It has been raining for 24 hours this is normal Louisiana. The corn pile for the squirrels is soaking wet but they seem to like it. Today is the 4th, Spring Squirrel Season opens in two days. I remember when they first started the spring season and I shot a fox squirrel to have it mounted. I took it to the Taxidermist and the first thing he did was refuse the job saying it was taken out of season. I figured as much so I showed him the State Regulation book and the new hunting season in Black and White. He seemed to reluctantly comply and took the order and my money.
Here is the unbelievable part. The Taxidermist still called the game warden and reported me. I don’t know what the verbal response was but the Game Warden must have taken him for the idiot he was and checked out his shop. Here he found a wellspring of violations and closed the shop down. Years later I have a new Taxidermist, the same game warden now retired and he does wonderful work. You just never know…
Well I’m ready. Most likely the Yeltiz 410 with #4 shot will be my first choice as the foliage is out and the squirrels are hard to see in the forest unless they move. These are the dilemmas I have to contend with. On the Wildlife Management area I want to hunt I can’t bait the squirrels like I can on private property. The big problem is the wild hog factor.
I’m not allowed to carry buckshot or slugs on the WMA so for my 410 or any other shotgun #4 shot is about it. Of course I want to use the new shotgun so I will be taking somewhat of a chance. I have been charged by hogs several times and its not fun. A double 410 shotgun is not a hog stopper with #4s. However with the Winchester 000 buck shot it is, but I can’t carry it for hog protection.
I will have my Henry Frontier Lever Action 22 that you are now familiar with. With the Winchester long rifle hollow points times 15, if I get a clean head shot on a hog its pork chops. It is not a hog charge stopper either but better than nothing. I’m going to use the 410 unless I see that I can see the squirrels better than I thought.
At my squirrel trap it will be the Ruger 77/22 with that strange mount and Vortex Scout Scope coupled with the CCI Sub Sonic Hollow Points. That remains to be seen as this rifle has not been blooded.
The limit is only 3 squirrels per day with 9 in possession, yes I do eat them so I don’t call them Tree Rats, its more like Chicken of the Trees…Pass it on