Author Topic: Lesson learned  (Read 1094 times)

Offline Furseeker

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Lesson learned
« on: March 28, 2010, 03:00:50 PM »
Yesterday I learned just how tough those pesky little ground squirrels are. My son and I had to go help a local farmer out and while we were there we just happened to see plumb ground squirrel running around the calf pen. Of course while we were busy working he was more the content just staying out in the open. But he must have heard us ask the farmer if we could shoot him because as soon as we had the green light to remove him, he made for a tire pile very quickly. I had the little Remington Summit and promptly missed the first shot, which sent him a few yards further away. He ran to the top of the hill and stopped just before going into his hole. He stood up on his back feet to give us one last look before diving in for safety. That gave my boy just enough time to get off one shot with the B28. From 40 yards the CPHP made a mighty solid thump and the squirrel rolled over and started the death shake. While I was congratulating the boy on a great shot we both watched in utter amazement as he got back up to all fours and crawled into his hole. He laid there completely motionless for at least 35/40 seconds before coming back to life. Needless to say I will now take dk1677 advice about rule #4 and “double tap” the rest of the squirrels I get a crack at. Again I don’t have near the experience some of you guys have shooting squirrels but I would have thought the B28 would firmly anchor one from only 40 yards. I hate loosing an animal that way, but I learned just how tough these litter buggers can be.

Offline atchman2

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2010, 12:42:53 AM »
It probably didn't make it if it went into those spasms.  I watch coyote hunters on tv not "double tap" when I personally would do so.  

Squirrels are pretty tough critters to be honest of any variety except maybe chippers.  I only go for head shots on them though I realize that a B28 or 350 can easily kill one with a chest shot.  You just don't want to hit them further back.  I shot a prairie dog this summer in the chest and it was still looking at me until I put another on through its head.  

It really is all about shot placement with the air guns, and even then things happen.  Forty yards is a good shot on something small though!
\"These birds are crapping on you even when their dead those are some bad dudes....\" Wingman115

Offline dk1677

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2010, 01:43:33 AM »
Yup it happens! They can be tough like the reds here!
Hammerli 850, Beeman RS3 ,Gamo viper express,Crosman 180

Offline shadow

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2010, 02:16:22 AM »
The fusebox shot is your best bet at dropping em. If you hit the body but miss any vitals those tough critters will run as far as they can before they expire. :0 Ed
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Offline gamo2hammerli

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2010, 08:12:53 AM »
So I`ve read from the threads here....those nutters have thick skin.  I haven`t shot a squirrel yet but if/when I do I`ll try to aim for the head.
Gamo: Expotec .177 + Big Cat .177 + Viper .177 + Whisper .177, Hammerli Titan .177, Diana model 24 .177, RWS-Diana P5 Magnum pistol .177, Crosman: G1 Extreme .177 + Storm XT .177 + Sierra Pro .177 + 1377 pistol .177, Air Arms S410SL .22, BSA Scorpion T10 .22, FX Cyclone .177, Remington Air Master 77 .177 + BB\'s,