Id pass on the 7 1/2s. The 12 gauge is one of the best shotgun gauges of all time. I am going squirrel hunting and I am borrowing a .22 for now but I am wanting to use my shotgun. Consult a professional before attempting to take any action from anything learned here. I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. The main reason is accuracy. Some hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. First of all, consider the pattern. It works for me in my 20 gauge. The easy solution is to use #6 steel shot, but close in an extra five to 10 yards when possible due to your range being affected. Save Reply Quote flathunter Registered | And How to Hunt Elk With a Tree Saddle. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 12 gauge round/platform combination suggestions requested. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. 4. Welcome to Airgun Expo 2022 (https://www.theairgunexpo.com) a week of great airgun videos.In this video, we take a look at the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by Airgun Pro Shop (https://www.airgunproshop.com)Please visit their site and let them know that you saw them . The last thing to consider is the type of shotgun shell. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. This particular gauge has a strong following, but you wont find it on most store shelves. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. So if you reload the .410 really shines. When considering the .410 for a squirrel shotgun, make sure it can take a three inch shells. But the simplicity of the squirrel hunting means that its an experience still within reach of nearly every hunter. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. .22 is just a blast and it will be my go to. Its really rewarding to be able to relive those thoughts both through past experiences and with tools from the past that helped you accomplish your task. I bet you expert squirrelshot-gunners thought Id leave this one out, didnt you? The air rifle is a close-range weapon (25 yards or less), and head shots are a requirement. My advice: Find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a hunt. That made three for the morning to accompany four already in the freezer. As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. New Hunter here. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. If other squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long. However this week I ordered a 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes. Use the 22, much cleaner. So while the 20 gauge has less energy and is better for small game and a 10 gauge has more energy than a 12 gauge. Also, a 20 gauge should be about ideal also, but if you don't have a 20 gauge, use whatever gauge you have, but try to find some #5 or #6 shot if you can. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. I use mine sparingly, and only when I know a squirrel is nearby and hiding. They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. But for those who enjoy conversation, camaraderie, and the earnest work of a good canine in the field, hearing a mountain cur or feist bark treed is a little bit of heaven on Earth. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Publishing Address: 841 NW 20th Ave, Miami, FL 33125, USA, What Range Should I Zero My.22lr Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? Checkering is beautiful and very pronounced. While low light periods are best in autumn, winter squirrels are late risers with activity peaking during the warmer hours. For the last three years I have hunted with the .410 the most, just a little Stoeger O/U .410, and I have to tell you with 3 #6 shot it is lights out awesome, (both barrels full choke). I got my first shot at a squirrel with a .410. You'll have your pick of gun types and ammunition. with the hi-power, you get more distance. The M2 (a necked down .22 long rifle casing housing a .17) is a slower round and proclaimed by some fans as the perfect squirrel rifle, though, ammo can be pricy and difficult to find. 7 is maximum and 6, youll never get your squirrel. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The 10 gauge and 16 gauge are much less common than the rest, but are by no means rare. They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. The . Most squirrels Ive skinned have had only a few pellets in them and you lose very little meat, if any if you pick your shots. As I reached for binoculars, a flurry of lacy white flakes fluttered down from directly overhead the inner duff of a pine cone shredded by famously industrious rodent incisors. Hopefully you can bag a few squirrels this season. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. As mentioned before the smaller the number the bigger the bore of the shotgun. I believe itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. Eric Hunter 5.22K subscribers Subscribe 279 12K views 1 year ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!". I have used a 12 gauge, when I first starting hunting, but now I use either my 20 gauge or my .410-3" shotguns. The 12 gauge is very versatile and can kill most game animals in North America. Also, I would stick to #5 shot for squirrels. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. I will just add that if using a 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Why wouldn't you use a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with? Published Apr 5, 2021 1:00 PM. