Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Small Game First Hunt of 2013

Have been seeing lots of squirrels in the pecan bottom but bow/deer season has interfered with any squirrel hunts until this morning. Had to go check the pig trap anyway, so decided to go early and get in a sit.

Took my CZ 452 American in .22LR with a Leupold 3-9 w/AO. First time in the woods for this rifle as I got it at the first of bow season and you know how that can interfere with other hunts--

Eased up to my tree at 6:45, got settled in--still too dark to shoot but plenty of light to see if any were scampering in the treetops. 5 minutes later the first shows up, in a big willow den tree about 35 yds away, on the other side of the creek. I take a few practice aims--but no shot. Too dark to see if there are any small limbs in the way, and then the squirrel decides to go back to the den.

Then I see 2, then 3 running through the treetops across the fence--but I don't have permission to hunt that place, so I have to hope they'll come for a visit. 10 minutes later, about 7:05, the single shows itself again, and after a bit of up and down, here and there, offers the shot. Rifle on bipod, safety off, breathe, aim, squeeze, and "POP-flop". I'm shooting standard velocity target ammo so it is really quiet. The 3 across the fence freeze in place, but within 5 minutes were back at it.

Then, in a few minutes, even with my bad ears, I hear one barking over my right shoulder down the creek. There is another den tree about 25 yds from me-a big pecan. I finally locate the source of the sound, and repeat the performance. Switch magazines, and settle back in the chair, and hear claws on bark--same tree. Finally find this one, and another "POP-flop". This is all right--3 on the ground and less than 20 minutes elapsed. Relax again--dang, hear another one barking/chattering and he's in the same tree as the previous two. Took a while for him to show for a clear shot, but eventually did, and I was through. 4 in less than 30 minutes from the same location was just fine. So, gathered them up, walked to the truck, unloaded, had a bit of coffee, and drove to the trap--no pigs, but the corn was eaten in the entrance to about 2' in the trap--they are getting a bit brave and it won't be long until they regret it.

Congrats! A great way to break the new rig in!