Small Game Hunting Tips That Will Definitely Bring Rabbits, Squirrels And Raccoons Down

Small game hunting includes waterfowl such as geese, ducks, and quail; rabbits, hares, squirrels and several other small animals which are not included in the category of big game hunting.

The types of guns used differ with each kind of game. “Small powered” rifles are ideal for squirrels and rabbits, although some prefer “small gauge” shotguns.

Whatever type of gun you use, make certain that you are trained properly in the handling as well as the care of your firearm. Familiarize yourself with your gun.

Before going on an actual hunt, practice shooting from different distances and create situations to imitate an actual game hunt. This will prepare you for the actual hunt and ensure that you will not be disappointed.

More importantly, make certain that you are aware of the regulations in your state and have all the necessary permits.

When hunting for squirrels:

• Try to hunt when it’s raining. When it is drizzling, squirrels are much active than usual.

• Experienced hunters track squirrels by sound, and not so much by sight. A wooded area offers many clues such as the swishing of branches, chattering, nuts falling, or the sound of a squirrel gnawing on an acorn.

• Watch your step and stalk as quietly as possible. Avoid stepping on dried leaf covers.

• Never hurry to pick up a squirrel that is hit unless it is just crippled and could escape; pause a while, listen and examine nearby trees, there might be others nearby.

• Wear camouflage clothing. After shots are fired, squirrels normally go into their holes, stand still, or lay flat against tree branches to hide themselves. When you are wearing camouflage, you can just sit down and wait.

When hunting for raccoons:

You need to have at least one good hunting dog: you can not hunt any other way, even if you have the best hunting equipment.

• The “.22 caliber rifle” is the ideal firearm for hunting raccoons. Always familiarize yourself with your gun.

• Flashlights are essential in raccoon hunting, as you are hunting in the “dark “. Search the internet or a sporting goods store for flashlights made especially for hunters. Never forget to always carry spare batteries.

• Raccoons prefer living close to a water supply and near corn fields. Ask permission from farmers so can hunt raccoons; most farmers are very willing to allow you to hunt raccoons as they are very destructive to growing crops.

When hunting for rabbits:

• Apply the “leapfrogging” technique, where several hunters cover an area for a period of time, then move to another area.

• Commonly rabbit hunters wear blue jeans, but these offer very little protection. Purchase a pair of tear resistant pants that will protect you from briars or shrubs to help you hunt more effectively.

• Wear neon orange caps so that other hunters can see you even when you are far away and not mistake you for prey.

• A shotgun with improved “cylinder choke” and # 6 or 7-1/2 shot shells, is ideal for rabbit hunting, because cottontails jump into thick cover very quickly. This firearm has a wide and heavy “shot pattern” that can efficiently hit a rabbit without much damage to its meat.

• Instead of looking for rabbit bodies, search for a rabbit’s eyes; their eyes are dark and round and stand out against the bushes: they are easily seen by an observant hunter.

• Rabbits are nervous animals and do not handle tension well. By walking slowly through the bushes then suddenly stopping for about ten seconds, then walking again, rabbits assume that they have been spotted and run.

Here are some shooting tips for safety:

• Treat every gun with the respect that a loaded gun demands.

• Watch your gun’s muzzle.

• Unload your gun when you are not using it.

• Make certain that the barrel is free from obstructions and the ammunition that you are using is the appropriate size for the gun.

• Be certain to identify your target before taking a shot.

• Never point your gun at anything other than when aiming to shoot.

• Never jump over a fence, climb a tree or jump a ditch carrying a loaded gun.

• Take care of your gun by cleaning it after every use.

• Do not shoot any hard, flat surface as ricocheting is possible

Hope you find your prey and bring them home! Good Luck!