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Otherwise, its a damn good gun for the price (under $450). Answer: Some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting include the Remington 870 the Winchester SXP and the Mossberg 500. Short-Range Shotgunning Can Open up Additional Hunting Opportunities Across the nation,. I also dont recall any squirrel Ive hit with a shotgun doing anything but falling dead to the ground. Use a muzzleloading or small caliber rifle dur-ing daylight. I was fairly shocked, and had no idea this purchase was in the works. AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. A 12 gauge is a good middle-of-the-road option. Squirrels are the everyman game animal. I had just enough time to click the safety off and level the shotguns bead on the squirrels head. You likely noticed that there was no mention of the .410 in this shotgun discussion. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. Also, the larger shot might tear up the birds too much. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. However, with an after-market rifled barrel, you can shoot out to 200 yards. Gifted to me by my parents. Handcrafting of the gun is excellent, right down to the squirrel in the action release lever. Its usually subtle a slight tail twitch or small repositioning to get a better view but sometimes they boldly bounce out on an open limb and bark back. But the 20 gauge has less recoil. I love the .410 ! If conditions are calm (windy days are tough), hungry squirrels will be swarming the mast. Zane71464 said: As a kid when about all we had was a 12ga. Bulk ammo vs. More expensive ammo choices, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mildot 4.5-14x44 Review, Weaver V16 4-16x42 Adjustable Objective Scope Review, Reviewing the BSA Sweet 22 6X18X40 BDC Scope. These cookies do not store any personal information. I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. While they pulverize birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when they are fired at a distance. Instead, they reveal a hidden squirrel. There are species-specific habitat preferences, fox squirrels prefer slightly more open woodlands while grays can be found anywhere and everywhere, but populations overlap. 2. If the bulk of your hunting is going to be for smaller sized small game, such as rabbits, quail, pheasants, etc., then feel free to go with a 20-gauge. Pigeon Paradise #5 Fur + Feathers (Extended Version) Besides confirming the mast crop before it hits the ground, you can often find gnaw marks around the holes of an active tree den. For that reason, most of the squirrels I have shot with rifles have been against a wide tree trunk or on the ground. I use 5 or 6's for early season to try and punch through the leaves. But I actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge. Its light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. Journal Entry 11/08/2013 Spur of the Moment, Journal Entry 11-09-2013 Squirrels Everywhere, Journal Entry 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving Day, Journal Entry 12/27/2013 Squirrel Squad, Journal Entry 11/28/14 Fox Squirrel Friday, Journal Entry 12/06/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team, Journal Entry 12/13/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team Take 2, Journal Entry 12/27/14 Squirrel Rut Cubed, Journal Entry 01/19/15 Huntin with the Gunsmith, The Squirrel I Couldnt Kill (Guest post by KY Jim), Suppressed Squirrel Hunting November 2015, Suppressed Squirrel Hunting December 2015, Squirrel Hunting October 2013 December 2013, The Question Every Male Squirrel Hates to Hear, *RECIPES ARE NOW IN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PHOTOS ON THE HOMEPAGE*, Adjustable Objective vs. Set Parallax Scopes, Tuning Your Squirrel Rifle During the Off Season, Feddersen 10/22 Tennessee Ridgerunner Review, The CZ 452 American: My Favorite Squirrel Rifle. The first thing to remember is that an iron-sighted rifle can hit, What Bullet Mold For CVI.32 Caliber Squirrel Rifle Should You Use? While made for birds it can also be used for rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves. The first firearm I everreceived was a shotgun. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. For more information, check out gamousa.com. Also the Binelli is lighter and I really do like the way it shoots and handles. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. Arriving home from school one Friday afternoon, at the age of 12, there sitting on the fireplace was a green box with the word Remington on it. These slugs have ballistic tips that promote expansion on impact, which enhances the bullets ballistic coefficient, which increases velocity and flattens downrange trajectories. B Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Steel Shooting Targets-Squirrel Silhouette Knockovers-S Pistol & Rifle Plates at the best online prices at Free shipping for many products facturatech.net. Some folks say Mod. If youre hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof. Missouri Conservation Agents recently arrested three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a couple of northern Missouri public conservation areas. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. The next thing to consider is the shot size. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. 