Squirrel hunting with squirrel rifles.

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

How often did it happen, I mean from my prespective small game would seem like a foraging option for either army. Anyone know anything about small game hunting while either army was out in the field? I know during a couple sieges folks had to eat rats, but that's all I've heard.

Just because I like to spice up my post's with imagery, I found this on G images, lol.

 

[Kurt G]

If they were camped for a few days I would think some might set snares for rabbits . A musket used on a rabbit would not leave much unless they could do a head shot . "Barking" was known for squirrel hunting , where the shot was aimed just below the squirrel . The squirrel would die , but the meat would be saved . I think the big issue would be allowing troops to wander around camp firing weapons .

 

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

If they were camped for a few days I would think some might set snares for rabbits . A musket used on a rabbit would not leave much unless they could do a head shot . "Barking" was known for squirrel hunting , where the shot was aimed just below the squirrel . The squirrel would die , but the meat would be saved . I think the big issue would be allowing troops to wander around camp firing weapons .

Lol, I imagine blowing your dinner to bits wouldn't be a good idea. Do you know how they used to trap rabbits?

 

[Kurt G]

Lol, I imagine blowing your dinner to bits wouldn't be a good idea. Do you know how they used to trap rabbits?

Most likely with snares set along rabbit runs .

 

[Drew]

I don't imagine small game would avail themselves of an audience of 10,000+man Armies. Good hunting, there.

Though, there is a Union account of small game rushing from the woods at Chancellorsville, before Jackson's Corp emerged from the woods to flank Hooker. Supper was the last thing on their minds at that point....

 

[DixieRifles]

Anyone know anything about small game hunting while either army was out in the field?

Hmm. I'm sure this Q has come up before. And I know I've read something about hunting small game---maybe it was in that thread. I'm not sure where to look for an example.

I don't know if I "barked" this Black Squirrel or not.
I fired 3 shots at him but he had only 1 hole---in the center of his chest.

 

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

I don't imagine small game would avail themselves of an audience of 10,000+man Armies. Good hunting, there.

Though, there is a Union account of small game rushing from the woods at Chancellorsville, before Jackson's Corp emerged from the woods to flank Hooker. Supper was the last thing on their minds at that point....

Lol, yes Chancellorsville was harldy the time to grab a meal.

 

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

Hmm. I'm sure this Q has come up before. And I know I've read something about hunting small game---maybe it was in that thread. I'm not sure where to look for an example.

I don't know if I "barked" this Black Squirrel or not.
I fired 3 shots at him but he had only 1 hole---in the center of his chest.
View attachment 334267

Question, did you eat him? If so, how much meat did you get off him?

 

[DixieRifles]

Question, did you eat him?

No. I have not tried squirrel. Since I had never even seen a black squirrel, I couldnt just toss it away. I had him stuffed for $100. He hung inverted and looking down at me for years. Finally donated him to a Science teacher's classroom.

That was my first kill with my new(replica) .36 caliber Bedford County long rifle. I know got at least one fox squirrel and left him hanging by his rear legs. Then I took the effort to go squirrel hunting on public land and couldnt get a shot off.

I heard about a species of White Squirrels in West Tennessee. I really wanted to mount one of those because I didnt want anyone calling me a racist.

 

[JPChurch]

Not a lot of meat on a squirrel. Mostly the legs. And it takes quite a few for a stew or pan frying (a dozen perhaps). They're not easy to skin either unless you know how to do it properly. The skin is very tough. Nothing like skinning a rabbit. The black ones like what you show were all over the place on my UPS route in Alexandria VA years ago, like in the late 80's. I think they were like some type of genetic mistake similar to an albino. They were all in a very localized area about a square mile in size. I have never seen any black ones out my may. The big fox squirrels are all in the Appalachian mtns. way up in the hills. These types are the most majestic IMO. That Bedford rifle looks real nice!!! I bet it's a blast!!!

 

[Kurt G]

No. I have not tried squirrel. Since I had never even seen a black squirrel, I couldnt just toss it away. I had him stuffed for $100. He hung inverted and looking down at me for years. Finally donated him to a Science teacher's classroom.

That was my first kill with my new(replica) .36 caliber Bedford County long rifle. I know got at least one fox squirrel and left him hanging by his rear legs. Then I took the effort to go squirrel hunting on public land and couldnt get a shot off.

I heard about a species of White Squirrels in West Tennessee. I really wanted to mount one of those because I didnt want anyone calling racist.

Black squirrels are very common in parts of northern Michigan . They are just a color phase of red , fox or gray squirrels . I used to hunt with a .32 caliber flintlock mountain rifle I got from Dixie Gun Works decades ago . Fun to shoot , a pain to clean , and the squirrel population was in no danger .