To all you SE Oregon shooters. They've been out for a couple weeks, but good numbers are to be had now.

Beldings Ground Squirrels


Unlike the rest of the country, we've been experiencing beach weather. Come and get them. Since they are presently all adults, they're a bit easier to hit. Too bad one can't find any 22 LR ammo.

The reason that the 17 HMR was invented!

A couple seasons ago, I happened upon about forty -06 empties in a neat pile in a squirrel field. Yes, they will do a fine job on those rodents but if one bounces, it will also do a really fine job on a wheel-line or pivot.

We can argue, but I think a case of overkill.

I was down on a couple circles off the John Day last weekend. killed the chit out of them.

Heading to Lakeview for four days on the 13th of March.

Leave a few for us.

No sage rats left in Lakeview, I killed them all LOl. Just kidding I haven.t killed them all in Modoc yet, but once I do I will start on Lake County lol. Ed

Let em have babies before shooting much here.

Going to do a few with a 45-70, and some other centerfire, in the not to distant future.

I am betting it is still too nasty of weather at usual spots in Wallowa County, but I am going to put in a call and other messages to the ranch owners down that way. Then find someone to assist me with the driving etc. and try to get after 'em a bit if they are above ground in our region.

Our weather has been absolutely wonderful. Blue sky, moderate temps, and little if any wind. I've gotten really good at doping wind with my 22LR, and it's almost freaky to actually aim at a squirrel.

Typically one can simultaneously see columns of snow, rain, and sunshine all within a square mile. Each with wind coming out of a different quadrant. For sure if I invite someone over for a shoot, Mother Nature will turn on me.

I don't think it's possible to shoot them out. I've spent two full days working 160 acres, returned a week later, and it's like no one has even been there.

Shhhhh........

Don't worry. Given 22 LR costs, I suspect they'll be very lightly hit this year.



A 45-70? Geeeeeze! Why not something like a 50-120 or maybe a 500 Nitro? If one could line up 40 or so, he could take them all out with a single round.

New toy since hunting season itching bad to use it.

Glad I didn't sell any 22LR when is was so tempting a couple of years ago. I'd hate to pay todays prices.

Seems to me from casual observation over the years, that whistle pig populations can very a lot, year to year in this area, and I don't believe shooting them has anything to do with it either.

I hunt them with a local who is 88 years old and has been shooting them for most of those years on the same few circles......every day. I bet he averaged 10 a day for his whole life. They are not going anywhere.

FABULOUS photo. That puts a kink in MY neck just admiring it!

I think you're right about the .22LR prices helping out. I'm a little worried that ranchers will start using poison at some point, and then realize that's actually more effective and easier on wheel lines. I hope not.

Places I used to hunt sometime back have gone the poison route. Ranchers used to furnish us with .22 rimfire at one time. Harder to find suitable places to hunt rock chucks also.

With today's ammo prices, those are just "good old day" stories I'm afraid. Hopefully things continue to settle down though.

Rock chucks can't handle the hunting pressure, and I know a few selfish guys in my county who'll kill every one they spot. Doesn't take long 'till the chucks are gone from an area.

I've been shooting the heck out of a pivot, 3 times so far, taken out maybe 1200 squirrels and you can't even tell I've been there. After my last little hunt, there were 10 bald eagles feasting on the carnage.

Mark,

Be sure to take some JB Weld to fix the bullet holes you blow into the stock tanks.

Sagerat22, I'd be careful with the eagle comments. You're providing a quote for the anti-lead anti-gun anarchists. We're already going to end up with those overgrown fuggin buzzards, but they don't need any help.

That pic of that little feller is so cool... all its missing is a set of crosshairs in front of him...and someone's finger on the trigger...second before he comes apart at the seems...

The silver lining is that if they haven't been shot at much, they'll let you get closer and you can use just about anything. I know you're gonna like this story, 700....

In sight of Initial Point....you know - in the "no rifles or pistols" area..... I'm pickin' 'em off left & right with a scoped pellet rifle (they just keep coming back out - I guess it's the lack of noise), and some bunny-hugger with nothing better to do sees me from the point and calls the dirt ranger. DR has him leave me a note on my rig to call him. DR says "you know that's a no rifles area?" Yep, says I - I'm using an air gun. "Oh - never mind, then".

I'm guessing the DR just had him leave a note instead of coming out in person, 'cause he's been bothered by the Initial Point busybody a lot.

Wanna have some fun twisting some PETA tail? There ya go.....