It has been an idea for a while to do a fall squirrel hunt with as many Campfire members as we can get.

So, time to start getting ideas down and working the plan for:

SQUIRREL SAFARI 2006

Location should probably be somewhere in the central East Coast region (high populations of squirrels, long seasons, large bag limits, and centrally located for a LOT of Campfire folks). Likely in the NF or a State Park, as numbers of folks can camp out and then disperse out to hunt throughout the NF or the State Park.

Ideas as to locations within the general geographic area are welcomed.

Oh, and yes, cook-offs, informal shooting and BS matches, etc. are of course on the tentative agenda.

What think y'all?

I'd be up for that.....Been looking for an excuse to buy a NULA anyhow. Lot's of big public hardwood country in the Missouri Ozarks. Spent the best years of my life there with 22 in hand when I was a kid! I'd be up for just about any locale within a 6hr drive!


X-VERMINATOR

The Ozarks are certainly a possibility.

As in TN, the Smokies in NC, KY, north GA, SW VA, and maybe even WV (though there must be better places... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />).

All of them are pretty central to those of us east of the Mississippi, and in the heart of really good squirrel country.

Some of the rest of ya have to have thoughts on this.

Big Walker Mt. in SW Virginia if I am recalling properly, is contained in the Jefferson National Forest. Lots of truck trails and lots of big Fox Squirrels. Just about anywhere in that region would be good squirrel hunting and it is the center of the universe anyway....

I'll be there with a couple of my best squirrel safari rifles if it ends up in fact being in SW VA!

The Blue Ridge....Amen brother!

Heck, I`d show up, just to meet you guys!

Bunnyrunner, that's part of the reason. Though large quantities of real Brunswick stew, squirrel kabobs, etc. ain't a bad idea either. And, then of course, there's the squirrelin'... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

count me in if it fewer than 500 miles ...

In warm weather they also have some big rattlers and copperheads around Big Walker to enliven the dull monotany of chasing tree rats <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Bye the way I think a squirrel safari is a capital idea

HBB

yeah, yer right, but squirrel medicine works on snakes too!

Hey, y'all leave them snakes alone... they help keep damnyankees and city folks outta the deep woods.

I thought that the bears, cats and moonshiners did that!

They help, too.

In that case maybe we need to stock more rattlers and start shootin the DamnYankees <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

HBB

I'm game for that!

Count me in too ... even if I do live north of the M-D line. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

So long as it does not interfere with already planned trips. Ill be there. And I will be driving and flying all the way from Walla Walla WA! I used to shoot squirrels when I was younger and I LOVE to EATEM! Say, any of Y'all want to come out to this region and blast ground squirrels by the hundreds in April or May? I cannot accomodate a hundred of you guys, but I could show 6-10 a fun weekend. Note, these guys are too small and flea infested to eat or even touch. Plus, when you smack 'em with a .222 and such there is not much left <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Safariman, I would love to meet up with you to scorch some flea bags. My 222 could use a work out, along with a few other toys. I have been going over to Stevensville Montana to a bit of GS blasting in the past few years but only having to travel less than half the distance would be worth a whole bunch of fresh oysters.

Bullwnkl.

Hey VAnimrod...read your profile. You a country lawyer now? I am, its a great thing.

Is this gonna happen? If so I would love to attend. I would probably bring my dad he would have a hoot. Details...Details...

This will happen if we want it to.

Location first. Right now, the location looks to be narrowing somewhere between the NE Ozarks, N Georgia, SE Kentucky, the Smokies in TN or NC, or SW Virginia.

Time to do a little checking on season and license fees in those areas, then to maybe put it up as a poll.

This oughtta be fun... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My vote is the Jefferson national forest in SW Virginia. Out of state small game licence is $80.00, Season 9/3 till 1/31/07. Also, I live just across the state line in NC. I recently discovered that night time fox, bobcat and coyote hunting with a light and electronic call is legal there. I have always wanted to give that a try... is anyone with experience doing this around the fire?

Season and license information:
Caveat: this is not intended to be taken as exact, but only to give a rough idea of the comparable seasons between states within the geographic area of interest, and similarly comparable fees/limits in those states.

