Posts: 212
Loc: Central PA
Last seen: 11 years, 10 months
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Bush Hippie,
What's your secret to cooking? How can I keep my squirrel meet from getting that rubbery consistency?
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GuruBushHippie
MountainMan


Registered: 04/28/11
Posts: 3,434
Loc: USA
Last seen: 7 years, 3 months
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: trueze]
#17518759 - 01/08/13 06:16 PM (12 years, 10 days ago) |
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Quote:
trueze said: Bush Hippie,
What's your secret to cooking? How can I keep my squirrel meet from getting that rubbery consistency?
Slow and low, brother. I prefer to use a crock pot. I cook it in a broth (chicken or beef) at around 150 degrees for around 12 hours. It's always gonna be a bit chewy, but slow and low really helps to cook at a low heat for an extended period.
-------------------- Two roads diverged in a wood, and I cut straight through the forest, and that has made all the difference.
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trueze
Fisherman



Registered: 11/17/11
Posts: 212
Loc: Central PA
Last seen: 11 years, 10 months
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Do you de-bone all of the meat prior to cooking in the crock pot?
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GuruBushHippie
MountainMan


Registered: 04/28/11
Posts: 3,434
Loc: USA
Last seen: 7 years, 3 months
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: trueze]
#17518784 - 01/08/13 06:21 PM (12 years, 10 days ago) |
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Quote:
trueze said: Do you de-bone all of the meat prior to cooking in the crock pot?
Not if i'm jut cooking for me. If i'm making stew for company then I will just because people are more open to trying it if there's no bones. I personally don't mind picking around the bones. I think cutting the meat all to pieces takes away from the natural flavors.
-------------------- Two roads diverged in a wood, and I cut straight through the forest, and that has made all the difference.
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trueze
Fisherman



Registered: 11/17/11
Posts: 212
Loc: Central PA
Last seen: 11 years, 10 months
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You're right. Leaving the bone will allow for more flavor. I just was curious.
My friend informed me of "squirrel wings" this past year. I'll have to try at some point in the near future!
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GuruBushHippie
MountainMan


Registered: 04/28/11
Posts: 3,434
Loc: USA
Last seen: 7 years, 3 months
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Re: Tips for hunting squirrels: [Re: trueze]
#17518823 - 01/08/13 06:28 PM (12 years, 10 days ago) |
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Quote:
trueze said: You're right. Leaving the bone will allow for more flavor. I just was curious.
My friend informed me of "squirrel wings" this past year. I'll have to try at some point in the near future!
Wings eh? The squirrels I hunt (eastern grey squirrel) are so small their whole body isn't much larger than a chicken wing
-------------------- Two roads diverged in a wood, and I cut straight through the forest, and that has made all the difference.
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trueze
Fisherman



Registered: 11/17/11
Posts: 212
Loc: Central PA
Last seen: 11 years, 10 months
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Simply throw wing sauce on your meat after you cook. hahaha It's that easy!
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