Anyone else hunt squirrels with a handgun?

[Buckmaster7600]

Had an hr today with nothing on the schedule so I ran out back and sat on a stump.

 

 

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[Pygmy]

Nope...I could defend myself with one at very close range, but squirrels are far beyond my skill level...I do OK on coons and porcupines sitting in trees as long as the trees aren't too high......

[Gencountyzeek]

I take my ruger mk lll out a few times a year. Usually after i get a few with my 10/22. Next day try with the pistol.

[Bionic]

Thats neat, how do you cook them typically? 

[Buckmaster7600]

Thats neat, how do you cook them typically? 

Wait until I have 8-10 and I smoke the hind legs just like chicken wings.


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[Bionic]

1 minute ago, Buckmaster7600 said:

Wait until I have 8-10 and I smoke the hind legs just like chicken wings.


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Neat.  Never tried squirrel. 

[Dinsdale]

I take my 22LR pistol often....reds and problem chippers around the house too.

I also do the back legs like chicken wings, hot sauce and butter after frying.

[Buckmaster7600]

Neat.  Never tried squirrel. 

This is another of my favorite recipes https://www.realtree.com/timber-2-table-wild-game-recipes/buffalo-fried-squirrel


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[Robhuntandfish]

Got a buddy that hunts them with the bow.  Good practice for sure. 

[airedale]

My whole life I have picked out particular things that interest me and then it is full speed ahead until I get my fill and become as proficient as I possibly can. Hunting with handguns was one of those deals I delved into with an obsession. When I first got my handgun permit and my first handguns I joined a Bullseye target shooting league to learn how to shoot accurately and once I could hit something handguns were all I used for several years of hunting. Squirrels, Woodchucks, Rabbits, Coon and Deer were what I hunted mostly. Like a bow the range with handguns is limited which in my opinion makes for a better hunter as you have to learn skills and techniques how to get close. Squirrel hunting is the toughest, they are a small target and sharp eyed, I would say anyone that can limit out consistently with a open sight handgun on Squirrels (not me) is one hell of a hunter and a real good shot.

Al

Edited September 12, 2018 by airedale

[G-Man]

hunt reds with 50 cal muzzleloader. head shots good practice

[ny hunter]

I never thought of hunting them tree rats with a pistol... I well give this s try ...

[moog5050]

11 hours ago, Buckmaster7600 said:

This is another of my favorite recipes https://www.realtree.com/timber-2-table-wild-game-recipes/buffalo-fried-squirrel


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I tried them last year for the first time and fried em up like wings.  Taste was OK but boy were they tough.  I figured you need some slow and low cooking style.

[WNYBuckHunter]

I take my Beretta NEOS when Im out scouting or doing deer stuff just in case an angry squirrel takes a run at me.

[wolc123]

No, but I might try it for the first time with a pellet gun this weekend if it gets cold enough.   I did shoot the head off one once with my old side-lock 50 cal, open-sited Gander mountain "fox-river-50" muzzleloader which is almost as small and light as a pistol.   

For cooking squirrels, I usually just skin and gut, then throw them in the crock-pot with a can of cream of mushroom soup and a little water.   Sometimes, there will be a mix of rabbit and squirrel in there and the kids and I always like the squirrel better.   I like the squirrel back-straps the best (meat above the rib cage ahead of the hind quarters), but the back legs are also good and tender after the slow-cooking process.     

Edited September 12, 2018 by wolc123

[rachunter]

I know it depends on the shooter but what’s the average distance you guys take a shot at a squirrel with a pistol? I’ve been trying to setup my single six for 20-25 yard shots with no luck. I’m thinking I might be asking to much out of myself. 

 

[wolc123]

25 yards is where I dialed my pellet gun (rifle) in at.  I think that is just about perfect for early-season "leaves on" squirrel hunting.  I always dialed my .22 rimfire rifles in at 50 yards, but most of that shooting was after deer season when the leaves were down.   

Edited September 12, 2018 by wolc123