one picture is worth 50 red squirrels

[bugshotgta]

After 50 pictures of these tree rats every one would get a bit bored I'd guess.  But enclosed is one pic that pretty much looks like all the rest.  So far this "season"  (from end of April til now(there is no season or limit on red (pine) squirrels in most states))  I have sent 50 of these guys off to the other world.  My house that I bought  four years ago is surrounded by black walnut trees.  The house in fact was vacant for about a year and was home to many red squirrels.    I had had some experience with shooting the pesky RSq as a kid near a cottage so I went out and bought a Quest 1000 combo (aka with cheap scope).  I did manage to knock off a few.  The next summer I got a Shadow and a BSA scope and really went to work.  07 was a big year in my yard.  But now I was hooked on springers and decided to get an RWS 52 with a Centerpoint 4-16X40 and started to really have some fun.  I am a mediocre shot at best but still managed several with the Shadow from about 40 yard far off and high in the walnuts.  With the RWS and CP scope I could really zero in on their ear wax.  My most recent shot would make a field trials shooter drool.  It was actually in a friends yard.  She apparently has a real RSq problem.  I got out of my car and immediately heard one chattering high in a pine grove.  I walked over slowly, eyes pealing the tree tops and I spotted the frisky little wall chewer.  I sat down and waited for it to settle down and was able to get off a shot.  MISS!!!  It was undaunted and went on chowing on pine cones.  I moved a little and spotted him again.  4 trees almost in a row with branches all over but thru a small triangle of space I saw him looking back at me.  30 yards anyway.  I settled on a bead and squeezed off a shot and got the answer immediately with that oh so characteristic sound of a Kodiak impacting a sq skull.  Hit the ground with out a wiggle.
So any way there is a summary of my season, possibly to continue as the snow falls, but just thought I would tell some stories to like minded nutter hunters.
I might add that I dont eat sq and infact I like the greys black and fox sq in my yard to scoop up my walnuts.  I leave them alone.  Too effing easy to shoot anyway.  I was giving my reds to a guy that used them for ermin trap bait.
best to all,
Bugshot

[shadow]

WELCOME TO the GTA FAMILY Ransom and it look's like you found the Hunting Gate with a fine harvest. Great shootin and it sounds like you been busy with em too. Happy to have aboard and feel free to post some more and we don't mind dozens of pic's with nutters in em.:) Ed

[bugshotgta]

Busy busy busy!!! Thanks.  I have enjoyed reading the various adventures and seeing pics and videos of others bounty.  I will share when I can.
Later Bug

[nalby]

Welcome  Great story and pic  I'm looking forward to see some more keep them coming

[daveshoot]

Nice shooting and nice rifle (I like the 52s). Always nice when a shooter can come to the rescue of the neighbors.
Never tried eating a red and can't imagine it's worth the effort. The grays, on the other hand, fattening up on walnuts... mmm you're missing out. Think of it as emergency food supply in uncertain times, I guess.
Keep shooting!

[bugshotgta]

times of need.

[glyconny]

Solid season!  Nice shooting!

[gamo2hammerli]

Excellent shots at the 50 red squirrels.....never seen a red squirrel where I am at....only have gray ones.  I see your gun taste are improving with each purchase....Quest 1000 to Shadow to RWS 52  heh heh.

[bugshotgta]

I had Rich Mich work it over and put a full length shroud on it so it is very steathly.  He has worked over the other two also and they are respectable, but I really like shooting the 52.
I am surprised you dont have the little red squirrel up in Montreal.  They are a NE squirrel.  They dont seem to go to far south and they are sure around here.  They are a real pest!!  I had one get in my house last spring an it chewed thru two drawers!!!
Apparently, there is a different species of red in England and they are quite coveted.  They are being displaced by the American grey and so there is a bounty on the grey in England.  Tit for tat...we have the starling!!!  Now I cant get a starling in yard for alll the corn in Iowa.  Go figure.  I shot 2 last spring and they wont come back!!!
Later Bug

[bugshotgta]

A while back I was having problems with sq's running away while shooting Kodiaks so I got more diligent with head shots with lots of luck, but occaisionally they still wandered off.  I decided to try some Crow Magnums and began having rather gory results!!  And success!!  Here is one of a few examples lately.  Each of the last few sq's I have shot with head shots has resulted in a lot of damage.  Nice pellet.
Gotta go, I think I hear some nut chewing out there!!
Later Bug

[gamo2hammerli]

Nope, have never seen a red squirrel around here....but do have alot of grackles and starlings in the summer....they`ve mostly gone south now.

[shadow]

That guy took a lead beating for sure, nice shootin and pic. Ed