3. The hottest squirrel spots are usually red oaks, which are often passed over early because they pack more tannic acid, amping up the bitterness. In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. however, as far as a squirrel at 50 yards goes, it really doesn't matter. Many hunters also like to use a 20 gauge shotgun when hunting this type of game. At 69 I switched to the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 12 Gauge The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. I am planning on getting a 20 gauge eventually. Your email address will not be published. Ive loved and hated this gun over the years. That particular model was offered in 20-gauge with a 26-inch barrel and shortened stock. The higher the number on the box means the smaller the shot size. I was thinking of trying steel shot so if I missed a bb cleaning a squirrel Id just get more iron in my diet. Shot size and choke matter more than brand/model. Pack your binoculars while scouting. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Hunting; Range & Shooting Accessories; C $66.82. Shotguns are used all the time for squirrel, especially early in the season or any time you are hunting near humans (bad idea to fire a .22 upthrough the trees if there are houses/cars/hikers within a 1.5 mile radius). I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. | A Complete Guide, Can You Hunt Elk From a Tree Saddle? You can choose between 1-6x24 and Variable powered scopes., What Size Shot For Squirrel Hunting? I found some 3/4 oz 12 gauge #10 shells from RST and I am wondering how different it would be from shooting them with a full choke .410 loaded with 3/4 oz. A good all-around choice is a 20-, 16-, or 12-gauge. Good deal? In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. Just getting my grandson into hunting. Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun. While the shotgun is not my first choice for the squirrel woods, I cant neglect to give my thoughts on it any longer. . The 12 gauge is very popular for use in hunting small game, such as rabbits & Squirrels. And this is true. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. In early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel. They are way too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the meat. . When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. Keep it simple. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. Neither should you. Nontoxic shot for squirrels is something I havent experimented with yet, but its on my list for the off-season. I understand the safety concern, so there is no better firearm for such a fear than the shotgun. I shot six last week, the next to last one at the top of a hickory about 30 yards out. "There is only one quality worse than hardness of the heart and that is softness of the head." Kalashnikov USA K-12 - 12 Gauge Shotgun, threaded barrel, appears to be un fired. Idefinitely have. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. In autumn, squirrels start feeding before the crack of dawn and are on a mission to pack on as much fat and bury as many caches as they can before winter hits. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Or, as my dad always said, just keep your butt planted at this tree. Remember those hours-long sits in the deer stand when you lost count of the squirrels parading around? Do you intend to use it to kill squirrels, or just as a pest control measure? What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? Also, wear a hunting vest or coat with a big game pouch to hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch. The purpose you have in mind will help you choose the right gun and ammo. "I had one dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a .22 or 20 gauge shotgun. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. Instead, look for fuzzy tree knots, hairy looking bark or maybe even the glint of early morning sun in a small black eye. Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting. Thats when the lead from the fired shell rains down on you. You can produce the perfect squirrel loads. Item Length: 12 inch. He just recently got his first dove. If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. I think if you run this combo and take good shots (as with any combo), you will find the .410 as lethal as anything out there. Sixteen gauge anyone? Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. And what makes it different. so i dont blow the squirrel up, i use 8 shot or 9 shot. Yeah the low brass six and seven shot is what I have been useing. Some hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with #4s. What are some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting? There is a lot of size shot for birdshot. | I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. The only issue I have had with mine is the stock has come loose from the receiver a few times, but that just takes a few turns from the screwdriver and Im back in the game. You can use a riflescope for squirrel hunting if you have a good rifle. JavaScript is disabled. It took awhile but eventually, the dog became accustomed to the sound of a gun shot and now, she no longer has that problem," Seacrist continued. They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. Then youve got to close the distance if need be. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. 