Georgia:
Third Monday in August to the last day in February
Non-resident license = $75 (season) $30 (3-day) $12 (one-day)
Limit = 12/day

Kentucky:
Third Saturday in August through last day of February (three day gap in November)
Non-resident license = $115 (season) $32.50 (5-day)
Limit = ????

Mississippi:
October 1 through the last day in February
Non-resident license = $78.85 (season) $33.85 (7-day)
Limit = 8/day

Missouri:
Last Friday in May through last day of February
Non-resident license = $65 (season) $11 (per day)
Limit = 6/day

North Carolina:
Third Sunday in October through January 31.
Non-resident license = $60 (season) $40 (6-day)
Limit = 8/day

South Carolina:
October 1 � March 1 (Zones 1 & 4)
Non-resident license = $125 (season) $75 (10-day) $40 (3-day)
Limit = 10/day

Tennessee:
Last Saturday in August through last day in February
Non-resident license = $91 (season) $50.50 (7-day)
Limit = 10/day

Virginia:
First Saturday in September through Jan. 31.
Non-resident license = $80 (season) $40 (3-day) $3 (NF stamp)
Limit = 6/day

Good information.

NWR that have good populations of squirrels might be a good option since only a non resident state hunting license is usually required. IE, Piedmont NWR in middle Ga has good grey and fox squirrel populations and requires no game/wildlife management area permit (which is a requirement on many properties). No worry about big game hunters, since squirrel hunting is not allowed during the draw hunts for deer. Early season (August) is too hot, and I can assure a rattlesnake or three will be seen. It's a pretty big piece of property, about 36,000 acres.

Game/wildlife type permits are an added cost that should be considered regardless of where the get together will take place. I would love to go to Missouri, but it's about a 1000 mile trip.

Great Idea! I could let everyone drool over my beautiful super single! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Good idea, i'd definately be up for if at all possible, and Walker Mt. is where i did most of my deer hunting this year, about 20-30 min drive from my house. Sounds great guys, I have no internet connection at home, where i am now, so I don't get to be on here that much, but i'll try to keep track.

It will be a hell of a drive no matter where it is, but I would still take off a few days and make the trip. Sounds like a blast.

Hey, I resemble that remark, but mom was a coalminers girl from WV!

Also was wondering re. this squirrel safari, is a PH, gun bearer and maybe a tracker or two included?, after all, us yankees expect a lot you know (even us that arn't city folk).

Daily limit in KY is 6 last I checked.....


Would love to make it if the timing is right. Who knows what work will bring by Fall. It would be a nice excuse to get a new squirrel gun and meet some of ya'll though. Not a bad idea VA.

corelokt

Looks like a southern gig, somehow i cant get those "dueling banjos" out of my mind.

Let's not turn this into a north and south thing here. I've lived both sides of the mason dixon and have good friends, good family and good huntin' on both sides. VA has an excellent idea that just might create more good friends, good family and good huntin' for a lot of us. I would much rather hunt them nice big southern fox squirrels anyhow, these northen grays aint got enough meat on there bones to warrent wasting a bullet on 'em.

But I don't want to squeel like a pig!

In all honesty, it's all just funnin as far as I can tell, no hurt feelings here:)

....If it's going to happen it better get together quick.Time is ticking. North GA would be super since the limit is 12 and there's a reason it's set that liberaly! Lots of mast this year,and lots of squirrel survival.Piedmont NWR sounds good,or Cohutta a bit further north (95,000 acres!).No worry this time of year about snakes. Feral Hogs can be taken(they're non-game) with rimfires too,head shots only of course.There's camping on these propertys,and squirrel dogs may be run in the Cohutta wilderness if any of you fellows have the dog for it..

Leave the Yankees alone and shoot democrats.....longer season and no limit bag. Theres only one regulation.....no hunting at Starbucks. (considered baiting)
CC

Theres only one regulation.....no hunting at Starbucks (considered baiting).

That is comical..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

How late is the season... cost of licence ect?

them short term licenses are a good thing, sean. thanks for the info. i remain up for this adventure.

I would be interested if early season. Have some other stuff going on later. If most of the shots are up into the tree, do you use shotgun ? I have a nice little .410 that hasn't taken any game yet.

The .410 would be perfect.

Thanks for y'all bumping this one back up.

