Squirrel Hunting/Trophy

[DaveS]

If ya'll haven't been following dates, Squirrel season opens statewide this Saturday. I will for sure be in the woods as I have located a black fox squirrel with 4 white feet, white ears and a white nose. Not only would I love to have that "nut muncher" climbing up a log in my house, but I'm in great need of some Fried Squirrel! Speaking of mounting squirrels, lend me your ears for a moment....

If you would like to harvest yourself a nice squirrel for mounting and eating, or your children get their first squirrel and want it mounted (squirrels are the most mounted small animal) we must follow a couple rules.

1: DO NOT take a headshot with your .22 or .17 HMR. Both will do severe damage and may ruin an otherwise beautiful mount.

2: If you have to use a rimfire, use a .22 and make a ribcage shot. This does less damage. Do not use a .17 HMR If you plan on mounting your squirrel.

3: Shotguns work well, but you chance putting pellet holes through an ear or two. Most times they can be repaired. I prefer shotgun over rimfire.

4: Once your squirrel is harvested, treat it as you would any game animal that you plan to eat (even if you don't eat it).

5: As soon as you get back to your truck, wrap your squirrels in a plastic bag and place in a cooler. Do not just throw them in the back of your truck, especialy in this heat. Keep thinking "eat".....if it's good enough to eat, then it is mountable (depending on damage from harvest).

6: Once you get home, clean the ones you want to eat, and place your trophy in a plastic bag (do not gut) squeeze the air out, wrap tight and place in the freezer. Call your Taxidermist as soon as possible. The sooner the better. Squirrels stored for more than a couple weeks could start freezer burning (drying out) on the ears.

Caring for your mount:

Once you get your squirrel back from your taxidermist, it will only need the basics of care.

1. Dust lightly with a paint brush and low air pressure. An electronics "duster" in a can works well.

2. Lightly brush the squirrel with a soft toothbrush and gently flare his/her whiskers

3. Fluff the tail by gently brushing with a soft paintbrush. Brush from the tip of the tail toward it's head.

4. If it's mounted on a habit scene, it can also be dusted lightly with a soft paintbrush and/or low air pressure.

5. NEVER give it a bath in the sink with water. It is not a cat, and it does have fleas! If it does, you have one humdinger of a taxidermist!

6. Do not place it over a fireplace, or heater vent. Do not place it where it will be in contact with direct sunlight.

I hope you all find this tidbit of information helpful.

I'm heading to the woods Saturday morning (taking the Federal Game Warden and His little son on a squirrel hunt), and I'll be using my Flintlock Kentucky Rifle. Wish me luck.

Protect yourself from ticks. The copperheads and Rattlers are on the move early and late. Be safe and have fun.

If we can, lets all post some pictures this weekend. IT'S FREE HUNT DAY introduce someone new to squirrel hunting....NO PERMIT REQUIRED!

God Bless

Dave "WD-40"

PS: This IS NOT an advertisement for business (I am retired from commercial work). I am only wishing to share my knowledge and years of experience with you, in helping you to get the most out of your hunting and fishing experiences.

Edited August 23, 2011 by wd-40

[ShaunM]

Great post Dave. Thanks.

[DaveS]

YW

[ShaunM]

During last years deer season I seen a big red squirrel with a white face.

[DaveS]

White faces are pretty common in some areas. Black faces are a little more rare. I think the "orange" colored fox squirrels are the prettiest. I've got video somewhere of the one I seen. He is black with 4 white feet, white ears and white nose. Craziest thing I've seen!

[QuietDan]

WD-40,

Awesome description of the squirrel mounting process! Sounds a little like a love-love-hate relationship.

I've got a really bold one in the yard that helps himself to the wife's bird seed. Devious little b@st@rd. Couldn't get to one bird feeder and chewed through the hanger on the tree and then chewed open the feeder while it was on the ground. He sees me coming now and knows I'm not a fan, immediately heads up the power pole -- on the far side where I can't see him. I hope he slips up and zaps himself on the transformer but he's much too smart for that. I don't think I can hunt squirrel inside city limits . . . probably would nail his hide to a tree as a warning to his brothers and sisters.

Squirrels raiding the birdfeeders reminds me of all the able-bodied welfare cheats sucking up all the relief meant for widows and orphans.

Edited August 24, 2011 by QuietDan

[Deerbnb]

you're bringing back memories. I took my nephew squirrel hunting when he was about 10 and he killed a black fox squirrel. I told him I was gonna eat it and took it home with the others. I had it mounted and gave it to him for Christmas. It still looks great and my nephew is 32 now. Some of my best times in the woods were with kids I have taken hunting,

[DaveS]

LOL... I've got a gray squirrel that makes hourly trips to my garden and steals green tomatoes and carries them up his tree. I live in the county, so I could "take him out" if I so choose. I actualy get a kick out of watching his antics fighting with those tomatoes.

[DaveS]

you're bringing back memories. I took my nephew squirrel hunting when he was about 10 and he killed a black fox squirrel. I told him I was gonna eat it and took it home with the others. I had it mounted and gave it to him for Christmas. It still looks great and my nephew is 32 now. Some of my best times in the woods were with kids I have taken hunting,

Good Times!!

[Guest lostpass]

LOL... I've got a gray squirrel that makes hourly trips to my garden and steals green tomatoes and carries them up his tree. I live in the county, so I could "take him out" if I so choose. I actualy get a kick out of watching his antics fighting with those tomatoes.

Heh, yeah my dad went through that. Had squirrels constantly raiding his bird feeder. Gave him a pellet gun and he took out a bunch of them but there were one or two he found too entertaining to shoot.

[Guest adamoxtwo]

what does a squirrel mount usually cost?

[DaveS]

I don't know what the going rate is right now. When I closed my shop they ran from $45.00 to $65.00 dollars. Check around, check your selected Taxidermist work and have him on "speed dial". LOL I'll venture to guess the going rate is going to be $125>

[Guest Spurhunter]

I hope you get that one, sounds really cool!

I regret passing up an opportunity at a solid white grey tree-rat in Alabama 5 years ago. I was bow hunting, didnt have anything but broad-heads with me though...I was afraid of what would happen to the pelt, so I passed it up. So cool to see in the wild though!

[jimic]

any recommendations for a good taxidermist ?

[DaveS]

I do not like to reccomend anyone (if something goes wrong, I don't want blamed). Call a couple shops in your area, ask them if you can come in. Tell them you are shopping for a Taxidermist and would like to come in and look at his/her work and pick up a price guide. They should be more than willing to do that. Just don't show up at his shop. Call first.

[Wingshooter]

Great info.

I saw a pair of big fox squirrels back during deer season. They were routinely under my favorite stand. One was very blonde colored with a black face. Very cool looking, and I always enjoyed watching them.

Edited August 26, 2011 by Batman

[Guest adamoxtwo]

I want a to make a deer jacket with a Coon Collar! Don't know why just think it would be cool.