Early squirrel season

[Muzlelodr]

Anyone excited for the early squirrel season? If you hunt this season, what means of taking squirrels do you use? I hunt almost exclusively with muzzleloaders, and in the early squirrel season I generally use either my 15 gauge or 20 gauge BP shotgun due to the heavy leaf cover. Once the leaves start dropping I switch to a .32 caliber flint lock for taking squirrels out to 50 yards. When all the leaves have dropped, I switch to a .36 caliber flint lock as the shots are generally longer and the squirrels are more skittish.

 

[Nutmeg_Scout2]

I usually stick with a .22 for squirrels. Do you ever mix it up with small caliber rifles later in the season?

 

[Muzlelodr]

I usually stick with a .22 for squirrels. Do you ever mix it up with small caliber rifles later in the season?

No, I am strictly a muzzle loader shooter. I enjoy the challenge.

 

[Nutmeg_Scout2]

No, I am strictly a muzzle loader shooter. I enjoy the challenge.

I see. I could only read your username and should have taken the answer, haha.

 

[stinky tom]

Anyone excited for the early squirrel season? If you hunt this season, what means of taking squirrels do you use? I hunt almost exclusively with muzzleloaders, and in the early squirrel season I generally use either my 15 gauge or 20 gauge BP shotgun due to the heavy leaf cover. Once the leaves start dropping I switch to a .32 caliber flint lock for taking squirrels out to 50 yards. When all the leaves have dropped, I switch to a .36 caliber flint lock as the shots are generally longer and the squirrels are more skittish.

Man, that's awesome, you're keeping it old school with those muzzleloaders. I als o usually run a .22 for early season, but your flintlock setup sounds like a blast. How tough is it getting consistent accuracy with black powder?

 

[Muzlelodr]

Man, that's awesome, you're keeping it old school with those muzzleloaders. I als o usually run a .22 for early season, but your flintlock setup sounds like a blast. How tough is it getting consistent accuracy with black powder?

With my .32 and .36 flint locks I have loads that will shoot nickle sized groups at 25 yards (from the bench) and silver dollar sized groups at 50 yards. don't often try to shoot beyond 50 yards with my 72 year old eyes and open sights.

 

[GearHeadTom]

I stick with a .22 too, but props for running flintlocks. That's a whole different level of skill. Must make each squirrel feel well earned.

 

[Muzlelodr]

I stick with a .22 too, but props for running flintlocks. That's a whole different level of skill. Must make each squirrel feel well earned.

There is great satisfaction in knowing I am able to replicate what our forefathers did. Also, it is a slower more intense type of hunting. The rewards are not great but the satisfaction is immense.