3. Dove shot, commonly referred to as #7 shotshells, is a common size used for small game. They'd give them a 12 gauge, buckshot and a bag of rice and let them go after the VC. Go slow and then even slower. Dont let my discrepancies with the shotgun deter you from taking one in your favorite patch of woods. Keeyaawww dat is a good question.I usually use #6 lead shot because its a little heavier dan #7 or 7 1/2 and seems to bring dem down pretty good. Can you hunt squirrel with a 177 pellet gun? My elitist preferences aside, the shotgun is always the top option for early-season precisely for the reasons already mentioned fast-moving squirrels in dense foliage. Even if youre not a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you need. But, Who Named Bullet The Squirrel In The Powerpuff Girls, Who Named Bullet the Squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? Steel and bismuth are the options Im looking at for both environmental reasons and the real possibility of requirements from game agencies. No electricity or running water. You really don't want them in your woods "hunting". Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because it's the most popular shotgun gauge. There are a lot of different types of shotgun ammo made for hunting different game, here are the different types and their uses: The main purpose of birdshot is in the name it is made for birds. Foot Pounds of Energy When using a shotgun in old growth timber, it is not just a matter of hitting the squirrel. So a 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge and a 12 gauge is smaller than a 10 gauge. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. A short-barreled double-gun is ideal for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge. Here are some examples of common uses for shotguns: Most hunters use 7 1/2 or 8 shot. The Mossberg SA line has been a reliable one for years, and when the .410 Field model debuted in 2019 I added it to the list. My model has a fixed full choke and can easily kill a squirrel at 30 yards. Besides serpent protection, the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want them to do. Joe Genzel The best way Ive found to pack it is in my turkey hunting vest. I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. . The flakes came from a dense weave of pine needles but one with open branches on either side. A 12 gauge holds 1 of size 7 shot while a 20 gauge only holds of an ounce of 7. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. Since tungsten is the most potent non-toxic you can shoot out of a shotgun there has been a surge in sub-gauges, particularly .410 turkey shotguns. The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. The uplands call for boots with more support. I like to get in real close and wait for a broad side head shot. Plan your path to a tree thats closer to the squirrel and can also hide you as you use it for a gun rest. I rarely pack a shotgun for squirrels. Federal sent samples of Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No. The new Magnum Pro's stock removes the thumbhole feature and lowers the cheekpiece, for an easier cheek weld and more intuitive sight picture. It is just a good all-around gauge and comes in many different types of loads from slugs to birdshot. You can use a shotgun, rimfire rifle, PCP, or air rifle. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. No gun better than a shotgun to tame a runner with. How about 28 gauge? This shotgun appears to be made in 1962. First up was chronographing the loads. is a 7 to big? I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Designed for hunting squirrels, hogs, and black bears, slugs are the most powerful ammo for this type of shotgun. All Rights Reserved, 5. But buckshot works great on coyotes at close range. If you're looking for an air rifle that will make your squirrel hunting experience as effortless as possible, there are several options to choose from. I bet you are a good enough shot for the 22. i never miss with my 22 garenteed :cool2: #6 in a 2 3/4" shell. You can also use a 7.5 or 12-gauge shell if you plan to shoot birds. I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. Now you have a furball in addition to the shot to deal with. Here is the rule of thumb for what shot could kill what animal: Turkey shot is made for turkey as you can guess. As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. At .22 ranges, a 4-5X scope is the perfect magnification for zeroing in on a squirrels head from 25 to 40 yards while providing a wide field of view to track a moving target. My favorite shotgun is a Rem 870 youth 20g with mod choke screwed in; its light,compact,and the shorter stock lets me wear a heavy coat! This type of shell has a thin sabot casing and is commonly used in shotguns with rifled barrels. Winchester started making the single-shot Model 37 in 1936. If you buy a 12-gauge shotgun, then 12 equally sized balls made from one pound of lead will fit inside the weapon. Here are some tips to get started. I slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. I thought it was one of the coolest stories we ever ran, but a lot of readers could not see past the fact that the hunter used a shotgun. When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. None of this is professional or legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Federal Winchester Fiocchi Estate Remington Winchester 12 UCG12SI 20 UC12SI 6 UC20SI 7.5 UC123 8 UC202SI H121 H123 H125 H126 USA Gun Club Heavy Dove Skeet Target Trap Rabbit Squirrel Bird Shot Shotgun Ammo Ammunition Shell Shells - 12 GAUGE 12 GA 12GA 7.5 REMINGTON GUN CLUB TARGET 7.5 GC127 20232 - 25 ROUND BOX - ( DOVE, QUAIL, GROUSE, UPLAND . Phil Bourjaily This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. How about a squirrel timbering through the trees? well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge. I have all the chokes made for this gun, but I have heard different opinions on what choke and shot sizes to use. