I have finally had enough

[London177]

After several trashed bird feeders I still did not have the heart to shoot those pesky grey squirrels in my garden. I know I am weak and sentimental....BUT they have taken to ripping large holes in my lawn. Some are the size of a CD/DVD and four inches deep! I have seen them four times this week. OK they must go. At a range of around 20-25 yards I am confident of hitting them. What is best? Headshot or body? I want to zap them quickly in one shot. All my rifles are sub 12ft/lb but very near to that limit. What's best, .177 or .22?
Many thanks,
Alan

[RainDog]

 .22 in the head.

 And when you fire your shot, and the squirrel starts jerkin' around on the ground doing it's "death dance", the first thing you're gonna think is "Oh man... was that really necessary?"

 Maybe you wouldn't have before, but you will now that I've jinxed you with the idea. haha

 Have fun!
 Parks

[PeakChick]

Squirrels will respond well to either caliber with a well placed shot Allan. Head shot or "bread basket" just behind the haunch of the front leg. Fortunately, (for the squirrels) my squirrels and I seem to have a truce. They do not destroy my property, I leave them unmolested.

[longislandhunter]

Either caliber in the head will do the trick, but I'd go with the .22

Aim between the ear and the eye if you can,,,, and like Parks said,,,, expect the "death boogie" cause you're probably gonna get to see it......

I'm having the same problem with squirrels tearing up my new sod lawn.  I think they're looking for grubs, which are abundant this time of year and a mighty tasty meal for a squirrel.   I also have been on an extermination campaign,,, so far I've gotten only 1 but I'm always on the lookout....

Let us know how you make out, pics would be great too!!   :)

Jeff

[Progun]

Hey Alan, good luck with your grey squirrel problem.I'm sure you can "set things right " with the little buggers.As far as which is best with your 12 ft.lb guns,. here is the perfect opportunity for you to do a case study even though your "sample" group may be small in #. .Either will kill at reasonable distance with a well placed shot that destroys vital organs but you might find one set up will do it a little more efficiently.My guess is whichever rifle you have that you trust to hit it's mark that will penetrate tough hide and punch holes in organs would do the trick..Perhaps your R-9 with domed pellets inside of 25 yds.would be a good choice.I'd be interested in your results and observations.

[KShep]

Progun - 8/14/2008  10:16 AM

Perhaps your R-9 with domed pellets inside of 25 yds.would be a good choice.I'd be interested in your results and observations.

I echo the R-9 suggestion.

My .20 caliber R-9 is the Go-To AR for humane kills within ~45 yards given a well placed shot.  ...also echo the use of domed pellets.

My Jack Russell takes care of the 'crawlers' and 'dancers' if I happen to yank the shot a tad.

last year I took out 108 tree rats with a crosman 2100 classic (pump, 755) with just regular crosman pointed pellets, at distances of approx. 20-25 yards. my yard is huge and filled with oaks, and the year before I bought the crosman I spent $400 just to repair all the damage they did to my lawn. I tried every one of the worthless "humane" repellants, and not a single one off the shelf or home made remedy worked.

so far this year I have gotten 26 with my whisper using CPHP at 100 feet. right now the rifle in route back to me from a turbo tune by Charlie. Can't wait to get it ready for the family shooting contest this Saturday........

my personal "favorite" (if you can call it that) shot is a spinal shot, if it can be attained. the death is instant, no death roll. the most humane way you can go. I only take this shot if he is close enough and still. the point of aim is just under the chin if he is facing me, and just below the head if he is facing away, both shots must be dead center. if he is sideways I don't go for the spinal shot because it is too hard to accurately guess exactly where the spine is, especially if he is chubby.

if its a side shot I go for the head, between the eye and ear, as said before above.

-Mark

[shadow]

Da fusebox get's em down quick, they may brake dance around some but it's just the fuses in the junction box shutting down. Ed

[London177]

Thanks for the advice Jeff. I don't want to blast them at all as I wonder at their acrobatic skills but the holes are huge for such a small critter to make. Where do they get the energy from? Answer: my  birdfeeders! I was poking around and notice they are digging out only where a weed that we call "dandelion" is growing. According to my insect reference books beetle larvae are often to be found there...hmmm. I shall have to call you Sherlock from now on Jeff.
Thanks Jeff.
Alan :)

[London177]

Who brokered the peace Stephanie? The UN? hehe. I seem to have renegade squirrels....
regards,
Alan

[London177]

I must be a bit squirmish around little furry creatures that have just been shot. Silly really as I am a ER doctor so get to see all sorts of human trauma. Tomorrow I shall lay in wait as it's my day off....

[longislandhunter]

I'm lookin forward to the pics  :)

Good luck and keep a sharp eye out,, they can be tricky.....

Jeff