I'm thinking this one will likely be somewhere in September or early-mid October, and probably in the E KY, NW NC, NE TN, or SW VA area, in the area near the KY, NC, TN, VA border confluences.

And, yeah, the timing is getting "squirrely" (sorry, couldn't resist).

So, suggestions from y'all are welcomed as to timing. I can tell you now that Labor Day weekend is OUT for me; and as I will be moving to NC this fall, sometime after August 1, things could get squirrely for me as well. Still, this ought to happen. So, what say y'all?

Sounds Bristol-ish. I'm still up for the safari ... if the date works out with my schedule.

Yep, sounds Bristol-ish.

Y'all got any thoughts on timing?

I am interested, I am good for any time as long as I get enough advance warning. Will it be ok to bring my boy?

No, it's not okay if you bring your boy.

It's mandatory that you bring your boy!

You'll be back here for good by then, I take it?

Kids required<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I am only in B-dad for a three month rotation. It really is a pretty good deal. I am wotrking with some of the most amazing folks on earth.

Bristol is a great idea, there's a race there the opening weekend.

lets get this thing together and have a blast

Alright. Stay tuned...

I've been reading your stuff a few months now, finally decided to join up. "SQUIRREL SAFARI 2006" sounds like a hoot! Any objection to campfire guitar? I'm not bad, I'm just no good. [color:"black"] [/color]

How many Blue Grass tunes can you hammer out? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Sorry,do'nt do no bluegrass.How about "country"?

Where ya from in Maine? That could make all the difference... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Born n' raised in Iowa, been livin in central part of Maine {Monmouth} for 20 years.But country music is country wher ever you live.

If so we'll let you know <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Welcome sir.

Been to Winslow? I know a few people up there....

Re the country music...be ahight if ya sound a lot like Toby Kieth or look a lot like Faith Hill...either would do just fine....lol

Yes, I've been to Winslow. Monmouth is about a 45 min. drive. I'm reconcidering the guitar. Perhaps a radio!

Bring the axe, when I posted I was thinking about the scene in "Animal House", "I gave my love a cherry that had no stone..." and BTW I like any kind of guitar music.

this is looking like a primo time, fellas.

will the area we hunt allow squirrel dogs?

Right now, it's looking like SW Va., Eastern KY, or NE Tenn.; the season in NC doesn't open until October and that's into deer season elsewhere. Bad timing there.

The likeliest timing will be the weekend after Labor Day weekend (figure there are some familial obligations that weekend for most of us) to about Columbus Day weekend, and that one might be the best bet of all; early-mid October, fall temps, etc.

The prices are roughly comparable, as is the terrain and squirrel population.

I'll check on a few other things, and see about narrowing this down a bit more.

Just NO BANJOS .... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yup, no banjos and no ukeleles either.

I have a hard time getting away in September, but I always need a vacation in October. Everybody will think I'm nuts for driving that far to shoot squirrels, when I live in squirrel heaven, but I'll just visit some family in West Virginia and make a side trip. Sounds good to me.

Okay, so what say y'all to putting the date into October, likely the three-day Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 7-9) or the following weekend (14-15)?

If so, it'll be between SW Va., Eastern KY, and Eastern TN, in that Bristol area where the three meet.

Now, VA STILL does not permit hunting on Sundays. I don't know about TN and KY. That could make a difference, and will in my book if it's okay to hunt on Sundays in the other two states.

Looks like the date is firming up, as is the state. Next up after the state is picked will be the exact location. Thinking NF or state game lands that permit camping and are large enough to have us in a decent sized area and not bumping into Freddy Familiar and the Family Circus (which, now that I think about it, might make that weekend of the 14-15 and even better idea; less vacationers).

Thoughts from the likely participants?

Have frying pan, will travel<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Oct 14-15 sounds good to me. I'll just bring a deck of cards in case I get lost in the woods.

You still play solitare with cards ?

you can hunt in Tennesse on Sundays............blake

They fit in the backpack better than a laptop.

The idea is, you get lost, you start playing, and pretty soon somebody is telling you to play the queen, and you ask him how to get out of there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Painless just put TN out front. Anyone know anything about Kentucky before I start plotting spots on the TN map?