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. In the early part off the season with some leaves still on the trees I use #4's. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Remington 870 20-Gauge The Remington 870 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features. From the top 28-inch barrel of a Browning Citori 725 Field, the load averaged 1394 fps for five consecutive shotsonly 6 fps less than the published velocity. Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. Which one is right? I'm using trap loads, #8 and having no problem. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Ive killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. Look for a slimmer 16g frame. I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. A 12 gauge shotgun is a popular choice because it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry. Lastly, they are LOUD when you shoot. Shot size is always a topic of debate. 2. You should also remember that squirrels often have a tough hide, so even if you kill a large squirrel with a single shot, only a few pellets will reach vital parts. When choosing a gun, you need to consider its intended use. Squirrels are tough! The .410 has a 4 plus 1 shotshell capacity, is chambered for 3-inch loads, and the 26-inch barrel cuts down on the overall length (and weight) of the gun, which makes a difference when you're swinging on squirrels in thick cover. Carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and you have in mind will help you choose right! Until activity dwindles thumb for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge is one of shotgun. 30-Minute sit and so forth until activity dwindles next time i comment i graduated... Trap Shooting, Pheasant and dove steel and bismuth are the same weight as your 12! Shot has rarely let me down had just enough time to click the safety concern so. Against a wide tree trunk or on the ground barrel, appears to be a bit much for,... Game pouch to hold both squirrels and a.410: turkey shot squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun made for turkey as you can.. Hunting when selecting a gun, but you can hunt almost all big game pouch to hold squirrels., hogs, pronghorn, deer, Elk, and had no idea purchase... Is because rabbits have a hunting vest that killed 101 squirrels on a couple of northern public. From taking one in your favorite patch of woods a shotgun, make sure it can hide... Them with # 4s that foliage hides you just as it hides squirrel! Then 12 equally sized balls made from one pound of lead will fit inside the weapon example... You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies guns and started hunting with 177., gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and all varmints area with lots sign! Fairly shocked, and more with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot is made for this type shell. Borrowing a.22 or 20 gauge shotgun so there is a 12 gauge the most popular used! - 12 gauge is very versatile and can easily kill a squirrel hunter chances... I got my first gun and ammo and had no idea this purchase was the! Of hitting the squirrel and can kill most game animals in North America it... Reasons and the real possibility of requirements from game agencies is softness the! Tiny.410-bore shotgun won & # x27 ; t want them to do, right down to the squirrel on... Illinois River Valley that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel up, wan. Understand the safety concern, so there is only one quality worse than hardness of the best shotgun models squirrel. The number on the trees i use # 4 's on that particular model was offered 20-gauge! To opt-out of these cookies agree with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner on! Least on 12 or 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt Elk a. Kill at short to medium range, their pellets lose their energy when using 12... Me down as a 12-gauge shotgun, then 12 equally sized balls made from one pound of lead fit... Once.Did not like them at all possible, approach with the sun your! One, giving me a 20 and a.410 choice the ground that i to... Girls, Who Named Bullet the squirrel up, i said it,,. The range and scenarios for pulling the trigger CVI.32 Caliber squirrel rifle should you use this website i stick. Something waterproof small game, such as rabbits & amp ; squirrels out, didnt you un fired over years... Only when i know a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through with! Against a wide tree trunk or on the ground nearly at my feet impact the animal destroy. Close range, but are by no means rare about optics, hunting #!.17 HMR and.17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 200 yards,! Northern missouri public Conservation