Small-Game Hunting is Still Fun and Fruitful
By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor
There was a time when hunters heavily pursued small game, such as rabbits and squirrels, for both food and fun. Then, conservation management practices brought back larger wildlife species. Since then, many hunters spend most of their time chasing deer, turkey, bear and more.
Because of this, many new hunters jump right past small-game hunting to pursue big game. And while there is nothing wrong with going after larger game, it does eliminate one of the best ways of learning important outdoor skills. Small-game hunting teaches hunters how to ease through the woods quietly while scanning for game. It also educates hunters on how woods change due to outside influence; this can be regarding both hunter and prey. Sitting in a stand can provide knowledge to hunters, but not as much as being in and moving through the woods.
Hunting smaller game also provides more action than big game. This activity helps keep interest as new hunters learn skills. More activity usually includes more fun, which is important in retaining new hunters. Of course, fun is the whole point of hunting. Sure, wild game provides excellent, hormone-free protein, but in today’s world that is a side benefit. Most people don’t have to hunt to put food on the table, but everyone wants to have fun. And few things are more fun than chasing rabbits, squirrels and other small game.
Small-Game Hunting Tactics
There are multiple ways to pursue small game. Some people use dogs, such as beagles and feists, but most prefer simpler tactics. The first thing to do is find an area with the selected game. Hunters can find squirrels in patches of trees, particularly areas with nut-producing trees, such as oaks and hickories. Rabbits typically prefer brushy areas with food and cover; any thick area can hold rabbits. Of course, a lot of traditional rabbit habitat, such as fencerows, brush piles and field edges has disappeared in the changing world. Urban sprawl and changing farm practices have affected these edge-loving creatures.
Wascawwy Wabbits
Rabbit hunters should focus on the thickest of cover, even if food isn’t readily apparent. Rabbits often hide in thick cover, coming out to eat after dark.
Therefore, one strategy consists of punching through the edges of thick cover in deepening circles. Done right, this busts rabbits into the open, providing shots. Hunters need to pay particular attention to areas that provide shelter from the wind, especially those that might have areas open to sunlight.
Those hunting in groups can walk spread out through brushy areas, watching out for bunnies busting out of cover. Just be sure to stick to shooting zones for safety.
Single hunters can ease through promising areas slowly, watching for rabbits to bust out of cover. Some even kick downed logs or throw rocks into small patches of brush, hoping to push rabbits into the open. In all cases, keep eyes open for rabbits circling back.
Oh, Squirrel!
Squirrels on the other hand, are exclusively day roamers. It’s not hard to find squirrels, as they are extremely abundant. They can, however, be difficult to hunt because they have excellent eyes and ears and can disappear almost instantly. Squirrels know every available hidey hole into which to dive or can simply blend into a trunk or zip to the side opposite hunters.
When something like this happens, hunters can wait them out or try to slip around to the other side. Unfortunately, squirrels can also be patient and fast. Sometimes hunters pair up with one slipping around the tree while the other waits for the squirrel to show. Those hunting alone can do something similar by throwing a rock, pinecone, stick, etc., to the other side of the tree, spooking it enough to come back around; be ready for the squirrel to be higher or lower when it appears.
Another method is using various ways to locate and bring squirrels closer. Numerous companies build baffle squirrel calls, which hunters can use to make the barks, squeals, chatters of tree rats. These calls are inexpensive and easy to use. However, old hunters had a method that some called the “four bits” trick. When two quarters are rubbed together, they make a sound similar to a squirrel cutting acorns. This sound is almost irresistible to a hungry squirrels, and is a sign that no danger is present.
Regardless of methods or tactics, small-game hunting can provide a lot of fun. It’s an activity can be enjoyed along or with friends. And both rabbits and squirrels are quite abundant. So, hunters just need to make sure they can hit these quick, little buggers.
Side Tip: Hitting ‘em on the Run
It sure would be nice if a squirrel would just skyline itself on a tree limb or a rabbit would freeze in an opening, just waiting for a hunter to take a shot. Squirrels, however, almost never sit still unless hiding from potential danger and rabbits always head toward the thickest of briar patches. As such, hitting one can sometimes become a chore.