KY is OK with Sunday hunting.

Allen

just make sure dogs can run.

where ever it is me and my new browning will be there............blake
Here are some pics............

Blake, you ain't gonna use that orbital sander to "dull" the Browning's finish are ya?

Nice rifle, underestimated on accuracy...

nah, I use it to true up the actions on the brownings.............blake

Is there any NF land in north eastern Tenn.? How far southwest does Jefferson NF run? Into Kentucky?

VA, re camping in large groups....will a permit be needed? A cost incured by the expedition participants regarding that possibility? A couple things to check on....

wildswalker;

Thems are the the t'ings that I'll be checkin' on soon.

TN might still be out front if boars are to be found in the area and in season... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

prime boar hunting, don't know what the season is..........blake

It'd be in Unit B in TN. Boar and deer would be in, but only for archery (hmmm... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ). Grouse would likely have just come into season.

Probably someplace in the NF in Johnson, Cart, Sullivan, Green, Cocke, Sevier, Jefferson, Blount, Monroe, or Polk counties.

Things are starting to shape up a bit better... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

you keep on gettin' 'em, va. i am somewhat familiar with that area, and i have a good friend who is most familar with it.

Can anyone give me a good squirrel recipe? I have yet to find a recipe that makes these rascals taste good? My wife turns up her nose whenever I cook 'em, and the boys turn pale. I am figurin' to just cook the quarters and toss the ribs and all that, but I am in DIRE NEED of a tasty recipe!!

HELP!

Dogger,
Take a look in the cooking section for the venison ravioli's recipe I posted. It's just as good with squirrel and they may never know <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Allen

here's a good one. but first, don't shoot those big boar squirrels. parboiling won't soften up those boys.
anyhow, kill yourself some nice youngish squirrels. quarter 'em. let 'em soak in salt water overnight.
here's the deal: take a pyrex baking dish of the appropriate size, and lay down a layer of half cooked rice, or uncooked minute rice. lay the quarters on the rice. pepper the quarters, and place a nice slab of butter on each quarter. then take one or two cans of cream of mushroom soup - however much it takes to cover - and slather across the top of the quarters and rice. bake at about 350 until the rice is done and quarters are tender. the meat should just about fall off those tiny little bones.

Amen, big bo squirrels are not only tough but gamey. Fox squirrels are gamier still.

...Keep us informed as the hunt and results come around. I reckon i'll miss it,and stay with my North Ga hunting grounds. The Dawson forrest WMA is plum eat up with squirrels,grays mostly of course,but good numberts of fox squirrels as well. I'm afraid the gross off the Browning stock will spook the squirrels into thier dreys anyway*wink*.

I think that I can make this trip and would love an opportunity to meet some of the people on this board. Not sure which state to vote for yet but will await more info. This looks like a ton of fun.

James

It'll be Tennessee, up in the Smokies.

More details later, as I develop them, or some of those TN or NC Mtn. boys chime in with places in the NF there. Hint... hint...

VAnimrod,
I cant believe I just found this "Elf"told me about the Squrriel Safari. Will there be handicap access(with in reason i'll have help getting around an dont need much just a way to get a wheelchair to the "rats"???) If so count me in. An I'll see if Elf an I know my brother( in OH) will want a piece of some squirrel. I just moved back to Creedmoor N.C.(by raleigh)from washington state an before I left there I bought 2 guns just for squirrels,groundhog an crows 1st is the ruger 77/17hmr blue/wood an 2nd a VOLQUARTSEN(is something when you got to get a gun out to spell it maker..)22mag with the carbon fiber barrel an brake.love them both an we will be there as well just let me know on the handicap thing p <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />lease..
Chuck

If you and/or some of the other fellas from the Carolina/Tennessee area can point in the direction of places that are so accessible, by all means do so.

Location is still somewhat flexible, but the date (Oct.) is fairly well set.

And, yes, you and you'rn are invited. 'Tis open, after all.

BTW - what do you do in NC? Once I get my carcass down there, I won't be far away (Greensboro area).

