Author Topic: Squirrel hunting safety? (Read 672 times)

QuailKiller · « **on:** October 29, 2005, 04:11:07 PM »

It seems like I hear a lot about shooting squirrels out of trees with 22 rifles. (I haven't really been squirrel hunting, just only killed a few when I came across them.) Well, what happens if you miss? I am just curious because I was always taught to never shoot a rifle into the air.

koli · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2005, 05:06:58 AM »

That is why I like to use my Savage model 24 for squirrels. .22 mag for when they are on the ground and 20 gauge shotgun barrel for the tree climbers.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #2 on:** October 30, 2005, 05:34:21 AM »

do what i do- just don't miss.

actually when youre shooting almost straight up, the bullet isn't going to cover a lot of ground laterally before it comes down. i don't take horizontal shots and don't shoot at them on the ground for these reasons.

you can also do things like, wait until they are on the trunk, so the tree stops your shot, if you think it's necessary.

-Matt

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2005, 11:43:31 AM »

I've always hunted squirrels on National Forest Land where the nearest house was miles away. No way a .22LR bullet could get there. Could one come down on the person of another hunter? I suppose but the chance of being struck by lightning is far higher. In a populated area tho it wouldn't be a wise move.

Lawdog · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2005, 03:06:57 PM »

My favorite Tree Squirrel grounds in on a couple of farms that have houses within 1/2 mile or so. This is one reason why I use pellet rifles for all my Tree Squirrel hunting. Deadly out to 60 plus yards and the pellets wont reach the houses. I found that even if you hit a squirrel with a .22 rimfire the bullet continues on for quite a distance. :eek: Lawdog