Finally get a chance to do some real hunting. Gathering the kit and pounding down a quick breakfast, then to pick up a buddy. Franchi Affinity 20g ready you go. We’re headed to known tree beast territory, so there’s a good chance of rousting a few. Will take some pics of the day.
Now remember, to give yourself an unfair advantage to find a nice tree that will be comfortable to sit against and fall asleep. The squirrels won't know when you're gonna wake up.
Alas and anon, the squirrels did evade. The favorite spot was cut off by a raging river that’s usually a shallow stream. Got some excellent scouting in, though. Took a different route toward a familiar ridge. Flushed a grouse, saw some squirrels, but they were all in trees above heavy mountain laurel bushes, and found the main trail of what appears to be a good-size bear. Plenty of deer sign. No rubs or scrapes, yet. Give it a month. Pics later this evening. All in all, a great day. Thanks to all!
Well shucks, I thought you were going to tell us you couldn't find enough taxidermists to do all of the trophy squirrel mounts...
He needs to come here, I can get him onto some squirrels. All he'd need to do is go up above the pond and have a seat. lol
Some pics from the day. Hunting buddy walking on the last vestiges of civilization. It’s a strange path that doesn’t seem to lead anywhere. Good cover and food for Bambi and Yogi. Good grouse territory. Our population is way down, but we managed to flush one a few steps prior to the photo. Found a cluster of Galax all by itself. Local lore is that Galax grows near graves. And the coup de grace- a nice pile of bear scat my buddy stepped in. This is a big bear, ladies and gentlemen.
Which one - the bear that left the scat.....or the bear that stepped in it? Good day in the woods - you got to see where to go for future hunts. Its fun to find different spots to hunt besides the go-to areas.
Made that joke right after my buddy stepped in it. LOL Should have taken photos of all the white/pale mushrooms out there. Pretty evident what that bear was eating that day. Oddly enough, that guy (human, mostly), really is a big guy. Not round, but muscle stout from work. He looks like a gruff, mean [email protected]@rd, but he’s a big, ol’ teddy bear.
Yah, it can be addictive. Honestly, though? As much I love squirrel, I get as much out of just walking, sitting, and watching the forest- a squirrel supper is a bonus. Would like to get a squirrel dog someday. They love that stuff and make good buddies.
I used to hunt them a lot when younger out by one honey hole for squirrel out behind the house in a tiny hollow. Had an old black walnut and several oak trees. Used a 22lr there Another spot was by where 2 brothers I went to school with lived. Due to area was restricted to pellet guns. They had dogs and the dogs would chase the squirrels, we'd chase the dogs trying not to get heart attacks at age 13. Was fun and a good way to learn to engage moving targets while on the move. On my own land I'd play squirrel sniper and find a hide and wait for sun up and the squirrels to show. A few times I'd clack and chatter to aggravate one into exposing itself more.