Whether using a rifle or a shotgun, either works well for small game, hunters need to understand target distance, effective range and lead. Shotguns provide better opportunity at shorter distances, but rifles reach out further. Many hunters can easily hit a still target, but have difficulty when the target is speeding down a limb or skipping through brush. This means that folks really need to understand lead, regardless of the sporting arm.
Considering the speed of squirrels and rabbits, one of the easiest ways to obtain a lead is to aim a half-length to a full length in front, being sure to swing through the shot; longer shots require additional lead. Getting truly good at hitting moving targets, especially smaller targets, requires experience. This gives hunters another good reason to pursue small game; those who can hit small game on the run typically have few problems bringing down larger animals.
Small-Game Hunting Firearms
Just like everyone else, small-game hunters have their own opinion about what’s best. This includes tactics, locations and even sporting arms. Whether to use a shotgun or a rifle is strongly held by some people. It doesn’t really matter what folks choose, as long as it brings down game. Those who haven’t had the opportunity wouldn’t know. In fact, introducing someone to small-game hunting is a great excuse to look for a new gun.
Chiappa Double Badger
Those who don’t want to choose between a rifle and a shotgun can choose both. The Chiappa Double Badger features a rifle barrel on top of a shotgun barrel. The gun offers a variety of combinations from which to choose. These include 22 LR, 22 WMR and 243 Rem. on top and 20 gauge and 410 bore on bottom.
The benefits include being able to quickly choose between a rifle or a shotgun. And this is done via its dual triggers. Other features on this fairly light (about 6 pounds) firearm include wood stock, blued barrels and Rem choke threads. Even better the Double Badger comes with a fiber-optic front sight and an adjustable ghost ring rear sight. It doesn’t, however, come with optic mounts.
Mossberg 500 Youth Super Bantam 20 Gauge
When it comes to shotguns and small game, the 20 gauge is quite popular. And few starter guns work as well as the Mossberg 500. Scaled down to fit smaller shooters, the Youth Super Bantam 20 provides the power needed to bring down squirrels and rabbits without punishing recoil.
It features EZ-Reach forends for easy cycling, along with a smaller grip and shorter reach to trigger. However, it still comes with dual extractors, steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, anti-jam elevator and a top-mounted ambidextrous safety. And it is available in wood and blue, as well as a black Flex model in 20, 12 and 410.
Remington 870 Wingmaster .410
Another iconic shotgun is the Remington 870 Wingmaster. This pump gun comes in 12, 20 and 410, with the latter being quite popular for small-game hunting. This is especially true with beginning hunters, who might be recoil shy.
Remington machines the receiver from a solid billet of steel. It also features twin action bars for positive chambering and ejection. The looks are the classic gloss wood stocks with rich blued barrels and receiver. It even comes with a light contour vent rib with the popular Rem choke system. Those wanting something other than the classic also have numerous options from which to choose.
Ruger 10/22
Who would have thought that a little, rotary-magazine, semi-auto rimfire would become one of the most popular rifles in the world. Well, with 50 years in the lineup, the Ruger 10/22 has done it. With numerous models available, from Takedown to carbine and tactical to competition, this rifle is super reliable and ultra accurate. It is also quite affordable, especially the carbine version. This rifle can be had in wood and black and black and black for less than $400.
It comes standard with a gold bead front sight and an adjustable rear sight, along with a push-button, cross-bolt manual safety and cold, hammer-forge barrel. The barrel is locked into the receiver with a two-screw, V-block system. It also comes with its well-known detachable 10-round rotary magazine and an adaptor for mounting optics.
Savage Model 42 Takedown
The Savage Model 42 is another lightweight combo gun. In fact, it would probably make a good survival gun since it comes with a bug-out bag. However, it also makes an excellent small-game hunting gun, providing two caliber options from which to choose.
This ambidextrous gun comes in 410 bore with either 22 LR or 22 WMR on top. It features a black synthetic stock and black satin barrels and receiver. It also comes with adjustable sights that can be removed to mount an optic.