PM me.

i do nothing peck away on this key board for fun an mess with my guns an reloading right now. I just moved back from washington state becouse i was in a car accident that left me paraplegic back in aug.2005 i got family here so i came back here..now i'm not sure to do next. but growing up around here i use to love to grab a box of shell an go sit down in the woods of a morning or evening a open up a few tree rats.."IT WAS MY FRIST TRUE LOVE"I guess you could say an it turned into a full blown varmint hunting passion with coyotes being my favorite critter out west to hunt now that i'm back east its time to turn up the fire on some squirrel,groundhogs an crows again.But not its just a little more of a pain in the behind becouse of my chair...but the desire is still running strong i just need the option..
Chuck

I suspect we'll figure something out...

Sounds good to me did you get thePM

Yep;

Reply tomorrow if I get time... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Make sure your .22s are good to go by this fall, will ya? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

they stay ready..same with the 17hmr.

I'm looking to use the squrrel safari as an excuse to buy a new rifle.
How do you like that .17HMR? I'm torn between that and a .22 mag.
BTW, I'm just down the road from ya, Wilmington.

Wow I can't believe its taken me this long to get back with you...I guess I probley like the 17 better so far but I haven't use it on ground hogs yet..I know how they act with a 22mag hit so as soon as the hogs get out here I'll know more about which one I prefer..also if you get up around the north Raleigh area look me up an you can try them both out an see which one you like the best an the buy.PM me with info if your coming up this way an we will burn some ammo..
Chuck
PS:I've always been a 22mag fan an didn't know much about the 17's but I had a little extra cash after moving back to NC a month or so ago an I just went on an picked one up for living here.

Isn't everybody<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I've been leaning towards the .17 anyhow.

A new rifle, just to go squirrel hunting, when I already have, well, more than one. No wonder my wife thinks I'm nuts.

Just tell her your old rifles are worn out and the BATF prevents you from selling them. Hence all the new ones.

Good idea, Shreck! I'm sure she wouldn't want me to get busted for dealing without a license.

Here's where we're at:

Dates: Oct. 13-15 (Friday through Sunday)
Location: TN, preferably in the NF in Johnson, Cart, Sullivan, Green, Cocke, Sevier, Jefferson, Blount, Monroe, or Polk counties.

What's needed?

Someone/ya'll with familiarity in that region to post up some good places.

Requirements: It has to be large enough for probably up to 20 people or so, and it has to be accessible to those with mobility difficulties. At least one of our members is not very mobile, and perhaps some others that'd like to be there have some problems as well. Finding a spot that's accessible enough for them is a must.

So, ya'll out there, any suggestions?

I'm gonna e-mail TN F&G and see what they have to say, but some first hand knowledge or recon would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Update:

Here's the e-mail reply that I received this morning from a F&G Biologist in TN re: the squirrel safari and locations:



Both of the Cherokee WMA are right on the TN/NC line, putting them about exactly where we've decided to do this.

I'm gonna post over at the Hunter's Campfire a thread re: info on these WMAs, with details as to what is needed.

Hopefully, someone over in that area can/has done the recon beforehand to narrow the location a bit more.

The TN fall season starts generally about the end of August, and the bag limit is 10/day/hunter. Sunday hunting is permitted, and the dates for the hunt (weekend after Columbus Day, this October) should be about perfect for bushytails. License fees run $17 for non-residents for the Cherokee WMA small-game-only permits; an additional $50.50 might be needed for the 7-day small-game non-resident tag if someone decides to hunt outside the WMA.

VAnimrod, I hunted bear in the Cherokee four and two seasons ago. I was amazed at how scarce small game seemed to be there. It looks like primo country for squirrels but we saw very few. Saw some grouse and turkeys and three or four deer. It was just incredible the amount of stuff we didn't see. Just saying that I think it's very important to get some first hand information about where the squirrels are to be found.

Don't forget Sasquatches!

Some years, squirrels are very scarce due to poor mast crops. Other years, they are very abundant. Right now, in WNC on the TN border where I live, there seems to be a squirrel in every other tree! Will they be abundant in October? Probably, but not that is not a certainty. One thing is certain and that is that hunting pressure on small game is much less than it was when I was growing up.

Bandukwallah;

THAT's some of the on-site info that's gonna be useful. Thanks!

Are you in for the "safari"?