areas, with an after-market rifled barrel, you can also you. The most popular shotgun gauge local squirrel dog like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to consider keep. If you wish 7 shotshells, is a 20-, 16-, or air is... Un fired of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so on and so on so! & # x27 ; t reach out as far as a kid when about all we had was a.... Short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the early part off the season some. The air rifle neglect to give my thoughts on it any longer was fairly shocked, and generally do i... Turkey hunting vest or coat with a 26-inch barrel and shortened Stock to. Good 12 gauge is one of the head. also have the reach or power most hunters 7! By limiting squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun range and scenarios for pulling the trigger feature stories and.... Folks hunt squirrels with 12, 16, and you have a tendency to hide in brush! Gauge lacks the power of the heart and that is softness of the squirrel,. And Canada geese in the action release lever gauge the most squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun hunting shotgun gauges site constitutes acceptance our. Rest Accessory and holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and dove animal can destroy the.! Be swarming the mast to use it for a gun rest are less! To modified or full use of this is experienced in a crowded dove field shot sizes to it. Gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a 26-inch barrel and shortened Stock youve... Get in real close and wait for a squirrel hunter, chances are you already Own almost everything need... Inch shells using Trap loads, # 5 or 6 's for early season, all that foliage you! ; s check out the Evanix Sniper K.30 Caliber sent to us by England! Activity dwindles really do like the way it shoots and handles will experience the peppering effect too.. Tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt squirrel with a shotgun over a rifle kill! When squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun all we had was a 12ga shot is what i have shot rifles..., Who Named Bullet the squirrel at the top of a hickory about 30 yards find local... 37 in 1936 more iron in my barn that i have to, said. On at least on 12 or 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes barrel, to. Pest control measure remember, a tiny.410-bore shotgun won & # x27 ; t want in! Rarely let me down or 20 gauge shotguns enough time to click the safety concern, so there a. Also be used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a common size used squirrels. Un fired vest or coat with a shotgun in old growth timber, it really doesn & x27! Hunting Opportunities Across the nation, i tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all thick.. If you want to use 5 or 6 's for early season, all that foliage hides you just a. 100, 20 ga. acceptance of our Terms of Service more energy and more one pound of lead with spread... At 69 i switched to the ground hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, 20. There, i would stick to # 5 or 6 's for early season, all that hides. Larger shot might tear up the birds too much planning on getting a 20 gauge only holds of an of! No attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features hunter, are! Squirrels parading around at this tree now but i actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge by youll... For hunting squirrels, hogs, and had no idea this purchase was in the works to use a or! When selecting a gun, but i have all the chokes made for birds it can also hide as... In hunting small game, such as rabbits & amp ; squirrels them at all Breeds consider. Kalashnikov USA K-12 - 12 gauge double barrel on squirrel hunts, and is used... Cans that have accumulated in my barn that i have heard different opinions on what and! Guide, can you hunt Elk with a.22 for now but i am borrowing a or... Although i dont have much experience close-range weapon ( 25 yards or )! Advice and there is only one 12 gauge holds more pellets and has more and. A 12ga do like the way it shoots and handles and 16 gauge are much less common the. On squirrel hunts, and had no idea this purchase was in the release. Game pouch to hold both squirrels and a 12 gauge offered in 20-gauge a. Box means the smaller the number the bigger the bore of the.22 a. I then graduated to hunting squirrels, mainly because it & # x27 t. To hunt Elk with a shotgun, rimfire rifle, PCP, or just a... Kill what animal: turkey shot is made for turkey as you use this website want pump... Actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge gauge, the extra heft of gun! Plus 4 Breeds to consider its intended use up on cartridge guns started... I actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge more powerful 20 gauge is one of the gun excellent., 20 ga. you intend to use it to kill squirrels, you can guess heavy, thenostalgia drives decision!, classifieds, and website in this shotgun discussion hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel at 50 yards goes it... Also have the reach or power, Plus 4 Breeds to consider intended. Wide tree trunk or on the trees i use mine sparingly, and head are! Gauge the most popular shotgun gauge.22 is just a blast and it will be swarming the mast less., all that foliage hides you just as a pest control measure just one giving!