black powder squirrel hunting

But if you are looking for a way to make squirrel hunting more challenging and interesting, nothing beats a muzzleloader. You should do that fairly often on any ML rifle when using true black powder if you want consistent accuracy. It’s enough to know that where you find one squirrel, you are likely to find more. When you hear feeding activity, gradually move toward it until you make visual contact. The first is a 30- to 35-yard maximum range for squirrels when hunting with the blackpowder piece. Black powder squirrel hunting is fun and challenging. You don’t need to know which trees provide food each week throughout the summer. Squirrels move from one side of the tree to the other to escape danger. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 9 of 9 Posts ... Arkansas Hunting. Black Powder Squirrel Rifle. Orange and red hues highlighted the chilly eastern horizon. With turkey season in the rearview mirror and Memorial Day just around the corner, Missouri hunters’ thoughts naturally turn to squirrels. Hunting is mostly done with shotguns during the early months of the season, because lush foliage makes bushytails hard to spot. PLEASE contact me with any questions or to order a new hand-crafted Bill Smith Black Powder shooting bag, haversack or powder horn Phone: 270-737-3597 email: wsmithblackpowder@windstream.net I've hunted deer and elk with .40< caliber muzzle loaders before, so I'm familiar with the practices but this would be my first entry into "small bore" black powder hunting, so any advice or anecdotal experience is appreciated. Scott and Lee from www.cainsoutdoor.com are back for an early season squirrel hunt using black powder double barrels. You might just get an easy shot. Often, they pause to rest for a few moments between forays. With just 12 to 15 grains of FFFg black powder, depending on the barrel length, most will get a patched 45-grain .310" ball or a 47-grain patched .315" ball out of the muzzle at between 1,200 and 1,300 f.p.s. They also offer the possibility of “barking” squirrels – aiming at tree trunks or limbs adjacent to the squirrel’s head so death results from concussion. Squirrel season opens on May 27. I have only shot squirrels and targets with the rifle, but I'm certain that I could ruin a turkey's day.....after all 30-30 = .30 dia bullet, 30 gr black powder. Most hunters using a percussion-cap side-lock can put a round ball in a six-inch circle at 75 yards, accurate enough to hit the vitals of a deer. Larger projectiles do provide a slight advantage, simply because their greater diameter increases the chances that some part of the ball will make contact with the target. I gratefully watched the squirrels jump into another tree to my left. Summer squirrels are not concentrated around nut trees, as they are in the fall. The cap shoots a spark down to the black powder when the hammer drops by pulling the trigger. Since you are aiming for squirrels’ heads, it makes little difference whether your smoke pole is spitting .32-cal pellets or .54-cal marbles. My buddy, Dr. Andy Cline, and I sat in a long oak ridge waiting. Squirrels are hard to spot if they are alerted to your presence, even in bare trees. Traditional muzzleloaders’ lock time – the time elapsed between the moment you release the trigger and when the projectile leaves the barrel – is much longer for smoke poles than it is for modern firearms. You will probably use between 30 to 40 grains of powder for squirrels, but this is best determined by spending time at a target range to find your rifle's most effective load. You also can make your own out of a plastic jug. I carry a couple of frozen water bottles in my game pouch. Later still, they focus on mulberries and other fruit, such as hackberries and wild cherries. A .32, downloaded to only 15 or 20 grains, will be a great squirrel gun and the damage is not much more than a .22 LR. © Gannett Co., Inc. 2021. STILL HUNT: Still-hunting is the term used for a dead-slow walk. If you don’t already own a muzzleloader, look for one with a set trigger. Good camouflage makes that possible. You don't travel far fast, but you will definitely see more. Reducing trigger-release pressure helps offset this inherent disadvantage. I have not shot a 36 or a 45. 9 years ago. Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Georgia hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. Most of these early black powder guns were flintlocks and are as old as this country and even older. Cline watched this and started grinning. Because most of the activity occurs high in the tree tops, most of your shots will be at steep angles. Including whitetail deer, … BPCR Message Board. It's almost like stepping back in time when we go out on a good ol' fashioned squirrel hunt in Dorchester County, MD with our buddy Dave Ciekot. and if they only come as a kit that you have to build that is perfectly fine... in fact preferred. The heavier load simply is unnecessary. 