[hogfish]

Hi. Was wondering if anyone has experience hunting squirrels with a shot gun. I recently discovered that an O/U 12ga. of mine shoots a surprisingly tight patern with Federal #8 (compared to Fed #7 1/2) and would like to know if it's good medicine for squirrels. I don't know if it's too small a shot, if there's a minimum/maximum distance where it might be too much/little. Any opinions in this regard?

Thanks.

 

[PhotoFeller]

Hi. Was wondering if anyone has experience hunting squirrels with a shot gun. I recently discovered that an O/U 12ga. of mine shoots a surprisingly tight patern with Federal #8 (compared to Fed #7 1/2) and would like to know if it's good medicine for squirrels. I don't know if it's too small a shot, if there's a minimum/maximum distance where it might be too much/little. Any opinions in this regard?

Thanks.

I always used #6 shot in light load 12 gauge shells. Hickory, beech, oak and gum trees get really tall in southern Indiana and grey squirrels are fast and busy. My hunting friends used #6 too...it was the generally accepted shell for squirrels with full and modified choke guns.

 

[hogfish]

I always used #6 shot in light load 12 gauge shells. Hickory, beech, oak and gum trees get really tall in southern Indiana and grey squirrels are fast and busy. My hunting friends used #6 too...it was the generally accepted shell for squirrels with full and modified choke guns.

Thanks for the response. I'll have to find some #6 and pattern them; and the particular choke I was referencing is a modified, so the recipe should work. Is your thinking that #6 was the perfect size?

Thanks.

 

[K1500]

6 is as small as I would go.

 

[Njanear]

6 is as small as I would go.

My grandfather swore by #4 and I used those for year, but then tried some #6 and found they did almost as well (and could be found in Field loads versus the HiBrass that used to rattle my teeth :embarassed: ).

 

[PhotoFeller]

Thanks for the response. I'll have to find some #6 and pattern them; and the particular choke I was referencing is a modified, so the recipe should work. Is your thinking that #6 was the perfect size?

Thanks.

The downside of shotgun hunting for squirrels is the damage to meat from the shot. #6 shot will penetrate heavy foliage, provide a big enough pattern for knocking out running squirrels without mangling the meat (sometimes). If the target is close, aim at the nose to minimize damage.

 

[hogfish]

Thanks for the info, guys.
:thumbsup:

 

[Dalton Wayne]

I used a 410 with 2 3/4" shell #6 shot, it never failed me,
I think 12GA is a little overkill

 

[Esox357]

I would recommend 6 shot. Have killed them with 7 1/2 and 8's but some required follow up shots and picking out a lot of small pellets with meat damage. 6 shot tends to penetrate all the way through usually and not as many pellets to pull out of the game. I guess dead is dead, in my book no such as overkill but that's my thoughts.

 

[Chuck54]

Just be careful and don't wound one ........ I heard they charge when only wounded.

 

[PhotoFeller]

Just be careful and don't wound one ........ I heard they charge when only wounded.

You laugh, but it happens. Years ago I knocked out a mature grey squirrel with a .22, but he managed to climb into a hole 3' above ground in a nearby tree. I reached into the tree, trying to locate his neck to grab him and hoist him out. When I thought I had a safe grip, I yanked...and he chomped into my middle finger just above the knuckle. When I threw him to the ground, his teeth ripped the flesh wide open between the two points of his initial bite. I ended up with the squirrel on my belt, but paid a painful price for it.

 

[93GT]

6 shot low brass most of the time here, but I hit plenty of them with the value pack 7.5 shot when I was in highschool and short on money. Given the choice, 4-6 birdshot in a low brass 12 gauge.

 

[93GT]

You laugh, but it happens. Years ago I knocked out a mature grey squirrel with a .22, but he managed to climb into a hole 3' above ground in a nearby tree. I reached into the tree, trying to locate his neck to grab him and hoist him out. When I thought I had a safe grip, I yanked...and he chomped into my middle finger just above the knuckle. When I threw him to the ground, his teeth ripped the flesh wide open between the two points of his initial bite. I ended up with the squirrel on my belt, but paid a painful price for it.

:embarassed:I had a terminator squirrel that survived the 12 gauge, an 80 foot fall that knocked it out, and it started crawling around in my game pouch on the way back from hunting a couple of hours later. Oddly enough, I felt pretty bad for the little guy.

 

[G21FAN]

I like high brass #6 in my tight choked 16ga. Good distance and foliage performance.

 

[Mattkcc]

Years ago I did a lot of squirrel hunting and the best shot I found was #5, however It's hard to find. I tried it on rabbits and it hammered them but shattered the bones. If you use a tight chock try to use fringe hit them in the head. One time I was squatting with my back against a tree and hear something in the tree behind me. I twisted around and looked up and saw a small limb vibrating. I could also see squirrel fur on either side. I ended up shooting my 12ga at a weird angle and when I shot, I feel over. After I hit the ground on the other side of the tree I heard two thumps. I got up and went around the tree and there lay two dead squirrels a male and female. If I had known they were mating it would have been sporting to let them finish.

 

[CanyonMan]

I used a 410 with 2 3/4" shell #6 shot, it never failed me,
I think 12GA is a little overkill

Ya know, it don't matter to me what folks use on rabbits. But you brought up some real good, very old memories for me. I was taught growing up on the ranch to use a 'single shot' on my rifle/shotgun. So at 10 years old, I was given a Savage over under .22cal on top and .410 on bottom. Dad said, "son, learn to make the first shot count..." Single shot larger bore rifle for deer. 30-30.

For the next several years I took more dove, quail, rabbits, tree rats "and even turkeys" (being taught to call them in 'real close') with that Savage, than you could skake a stick at. Out of all the guns in my safe, and all the years of guiding hunts, and my own 'personal hunting' with "various hog legs , shot guns and rifles", I can honestly say, the Savage .22/410 has killed more game than any gun in my safe. Countless numbers of rabbits, and other game, and tons of varmints, from coyote's to big Oklahoma Jack rabbits every eveining on the winter wheat fields. On and on.

I got NO real big point here. Just brought up memories of a 10 year old, back 50 years ago in the woods, learning to make the first shot count. !

I really don't remember which took down the most rabbits, the .22cal or the 410, but I can surely tell ya either one is plenty enough. Then they gave me a Hawes .22 cal six shooter and cowboy scabbard, and that became the Squirrel and bunny shooter. I am thankful to my late dad for teaching me this way, and have passed it down to my kids as well. I have never seen my son use more than one shot on small to large game at now 28 years old.

Still got that Savage, and hope to teach my three grand kids the same way.

Thanks for the reminder. It was nice (for me) to take a few moments today and "think back," on all those good memories..

OP...Ya got more than enough gun for what your wanting to hunt, If your pattern is that tight 'as you say', get in close as heck and take only head shots man. A little .22 or 410 I would prefer, 'but to answer your question', with the 20ga, get in close and take 'head shots' so you'll have good clean meat..



Stay Safe Hoss, and good shooting/hunting. Have fun !







CanyonMan