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Hunting is my passion, as I can imagine it is the passion for most everyone here. I was born with this drive to pursue wild game, to harvest an animal and bring to my table the meat provided. Ever since I was old enough to remember I have been hunting. Growing up in Dallas, Texas with a father who has a passion for the outdoors I can remember long sits in the deer blind, the pre-dawn hours nestled into the tall milo fields waiting on the first signs of doves and of course the great fishing that the lakes around our house provided.

Squirrel Season Opened Memorial Day

MeaganWithSquirrelsAs the last day of turkey season winds down many people get what I like to call the “hunting blues”. It seems that we have to wait until the opening day of bow season to experience the woods. But here in Missouri, and I assume many other states as well our squirrel season opened Memorial Day and it runs through February 15th. As the temperatures rise many people wish to stay in doors to keep cool, however hunting squirrels is a fun way to welcome the day or spend a nice, cool evening outside. All ages can participate, as many squirrels are hunted with a .22 caliber long rifle.

There are two different methods to go about squirrel hunting, the first is to sit and wait. If you can locate a good food source that has water nearby one can simply find a comfortable spot to sit, enjoy a morning snack and wait for that sound all bow hunters know….the stomping of a squirrel in the undergrowth. The second method, and one that I find to be very enjoyable, is to stalk the busytails. As squirrels move through the forest floor they make a lot of noise, pausing to chew on the fresh greens of a tree or bush. If you are lucky, you may be able to hear these animals enjoying a walnut or acorn. In that case simply listen to their loud gnawing sounds, pinpoint their location and take your shot.

I use a Savage Arms long rifle in .22 caliber. Some people use a scope on their gun, but I find it challenging and very rewarding to harvest these tiny animals with open sights on my rifle. Always carry some large one gallon plastic bags to place your game inside, and afterwards it is always best to skin and clean your game before heading home. If you like to fly-fish, save the tails, as many of my friends tie their own flies using squirrel tails, deer fur and feathers from game birds. I was lucky to harvest two squirrels on my recent outing, and after cleaning them both I offered them to the land owner who has given me permission to hunt on his 300 acres of land. He was more than pleased to receive the two squirrels and we enjoyed swapping hunting stories for several minutes afterwards.

MeagansSqurrelAndGunI hope that you can take advantage of any break in the hot weather, to get outside and chase either the fox squirrel or his smaller cousin the grey squirrel. Enjoy what nature has to offer to us. Get your entire family involved in the hunt, ask a friend or neighbor who may have expressed an interest in hunting to come along. Or perhaps this is a way to spend your time outside with a parent who first helped fuel your passion for the great outdoors and hunting. Whatever the reason, never overlook the fun, rewarding and teaching opportunities that chasing the busytail can offer to you. Happy hunting everyone!

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