4 1. I have a CVA 'squirrel rifle' that I have taken many with. That’s the best bet if you are dead set on bringing home a limit of bushytails. The morning was pleasantly cool requiring long-sleeved camouflaged shirts. Daniel Boone might have been able to shoot the eyes out of squirrels at 80 paces with old Tick-Licker, but most modern-day hunters find it much harder to head-shoot squirrels with iron sights. Admin and Moderator. GETTING STARTED: A slow turn and quick aim made an easy shot for the old college professor. I took careful aim with my CVA .36 caliber black powder rifle, tickled the trigger and sent a pumpkin ball flying. What a fun hunt to use a bp rifle! Move into shooting position during the active feeding phase, freezing when your quarry moves between branches. First make sure the rifle is pointed in a safe direction. Not only will squirrels leave the treetops to investigate, some will run toward you and perch on branches, barking and offering a shot. That doesn’t mean they are randomly distributed, however. Black powder hunting small game is a challenge that many people enjoy. Choice of muzzleloader is mostly a matter of personal preference. WHERE TO HUNT: Almost all public areas in most states are loaded with squirrels that are seldom hunted. I replaced the extra plastic wad in the clothespin part of the quick loader with a dry beer-flat over-powder wad, and I was in the muzzleloading shotgun squirrel hunting business. He knew that I might have a squirrel biting my head or shoulder very shortly. Enjoy! Why muzzleloaders are great for squirrel hunting. Sit, look and listen for squirrels and remember, you may hear squirrels before you see them. Try it once and you will likely leave your .22 rifle at home. Chuck Phelps and I went squirrel hunting this morning, our first hunt together. You can also find vintage hunting black powder, black powder gun parts, black powder rifle barrels, and more on eBay. Lv 6. The smaller calibers tended to be anywhere … Gutting squirrels as soon as you shoot them hastens cooling, and keeping them inside the pouch avoids attracting flies. The first squirrel I shot with my .32 CVA Varmint caplock was a full-grown gray squirrel. The limitations I face with the percussion gun versus, say, my Ruger 10/22 are two. Some of the guns that use black powder include pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Study the trees you pass and look behind you occasionally. All rights reserved. I used a T/C New Englander 12 gauge, 70 grains Goex FFg, one over powder … ... Black Powder Squirrels. Hard-core traditionalists will opt for flintlocks, but there’s no shame in opting for the more certain ignition offered by percussion models. Male and female squirrels respond dramatically to young squirrels’ distress calls. Another advantage to hunting squirrels in the summer is the fact that they are more susceptible to calling than at any other time of year. This lessens the tendency to pull the rifle to one side as you squeeze the trigger. Take a seat or lean against a tree when you enter the woods and spend five minutes listening for the telltale rustle of squirrels foraging in the treetops. That way I can build it with my grandfather and put his name on one side of the stock and mine on the other without hurting the manufacturer's finish. The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS ~ 422 Seneca St., Leavenworth, KS 66048 ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Cookie Policy ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service ~ Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. For consistent success, we need to get within 25 yards of our quarry. For sport my choice of firearm for hunting squirrel is a 36 caliber black powder rifle loaded at the muzzel with powder, cloth patch and lead round ball. © Copyright 2021 Share the Outdoors and Outdoor Bugle. This entry was posted in Research, Safety, Skills, Squirrel Hunts and tagged Black powder hunting, Dennis Neely, French Fusil de Chasse, French trade gun, North West trade gun, Northwest trade gun, trade gun, traditional black powder, traditional black powder hunting, traditional blackpowder, traditional blackpowder hunting, Traditional Woodsman. Most hunters shoot squirrels with a .32 or .36 caliber black powder squirrel rifle. Orange and red hues highlighted the chilly eastern horizon. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. Flambeau offers a different version of the same thing, called Mr. B’s Distress Squirrel Whistle. The same factors that limit hunters’ vision apply to squirrels, so they are much less likely to notice your approach. Here are a couple of squirrels I took with a muzzleloading shotgun awhile back. Of course, a .310ball is like a cannonball for small game, but it has been my experience that .32 fouls quicker than the bigger bores like ,36, .40, or even ,45. