I hadn't hunted squirrels in years. I don't know how many years, but too many. Before bow season started, I sighted in my 17HMR with hopes to get out this fall/winter for tree rats. Yea, I sighted my gun in from my son's swing set platform.
So December arrived and I still hadn't gotten out. I needed a mental health day from work, so I took yesterday off and headed for the woods after my wife went to work and the little man went to day care. I hit a close stretch of public ground on a dual squirrel hunt/deer scouting trip. I covered a lot of ground and found some good prospective stand locations for bow season next year (if not late this season). I barely hiked away from the road and saw SIX rats in one tree...about 10 yards onto private ground. I kept walking, got deeper into the public land, and found squirrels quickly. I was within 40 yards of a tree that held three, and they were in stealth mode because I was made. One got down and ran off at mach 10 before I could get on it. I knew the other two were still in the tree, so I pulled my little squirrel call and gave a couple of barks. One popped his head up in the fork of the tree, and that was all I needed.
The third squirrel also got down and took off up the hill at mach 10. I worked my way up the hill and caught back up with him. I had a hell of a time getting a clean shot off at him, but finally got a clean look and made him pay.
I had some squirrels barking on the ridge behind me so I got up there as quickly as I could. I was having a hard time spotting the loudmouth so I pulled the call and barked again. A squirrel started chattering behind me, I turned and spotted it way out there. It was a solid 60-65 yard shot, but I got steady on the tree and gave a squeeze.
Fun morning, I was impressed that the call came in handy. I wasn't sure if it was worth making or not. Since I am a fly tyer, I saved a lot of materials in the form of three tails and a large baggie of squirrel fur dubbing. I absolutely used a beard trimmer and shaved dead squirrels. Side note, if anyone needs a beard trimmer, I'll make you a deal.
I put the squirrel fur dubbing to use last night on the collar of this trout bug.
Might have to get out again next week and add to the freezer stock and fly tying material bin.
So December arrived and I still hadn't gotten out. I needed a mental health day from work, so I took yesterday off and headed for the woods after my wife went to work and the little man went to day care. I hit a close stretch of public ground on a dual squirrel hunt/deer scouting trip. I covered a lot of ground and found some good prospective stand locations for bow season next year (if not late this season). I barely hiked away from the road and saw SIX rats in one tree...about 10 yards onto private ground. I kept walking, got deeper into the public land, and found squirrels quickly. I was within 40 yards of a tree that held three, and they were in stealth mode because I was made. One got down and ran off at mach 10 before I could get on it. I knew the other two were still in the tree, so I pulled my little squirrel call and gave a couple of barks. One popped his head up in the fork of the tree, and that was all I needed.
The third squirrel also got down and took off up the hill at mach 10. I worked my way up the hill and caught back up with him. I had a hell of a time getting a clean shot off at him, but finally got a clean look and made him pay.
I had some squirrels barking on the ridge behind me so I got up there as quickly as I could. I was having a hard time spotting the loudmouth so I pulled the call and barked again. A squirrel started chattering behind me, I turned and spotted it way out there. It was a solid 60-65 yard shot, but I got steady on the tree and gave a squeeze.
Fun morning, I was impressed that the call came in handy. I wasn't sure if it was worth making or not. Since I am a fly tyer, I saved a lot of materials in the form of three tails and a large baggie of squirrel fur dubbing. I absolutely used a beard trimmer and shaved dead squirrels. Side note, if anyone needs a beard trimmer, I'll make you a deal.
I put the squirrel fur dubbing to use last night on the collar of this trout bug.
Might have to get out again next week and add to the freezer stock and fly tying material bin.
