Author Topic: Late season tree rats  (Read 1169 times)

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Offline willis5

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Late season tree rats
« on: February 07, 2003, 07:20:56 AM »
I have been hunting for these bushy-tailed rodents for a short whiel with my ruger 10/22. I have found a few spots where they have oak/beech/hickory trees. I have seen plenty in these spots, but now they don't seem to be active. I have tried my Knight Hale 4-in-1 call with limited success. Do you guys have any late season tactics that I could try?

Cheers,
Willis5
Cheers,
Willis5

Offline willis5

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Late season tree rats
« Reply #1 on: February 07, 2003, 07:30:10 AM »
by the way i don't have a dog to use
Cheers,
Willis5

Offline massenrg

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Late season tree rats
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2003, 05:30:37 AM »
I have noticed that sometimes the calls seem to impede more than help.  But, the converse is also true.  Give it a try with out calling....just to see what happens.

As for the oak/beech/hickory stands, it looks like you've got a prime spot.  In the late part of the season, you've got to have a slow, very quiet approach to the area.  With no leaves on the trees, they'll see you (and hear you)  coming a mile away.    

Also, look for the nests; the ones made of sticks and leaves.  They are considerably larger than bird nests.   If you've got nests, you definately got active bushytails.  If there's no sign of nesting, I'd move on.  In the colder climates, they seldom use nests in the winter (prefering hollowed out trees), but the nests will remain from the previous summer.   The nests are very resiliant to weather, and sometimes will remain for years.  I've seen it!

Good luck willis

Texas Squirrel Hunter   :gulp:

Offline willis5

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Late season tree rats
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2003, 07:40:10 AM »
funny thing... I didn't use my call yesterday and I did tag two.

I saw moving a ways off, so I put on a stalk. I saw him laying flat on a branch.(I was almost silent, but I think he must have seen me as I snuck up.) I was just lucky to see a small piece of his tail then I had to climb a tree to get a shot on him! It was the hardest work i ever did for one of those little buggers. I didn't use the call though. i just sat for about 2 1/2 hours.

I guess that's why it's called "hunting" and not "getting"

Cheers,
Willis5
Cheers,
Willis5