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BUSHYTAILS - THE RIFLEMAN'S
SPORT
Float-Trip Planning”
 Editor’s
Note: To squirrel hunt, one of my favorite hunting sports,
effectively and accurately, I need a good rifle, a quality
scope and also the best binoculars I can buy. I'll only
find the rifle and the scope effective if I can see
the squirrel. Spotting a bushytail lying on the limb
at 60 yards will test even Superman's X-ray vision without
binoculars and a riflescope. However, from 60 to 80
yards with these optics, I can distinguish the difference
between a squirrel's tail swishing or a bird's wings
flapping. I also can determine if a bump on a limb is
a squirrel's head or a knot on the limb. I particularly
enjoy lightweight binoculars that have superior light-gathering
qualities, which many optics companies offer today.
Using quality optics enables me to bag bushytails at
long range.
 If
you plan a float trip for squirrels, first check the
state’s game laws where you plan to hunt to familiarize
yourself with them. You can use a motor on your boat
or canoe when hunting squirrels, but you must pull the
motor into the boat when hunting. Also you must have
the permission of the landowners on either bank to shoot
from the water. In many national forests and state lands,
you can float and shoot bushytails without additional
permission other than a WMA permit. But talk with the
landowners and appropriate government officials before
your trip.
 On
any outdoor adventure, I always try to expect the unexpected.
Then I can deal better with any adversity. When float
hunting for squirrels, let someone know where you will
put in, where you will take out and at about what time
you plan to arrive at your take-out point. Then someone
will know when and where to search for you, if you don't
return when you say you will. Never make a foolish decision.
If a craft capsizes or you fall out of a boat, normally
you can swim to shore. However, thigh-high waders, a
hunting coat and insulated clothing make even a short
swim complicated. Wear a life jacket, or have one within
easy reach. You cannot substitute for safety on the
water. I also believe in packing waterproof matches
and a large piece of plastic in with my squirrel-hunting
gear. Then if the craft capsizes, or if for some reason
I have to spend the night on the riverbank due to a
severe rain or a windstorm, I can enjoy a warm fire
and some shelter from the elements.
 Although
you may begin your trip under blue skies, white-and-puffy
clouds, singing birds and a harmonious world, by mid-day
thunderclouds may build up, and rain may come down in
sheets. Also during a flash flood, don't get on the
water. Pull into shore, seek shelter, try and find dry
wood, and build a fire with the waterproof matches you
have on hand. Although bad weather rarely happens, you
may get caught in these circumstances several times,
as I have. Being well-prepared pays off. But usually
you'll have fun experiencing squirrel hunting on a lazy
river.
To learn more information about survival/emergency
products, visit www.mpioutdoors.com.
To learn about the laws governing squirrel hunting,
go to http://www.nighthawkpublications.com/freetips/freetips18.htm.
TOMORROW: TREE STANDING
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