| Small game hunting includes waterfowl like geese, | | | | - Raccoons like living close to a water supply and |
| ducks, and quail; rabbits, hares, squirrels and | | | | near corn fields. Ask authorization from farmers |
| several tiny animals which aren't included in the | | | | so can hunt raccoons; most farmers are really |
| class of big game hunting. The sorts of guns used | | | | prepared to permit you to seek raccoons as |
| differ with each sort of game. | | | | they're really detrimental to growing crops. |
| "Small powered" rifles are good for squirrels and | | | | When hunting for rabbits: |
| rabbits, though some like "small gauge" shotguns. | | | | - Apply the "leapfrogging" technique, where many |
| Whatever kind of gun you use, make sure that | | | | hunters cover an area for a time period, then |
| you are trained correctly in the handling as well as | | | | move to another area. |
| the care of your gun. | | | | - Purchase a couple of tear resistant pants that |
| Before going on a real hunt, practice shooting | | | | may defend you from briars or plants to help |
| from different distances and create eventualities | | | | hunt better. |
| to imitate a game hunt. This may prepare you for | | | | - Wear neon orange caps so that other hunters |
| the particular hunt and guarantee that you are | | | | can see you even when you're far away and not |
| going to not be disappointed. | | | | mistake you for prey. |
| As significantly, ensure that you are privy to the | | | | - A shotgun with improved "cylinder choke" and # |
| rules in your state and have all of the necessary | | | | 6 or 7-1/2 shot shells, is ideal for rabbit hunting, |
| permits. | | | | because cottontails jump into thick cover very |
| Squirrels: | | | | quickly. This gun has a wide and heavy "shot |
| - When it is raining, squirrels are more active than | | | | pattern" that will efficiently hit a rabbit without |
| normal. | | | | much damage to its meat. |
| - Experienced hunters track squirrels by sound, | | | | - Rather than attempting to find rabbit bodies, |
| and not so much by sight. A wooded area offers | | | | search for a rabbit's eyes; their eyes are dark |
| many clues like the swishing of branches, | | | | and round and stand out against the bushes: |
| chattering, nuts falling, or the sound of a squirrel | | | | they're simply seen by an observant hunter. |
| chewing on an acorn. | | | | - By walking slowly through the bushes then all of |
| - Watch your step and stalk as noiselessly as | | | | a sudden stopping for roughly 10 seconds, then |
| possible. | | | | walking again, rabbits presume that they've been |
| - Never hurry to pick up a squirrel that's hit unless | | | | spotted and run. |
| it is just crippled and could escape; pause some | | | | Shooting tips for safety: |
| time, listen and inspect nearby trees, there could | | | | - Treat each gun with the respect a loaded gun |
| be others nearby. | | | | demands. |
| - After shots are fired, squirrels routinely go into | | | | - Unload your gun when you're not using it. |
| their holes, stand still, or lay flat against tree | | | | - Ensure that the barrel is free from obstructions |
| branches to cover themselves. When you're | | | | and the ammo that you are using is the |
| wearing camouflage, you can just sit down and | | | | acceptable size for the gun. |
| wait. | | | | - Be sure to spot your target before taking a |
| When hunting for raccoons: | | | | shot. |
| - You have to have 1 good hunting dog: you | | | | - Never point your gun at anything aside from |
| cannot hunt another way, even if you've got the | | | | when aiming to shoot. |
| best hunting hardware. | | | | - Never jump over a fence, climb a tree or jump |
| - The ".22 caliber rifle" is the ideal gun for hunting | | | | a ditch carrying a loaded gun. |
| raccoons. | | | | - Look after your gun by cleaning it after each |
| - Flashlights are critical in raccoon hunting, as you | | | | use. |
| are hunting in the "dark ". Search the web or a | | | | - Don't shoot any hard, leveled surface as |
| sporting goods store for flashlights made | | | | bouncing is possible. |
| particularly for hunters. | | | | |