I'll do my very best to make the drive down from Kentucky. I'm getting married about a month prior, but suspect I could probably sneak away for a weekend. Surely she will be sick of me after a month or so! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My congratulations early. After a month, she'll hopefully still have enough "afterglow" to smile when she turns you loose. Send her to the spa for the weekend, and you're probably good to make the trip AND buy a new rifle for the outing... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Just don't do what a friend of mine did. He postponed his wedding date one day because the proposed date was opening day. Their oldest granddaughter is expecting, and it still hasn't been forgotten.

Can't believe I just found this thread. What a great idea. If work doesn't get in the way I believe I'll join you gents.

I almost never get in on something like this, but this is very doable for me and I would really love to meet y'all face to face. Count me in, TN is drivable but SW Va would have been better, nonetheless I can make this. Keep us all informed, maybe I can pick up 7mmbuster on the way or even 284luvr. Even if the actual squir. shooting is a bust it would still be a blast just to get together.

Are semiauto's legal in TN and VA? I've got a nice 10/22 I can't hunt with in PA and I would sure love to take it afield.

I know 10/22s are legal in VA, and I THINK (and will check) that they are legal in TN as well.

It'd be really good to have a few of you PA boys in on this, and Dix, I am hoping you can make it... even if you drag the other two with ya... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Whats happening on the West Coast? Its a long trip to the East, for squirrels (pigs may be a different story). Anybody out here planning something like this?
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I'm up for it!

There's sum heap big fox squirrels down in Dixie...

Here's one of my trophies from when I lived there.....

How come his belly is white?

Have seen a bunch of different color schemes on fox squirrels...one of the wildest was a tawny sorta blonde body with a pure white head and black tufts on its ears and tip of the tail...I wanted to get that one and mount it but it was deer season and my .270/150 grainers wouldn't have left much...never saw it again...

Saw a mostly white one once too.....

Generally though most of 'em I was used to seeing are colored somewhat like the one in the pic with a yellowish belly......

Yep, everything looks like a fox squirrel except the white belly. All I've ever seen around here have orange bellys. Cat squirrels have all the white. Occasionaly see a completely black fox squirrel and I once got one that was piebald.

That Squirrel in the pic came off Drapers Mountain in Pulaski Co. Virginia...

nice shooting!

Yep, it takes a particuliarly extravagant mindset to launch a $6 arrow at a two-bit squirrel on speculation. I once pot shot a grouse on the ground and three more flew up and lit in a tree. I picked off two of them before I heard the cha-ching of the cash register and let the fourth one walk. Eighteen dollars for three tough little chickens. I coulda drove to town and got rib eyes for that.

The meat won't fry if the arrow don't fly......if it's in season I kill it.........

It'd fry yer ass if I told you the details on that particular "extravagant shot".......I made it on pure faith in my ability...I'd wager 6 bux on a shot anytime. And, that arrow in the pic + new blades has gone on and killed a few deer since, I don't tear my stuff up too bad at all.


Any one callin' grouse "tough little chickens" don't know [bleep], especially one dumb enough to shoot UP into a tree. I've run across a couple of 'em in my time too and your whole scenario there don't add up....dude....

I've killed a ground hog or three during bow season with my $6 arrows too....popped a vessel yet???

wildswalker. sorry my conservative fiscal policies got your panties in a wad. You buy your arrows, do what you want with them.

Darn right...

Nothing fiscally wrong with killin' [bleep]...if you can.

As far as my panties in wad........you fired the first shot....or, maybe......you were afraid to cause you can't...

this event is looking good. nice work, va.
as for weird color-phase squirrels, my favorites look like stinkin' harlequin clowns. truly, truly strange.

That's what they make blunts for!!

Metal arrows and training wheels on the bow??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
WW, I would have thought you'd be a recurve/longbow fan and make your own wood arrows!!!

Av..havn't progressed that far but contemplated it a bunch of times. Had an old friend, passed on a few years back, that was a master of the stick bow, He tried many times to convert me...I've dabbled but never got good enough with one.

A Bud and I have talked for the last couple of years about building our own bows...so far he's trying to convince me to build a stick bow and I'm trying to convince him to build a laminate...gotta have stuff like that to talk about over coffee ya know... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

WW;

If you'd care to try a stick bow again, I have an old Bear that I'd loan ya...

