Take A Kid Squirrel Hunting In Pennsylvania

Took my son out for his first squirrel hunt of the year. Decided to go with a 16 Ga single shot. Loaded up with high base 4s. Was able to get close to a beauty. Son made out with a nice squirrel. Some pointers. Squirrels are tough. They have thick hides and I feel it is better to use a lower shot size and more powder with these animals. My son hit a few last year with a 410 and low base but the squirrel escaped. This year we upgraded and he had his first squirrel kill. Look for sign and sit quietly. If no action, move. We did three moves before locating this guy. Beechnut was the key. Found a large mast and posted up. It didn't take long. Was very enjoyable and he has a trophy tail to forever remember this special outing.

Ringneck Pheasant Hunting On PA State Gamelands

Went out for a late season pheasant hunt on a Northwestern PA state gameland. Birds were scarce and tough to find. Took my young bird dog for a long days hunt. She did well and flushed two cock pheasants. If you put some time and determination on gamelands, they will produce. I found these birds in heavy cover. Not in open fields or by parking lots. Work the edges and find birds on the inside curtain of woodlots. I pushed thickets and and went through heavy cover. Birds this time of year are pressured and become quite educated. You must go after them, and search good hiding places. Allow your dog to work the cover thoroughly. I often hit spots of thick cover several times at different wind angles. Most importantly, watch your dog. Your dog will lead you to birds if you take them to good habitat and thickets. Go where most hunters stay away from. Take that long walk and fight the thorns and briars. It will pay off.