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I soon heard Cline shoot his blackpowder rifle 20 yards up the ridge. When you are certain the load will go no farther, mark your ramrod against the barrel's end with a sharp knife to ensure that the load is all the way down every time. This second trigger – typically located behind the main trigger – is pulled just before taking a shot. My squirrel distress call is sold by Haydel’s Game Calls under the name, Flambeau offers a different version of the same thing, called, Nockturnal introduces the FIT Universal Lighted Nock. Yes, the firearm in more capable hands than mine is, I’m certain, is suitable for game such as squirrels and cottontails out to distances approaching 100 yards. I’m no pro at hunting or fishing but I enjoy the open air and the challenge. Squirrel: Aug. 15-Feb. 28: Woodcock: Dec. 5-Jan. 18 **Season dates vary by zone. The lead found its mark. Squirrels become active during this period of change. You can also find powder flasks, bullet molds, powder bags, and the iconic powder horn for sale on eBay as well. Long Shot Less than 9 pounds, and 543⁄4 inches long, the .32-caliber Davide Pedersoli Frontier Percussion rifle (davide-pedersoli.com) is a squirrel hunter's dream. Still-hunting from tree to tree and about ten feet apart is a standard technique. Another young squirrel had barked at him while he watched the chase. You might even enjoy the show of young squirrels chasing their kinfolk up and down trees. Most hunters only move two or three feet in 10 minutes or longer. Tips, techniques for black powder squirrel hunting . A forum community dedicated to Arkansas hunters and enthusiasts. Occasionally a load will jam in the barrel creating a messy situation when the spark hits black powder. 11/10/2014 02 ... found Hodgdon’s Triple 7 in the FFFG variety or Pyrodex P makes the gun much easier to maintain and clean than pure black powder. 0 0. They know winter is coming and that day we knew the noisy critters would be actively feeding. It adds a new twist to small game hunting. One of the reasons that I truly enjoy squirrel hunting is a .32 CVA Squirrel Rifle. This puts a premium on woodsmanship that can pay dividends during later, big-game seasons. ... About the only thing we have up here is RED squirrels...They aren't worth the powder to even bother shooting at...One of these days,I'll head south to do some serious squirrel hunting with my … RG Gunsmithing - specializing in unique Handcrafted Black Powder firearms for competition,,, Hunting or a cherished and valued Flintlock collector's piece. Kenneth L. Kieser Wednesday Nov 24, 2010 at 12:01 AM Nov 24, 2010 at 2:25 PM. Digital access or digital and print delivery. A better approach is to find actively feeding squirrels, sneak in and take a position in their midst, and hit a few licks on the distress call. First squirrel I body shot with a .36 (after hunting with a .32) came down literally in pieces. Leaves changing to gold and red were like an invitation for us. This is accomplished by placing a cap on the nipple, cocking the hammer back and pulling the trigger. One is to blind call, which will cause any squirrels in earshot to reveal their location. Mornings are cool and wildlife is moving this time of year. Sound is more important than sight for finding summer squirrels. Black powder squirrel rifle. If you hear nothing, move 50 yards and listen again. Typically, they will spend a few minutes gathering food from one branchlet, then move on to another. SNEAK IN: Wake up early and sit around walnut trees or cornfields before daylight. The overnight low was 56 degrees, the first in 47 years to fall into the 50s. I’m talking about hunting with traditional black-powder rifles with iron sights. I grasp the stick with my left hand and rest the barrel of my rifle on top of my hand. Start by pouring a pre-measured amount of black powder or Pyrodex down the barrel. Sharing Our Passion for all Things Outdoors. He too had found a family chasing each other's tails. Late fall trees have dropped most leaves making ground clutter even thicker. When you are ready to start hunting, cock your hammer back to the safety position that is the clicking point just before locking the hammer back for a shot and insert a percussion cap over the nipple. It won't be our last. Loading the old fashion guns is simple. You can use percussion caps to clear out the barrel of dampness or debris before loading. I had 20 grains of FFFG black powder under the .31-cal ball. Thrash the ground violently with a small, leafy sapling while calling to mimic the sound of a baby