A few years ago when I first got into bow hunting for deer I was so dedicated to getting that kill that I put all other hunting to the side. Bow hunting and public land were new to me and I had little to no success. After two seasons of that I was burned out, and the next year I decided to get back to basics and mix up the hunting season. Looking back it was a great decision, and from now on I'll be chasing squirrels the first weekend of October. While not only trying to kill squirrels, I also use it as a time to scout for deer.
This year I had my girlfriend with me, and it was her first time squirrel hunting. Have to admit that it was as much a learning experience for me as it was for her. Past experiences of squirrel hunting with someone was my buddy going one way, I go the other, and we'll meet back at the decided time. Even when I was younger, most hunts I remember my dad would drop me off at a tree and then come back and pick me up when it was done. It was difficult for me to explain to her where shes needs to slip to get a shot on a squirrel, if she needs to get there quick or slow, or why she shouldn't shuffle her feet on the ground when I'm trying to listen to one cutting an acorn but cant tell where its coming from.....
About half way through the hunt I could tell she was getting aggravated but we were "ok" by the end of it. We've since talked about it and she still wants to go. Hopefully next time with more patience and explaining before and during the hunt we'll get it right. Also think it would be better if I didn't bring a gun and let her do her thing.
The squirrels where moving really good Saturday morning, but with the hot weather they shut down around 0800. Fortunately we were able to pick up a few stragglers later in the morning and finished with 9. I shot and hunted terribly with 3 misses and multiple others that we couldn't close the distance on. Of the 9, she killed 3 and missed one. I was impressed to see that of the 4 shots, 2 of those were squirrels that she found on her own without me pointing out. One great thing about the hunt was I found one spot with some really good deer sign full of rubs and scrapes, and a well used trail. Looking forward to getting in there and hunting it when we get some cooler weather.
Sunday she already had plans with her friends so I went by myself (probably the best for both of us lol). I hunted a different area than Saturday. Don't know if it was because of the area or what but the activity was much less than the day before. Luckily I had my limit by 0810, killing 8 of 8 squirrels I saw. I hunted and shot much better than the day before and was pleased with the results.
This year I had my girlfriend with me, and it was her first time squirrel hunting. Have to admit that it was as much a learning experience for me as it was for her. Past experiences of squirrel hunting with someone was my buddy going one way, I go the other, and we'll meet back at the decided time. Even when I was younger, most hunts I remember my dad would drop me off at a tree and then come back and pick me up when it was done. It was difficult for me to explain to her where shes needs to slip to get a shot on a squirrel, if she needs to get there quick or slow, or why she shouldn't shuffle her feet on the ground when I'm trying to listen to one cutting an acorn but cant tell where its coming from.....
About half way through the hunt I could tell she was getting aggravated but we were "ok" by the end of it. We've since talked about it and she still wants to go. Hopefully next time with more patience and explaining before and during the hunt we'll get it right. Also think it would be better if I didn't bring a gun and let her do her thing.
The squirrels where moving really good Saturday morning, but with the hot weather they shut down around 0800. Fortunately we were able to pick up a few stragglers later in the morning and finished with 9. I shot and hunted terribly with 3 misses and multiple others that we couldn't close the distance on. Of the 9, she killed 3 and missed one. I was impressed to see that of the 4 shots, 2 of those were squirrels that she found on her own without me pointing out. One great thing about the hunt was I found one spot with some really good deer sign full of rubs and scrapes, and a well used trail. Looking forward to getting in there and hunting it when we get some cooler weather.
Sunday she already had plans with her friends so I went by myself (probably the best for both of us lol). I hunted a different area than Saturday. Don't know if it was because of the area or what but the activity was much less than the day before. Luckily I had my limit by 0810, killing 8 of 8 squirrels I saw. I hunted and shot much better than the day before and was pleased with the results.
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