Squirrel hunting guns

[MIPublic]

I’ve always wanted a lever action local shop had a Henry frontier 22 so I bought it. Anyone have any experience with one how accurate do they shoot. Can’t decide if I want to scope it or not. I’d guess 50yards would be a long shot for squirrels in the woods I hunt.

This year I hunted exclusively with my CZ 455 Lux (euro iron sights) because that was the only threaded 22 barrel I currently own.

I've decided I'll either be getting a scope for it or using a different gun, as I body shot too many squirrels. As @Mallard8629 mentioned, squirrels are a b%#&h to skin and clean if they are shot in the vitals, especially when you hit them twice. Last year I used my 10/22 exclusively and except for a few, I had all headshots, and cleaning/skinning was a breeze.

 

[bj139]

I think they are a b%$& to skin no matter where they are hit. A gut shot one just makes it a little more fun.

 

[MIPublic]

I think they are a b%$& to skin no matter where they are hit. A gut shot one just makes it a little more fun.

True, although a squirrel skinner makes it a million times easier.

 

[bj139]

True, although a squirrel skinner makes it a million times easier.

What is a squirrel skinner?

 

[MIPublic]

What is a squirrel skinner?

Ridge Runner Original Skinner

Ridge Runner Original Skinner with Tail Slot available at Okie Dog Supply. For larger game such as rabbits, raccoons, large squirrels.

okiedogsupply.com

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[Mallard8629]

Do most of you cut through the butt then step on tail and pull the shirt and pants off them??


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[bj139]

I think I will try to DIY a squirrel skinner. $30 seems a bit too much.

 

[MIPublic]

I think I will try to DIY a squirrel skinner. $30 seems a bit too much.

Yeah, I don't have the tools or materials to get it done. It was well worth the money to me but for someone who has the ability, it looks fairly simple overall.

 

[iamcorey]

Do most of you cut through the butt then step on tail and pull the shirt and pants off them??


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That’s how I’ve always done it or start on the back and pull with both hands opposite direction.


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[bj139]

That’s how I’ve always done it or start on the back and pull with both hands opposite direction.


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I usually cut around the middle and pull in both directions.

 

[KYHunter]

I just got a Ruger American Compact 22wmr with iron sights, leopold raised rings, and a vortex crossfire. It's a little too compact, so a noncompact butt stock is in order. If I would have known how mean that bullet was I might have foregone the 22lr.

Can any Ruger or for that matter bolt action guys offer any insight on fit and cheek rests?

My Ruger American Rimfire came with with a additional stock insert to adjust for use with a scope. Ruger has pretty good customer service from my experience so it may be worth calling them

 

[Still Kicking]

This is what I use as a mobile skinner and carry a gallon ziplock for the ride home. I've found they're much easier to skin right away and the carcass cools quicker in the warm early season.

 

[2Sloe]

This is what I use as a mobile skinner and carry a gallon ziplock for the ride home. I've found they're much easier to skin right away and the carcass cools quicker in the warm early season.View attachment 46419

A pair of wire cutters are great for snipping off the feet.

 

[MIPublic]

This is what I use as a mobile skinner and carry a gallon ziplock for the ride home. I've found they're much easier to skin right away and the carcass cools quicker in the warm early season.View attachment 46419

I like it and I agree they are much easier to clean when warm, although I don't know if my dog could stand to have me clean it in the field. He'd go even more beserk than he already does. Maybe I'll make something like that for the early season when I don't have him out.

 

[dalton916]

Do most of you cut through the butt then step on tail and pull the shirt and pants off them??


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I have a couple of friends that do it that way and they swear by it. I’ve never tried it. I just make a small cut across the back, put too fingers in each side and pull the skin off that way. It’s easy and what I’m used to doing so I just roll with it.

 

[Marmuzz]

Do most of you cut through the butt then step on tail and pull the shirt and pants off them??


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Does the species of squirrel matter with this method? This never works for me. I always end up with a skinned rat tail sliding out underneath my boot, but I’ve only ever tried it with grays.

 

[Matki15]

Does the species of squirrel matter with this method? This never works for me. I always end up with a skinned rat tail sliding out underneath my boot, but I’ve only ever tried it with grays.

Pretty much all I shoot are grays and this method works fine, just have to make sure you’ve got your boot on the base of the tail as well as that little piece of back skin connected to it. If it’s just on the tail you’ll strip it every time

 

[Marmuzz]

Got it. I’ll have to choke up next time.

 

[BackSpasm]

Does the species of squirrel matter with this method? This never works for me. I always end up with a skinned rat tail sliding out underneath my boot, but I’ve only ever tried it with grays.

That first cut is key and is make or break for the whole process, cut all the way into the skin on the lower back and make a wide flap with the hide that connects to the tail base. You want to step as deep into your cut as you can. Whole squirrel should take about 30 seconds or so if your tail cut is good!

 

[_Dario]

You guys have me wanting to try out my 22wmr. I always assumed it was too much power. Are you guys running solid round nose over hollow points? Or I guess it doesn’t matter since you are taking headshots only?