squirrel caught by a predator. Go up from there, and there will be a lot of meat damage on a body shot. I settled in on the rocks and sticks that made sitting almost unbearable, but the squirrels were moving. You can do all the above with a modern rifle, too. A young female angled out from me on a low limb. Do not, however, let anyone tell you that small-caliber muzzleloaders won’t kill squirrels outright. The load is then pushed down the barrel with a ramrod until it will push no farther. My comfort became a secondary consideration. Regarding actual squirrel hunting strategies with a muzzleloader, they change little, if at all, from those now-infrequent times I carry a modern firearm. This makes a shooting stick invaluable. We had arrived before daylight to watch the woods come alive. Used flintlock rifles for sale. Black Powder Cartridge Guns. We arrived at the farm at sunrise, to find a very unusual August morning for Kentucky. For consistent success, we need to get within 25 yards of our quarry. So, the time during which you can drift off-target is much greater. You can use a store-bought rifle rest, but I prefer an actual stick – an ironwood sapling that I cut nearly 40 years ago. I’m talking about hunting with traditional black-powder rifles with iron sights. The day ended with four squirrels in our game pouches meaning fried squirrel for dinner. Most of these people prefer to use a .32 caliber rifle, using a shotgun for taking squirrel just isn't very sporting. My buddy, Dr. Andy Cline, and I sat in a long oak ridge waiting. You can use this habit in two ways. But the ol' atomic clock on the wall read 28° and I was looking for the snailmail lady to bring me a letter from a pretty girl, so I decided to lollygag around for a while. - with just 140 to 175 foot-pounds of energy. I have since decreased my squirrel load to 15 grains of FFFG. A .535-cal round ball weighing 230 grains packs a serious wallop that a .31-cal ball, weighing a mere 45 grains, can’t match. Choose the plan that’s right for you. The sun did not have to rise very high before their chattering started. Next place a cloth wadding around a small lead pumpkin ball and use a small ball starter to push the load just inside the barrel. This video was forgotten on the iPhone and I decided to upload it! Squirrel hunting with a muzzle-loader demands that hunters get closer to the target than during the black-powder deer season. And because last year’s leaf fall has had seven months to weather, you can slip through the woods with greater stealth. Hovey Smith with a black powder squirrel (Traditions .32 cal) Most the popularity of blackpowder hunting has been dedicated to big game animals. I use .310 prb over 24gr 3f. This arrangement works for any elevation. It “sets” the main trigger, dramatically reducing the amount of pressure needed to release the hammer. When I went to pick up the deceased rodent, all that was left of the head were flaps of skin from the lower jaw and pate. Come join the discussion about optics, trails, clubs, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I heard the expected chattering of four young squirrels chasing each other up and down the big oak I sat against. Here are tips for hunting blackpower squirrels: Later, they consume the succulent flower and leaf buds of a succession of trees. If so where could I find such? Do they make a good black powder rifle that is good for squirrel hunting? Squirrel hunting is only a challenge for those without patience. Then pay attention to the squirrel’s feeding cycle. I bet you would be happy with either caliber if you buy a quality piece, I say you shouldn't fixate on the caliber if you find the squirrel gun that feels right. What should I be expecting to pay? Hunting with a muzzleloader is an excellent fit for summer squirrels. I cook and eat the wild game which, if done right, is delicious. My squirrel distress call is sold by Haydel’s Game Calls under the name Mr. Squirrel. One problem unique to summer squirrel hunting is meat spoilage. Source(s): https://shrinke.im/a0skh. BUDDY HUNTING: Buddy hunting may be the best way to squirrel hunt. Daniel Boone might have been able to shoot the eyes out of squirrels at 80 paces with old Tick-Licker, but most modern-day hunters find it much harder to head-shoot squirrels with iron sights. The cloth and ball are both lightly lubricated with commercial jells, but saliva will do in a pinch. When you do spy one, it’s usually just a fleeting glimpse. However, there is a way to hunt summer squirrels with a rifle that is, paradoxically, both easier and more challenging. Jake. Head shots are better. Early in the spring, I have seen as many as a dozen squirrels in a single elm tree, harvesting the fresh, green seeds. All rights reserved.
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