Which Shotgun for squirrel or chipmunk hunting?

To hunt or kill animals or birds falls under the provincial game regulations. In BC only licensed trappers can harvest squirrels, nobody can take chipmunks. If you want to hunt squirrels you should check into your Provincial game regulations. If you want to kill them as pests your options are likely the same. If you want to kill them for ‘fun’ I suggest you take up golf.
 
At one time there was a market for Red Squirrel tails, as the hairs are used in fancy artist's brushes. But as previously mentioned, at least in Manitoba, you need a trapper's licence. Best method is a conibear body gripping style trap inside a box built to guide the squirrel directly through the path of the trap. Snaps them at both ends, and it's instantly lights out.
 
I sense a trap. 1 post, brand new membership. Zero EE history. And his first question is about blasting small creatures, or 'hunting' them as he says, with a shotgun, specifically. My guess is it's a troll/activist trying to harvest controversial, useful comments for use in other media.
 
Big Bad said:
Squirrels and chipmunks? I sense a trap here.
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Well, it sure makes for a weird 1st post...


Personally (if legal to do so in your area) I'd want to take a Winchester 1873... it was built for such a task.
- Speaking with acquaintance down south, apparently squirrel stew is pretty good.

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Nobody eats chipmunks, do they? Or harvests chipmunk fur? I'm wondering why anyone would want to shoot chipmunks. Grey squirrels I understand. Major pest, introduced in a few areas of Canada by various idiots through the last century and doing all sorts of damage to house wiring, crops, and home gardens ever since, besides pressuring native Douglas and flying squirrels out of urban and suburban areas. But chipmunks? And with a shotgun? Does OP hate chipmunks?
 
sillymike said:
Well, it sure makes for a weird 1st post...


Personally (if legal to do so in your area) I'd want to take a Winchester 1873... it was built for such a task.
- Speaking with acquaintance down south, apparently squirrel stew is pretty good.
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I used to wonder about American ‘squirrel rifles’, why anyone would hunt such small beasts. Then I encountered the Eastern Fox Squirrel along the American east coast, and it is huge (just shy of a kilogram in weight) by comparison to Canadian species - even city gray squirrels, which can get big.

And yes, provincial fur-bearer laws may apply, and have to be kept in mind.
 
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Pinfire said:
I used to wonder about American ‘squirrel rifles’, why anyone would hunt such small beasts. Then I encountered the Eastern Fox Squirrel along the American east coast, and it is huge (just shy of a kilogram in weight) by comparison to Canadian species - even city gray squirrels, which can get big.

And yes, provincial fur-bearer laws may apply, and have to be kept in mind.
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Yes, and for what is an accurate view of the role squirrel meat can mean in terms of southern poverty, watch the excellent film 'Winter's Bone.' Not that I'm inciting pity here, squirrel stew is absolutely delicious and the squirrels not only large but also abundant down there. Plus, in the wild, the things eat nothing but nuts and other health foods.
 
straightshooter said:
Ever see .22 cal shot cartridges? They’re a hoot. Not much shot in those and the range is limited (Which can be a real bonus in certain conditions. Not going to continue half a mile past the target if you miss.). I have a farmer friend who shoots mice inside the house with those.
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Mice indoors, yes. They are not suitable for hunting squirrel outdoors though, unless they run up to you looking for a peanut. Best they would do is inflict a pointless lingering painful wound.
 
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