Squirrel/Deer Hunting

[Flying_Fort]

My coworker and I were having a discussion about deer hunting and the annoying squirrels that are always around.

This question came up: In the shotgun zone can you bring a handfull of gameload with you while deer hunting with slugs and shoot squirrels?

I have looked through the regs and didn't find anything that specifically says you can't.

[zepman]

Yes you can but.....why would you want to?

[dudewheresmyboat]

i'll take care of your problem for you.

[Dave S]

Squirrels are annoying, but they're a natural element in the woods. They're not going to spook the deer.

A shot at the squirrels with game loads will.

[matthothand]

I called the DNR on this issue yesterday and spoke to someone from the enforcement office in St. Paul. My question to them was if it is legal to have smaller game loads like 7 1/2 as well as slugs on your person and if you can take grouse and deer while afield while having the necessary licenses. He said, "Yes." I'm not sure why but I always thought you couldn't have certain size loads in possession while deer hunting. I was wrong. In my instance I'd have more fun shooting a bunch of grouse for the table than shooting a deer but figured might as well be prepared for both. Obviously shooting small game while deer hunting is counter-productive.

[Svinekotelett]

yea, ive blasted a couple squirrls from about 2 feet in front of me while in the treestand. Ive even shot coon, fox, coyote, and a really dandy snowshoe hare from the stand that made for a great meal. Red squirrels will alert deer of your presence when they start that annoying distress call, somtimes they carry on for over an hour, in that case they must die!!!

[goblueM]

eh. those red squirrels will chatter at anything. i'm pretty sure the deer are used to them

[coombia21]

bring a pellet gun to the stand and that will take care of your problem

[Flying_Fort]

I tried it yesterday. THe last day of slug hunting and I was hunting SW MN with lots and lots of corn in the fields yet. I figured I might as well try and shoot squirrels while in the field and wait until muzzleloader season for deer. The little buggers know you are hunting them! I would see a bunch and they would stay out of range. I was using an Improved Cylinder choke in my gun, since it will work for slugs as well. I did get one and that was on the walk back to the truck. Hopefully muzzleloader season is better.

[Scott Stein]

bring a pellet gun to the stand and that will take care of your problem

ya there alot quieter than a shotgun blast!