Nice reader's article in American Hunter this month, written by a man who bought an old Bear recurve at an auction for about $25. Made some arrows with dowels, broadheads, and fletching, and shot the best deer of his life, much to the annoyance of the guys who doubted he'd get a deer with that "antique". Well, he was over 65 so I guess it suited him.

Worth a read if you like hunting stories by guys who are neither professional writers or professional hunters.

I'll check that out. Thanks.

BTW - I hunt with that old Bear recurve that Roy can borrow, if he wants, as well as one other. Those are my only two bows, and they do all I need them to do.

Sean...I always knew you were a class act..good of you to make a gesture such as that. Not everyone would....I'm proud to know you.

Although I would bet my last dime that all would be cool I've never taken much of a liking to borrow things from folks...just the way I am and PLEASE don't take offense as I do value the sentiment...

Besides...I'm a lefty... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Ah...

In that case, I'll keep an eye out for a good used lefty recurve.

I've seen quite a few over the past couple of years; in great condition and for CHEAP.

The next very good one, cheap, that I see has your name on it.

The last one was a Bear Kodiak (Magnum, IIRC), about 62" in FANTASTIC shape, LH, and something like 55# at 28". IIRC, the price was under $50, easily.

No offense taken; understood and appreciated. The pride is reciprocal.

OK...THAT sounds like a plan...let me know...

Thanks bud.....

BTW I have a 30 inch draw but enjoy compounds set at 29...

Fair enough.

Ditto the 30" draw (being 6'1" with long arms does that...), but the beauty of a stickbow is that the draw length is already about perfect... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Jim_in_Oregon (IIRC) is a stickbow shooter with TONS of knowledge as is RWL99. A couple of posts over on the bowhunting forum to pick their brains will get you in excellent company very, very fast.

Funny how when we start out we put together what ever we can and it is usually simple and "cheap"...then we build up a bunch of complicated gadgetry and multitudes of gear...then we realize that simple might be better...

I've been on the K.I.S.S. road for a while now. A stick bow would complete the circle...or make me feel damn old... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That's pretty much like camping. You spend 20 years collecting everything that might be useful, and the next 20 shedding everything you don't actually need. You end up back where you started, with a rifle, a knife, a blanket, and an extra pair of wool sox in your pocket.

WW.

Can't even begin to comment on the number of arrows I've lost when I first switched to the longbow. I've done my own arrows for quite sometime, along with threerivers arrows. Their wood arrows used to be quite a bargin. (@ $65/dz they seem to be less of a bargin now).

Gave some thought to a self bow, but the more I think about it, a homemade lam bow is probably more the ticket. Given thought to a recurve, but the longbow is more my style and I like shootin' it. Haven't shot much since my graduate student carrerr began, but hopefully that will end once I'm done, this fall may be too soon, but next fall I plan to return to the woods with my longbow.

You reading my mind?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Vanimrod,
Mid-october may be doable for me as well although it sounds like us damn yankees might wanna be careful in that neck of the woods ( <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ) I can see how work looks for that time frame and try to attend. I work in the oil and natural gas biz so we are kinda busy of late.
I will check with DMB who is retired and see if he is interested in splitting the driving with me. He is also a pretty crack shot off the bench although I have never seen him in the woods I imagine the squirrels would quickly learn to hide from his .22.
Keep us informed.

Mark

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sweet!

It'll be good to have y'all down.

I've got ground work to do on this in the next few months, but the weather and food crops have been absolutely fantastic this year for squirrels and the numbers are WAY up.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Sorry I'm getting into this so late. I just found this thread.

1) Where's the latest intended destination?
2) When?

If you're still trolling for good public squirrel land, might I suggest McCreary County, KY, down on the KY/TN border. What isn't in the Boone National Forest is in the Big South Fork National Park. I just got back from there, and saw more than the usual number of squirrel. What's more, I've been hiking it since 1997 and I know a bunch of places off the beaten path that have good opportunities for hunting.

In the southern part of the county is decent wild boar hunting too. McCreary County is on the southern tip of the new KY Elk Restoration Area.

The 5 day non-resident small game license is only $32.50.

Things are getting close, can we decide on a time/place?
Anywhere east of the Mississippi, I'll try and attend!