Snowshoeing for Squirrels

January 15th, a sun filled Saturday of 11ºF with lots of snow - perfect excuse to grab a gun, a pair of snowshoes and tramp through the woods looking for tree rats.  The snow in central Minnesota is about 1 meter deep and perfect for snowshoing.

I have an old pair of SnoCraft shoes made in Norway Maine in the lates 40's.  They are surprisingly good shape with leather bindings and wood frames.  The bindings failed me in the woods, but the walk to the truck without them provided good exercise.

Snocraft of Norwary Maine

The area we hunted is 99 acres of Red Oaks, Sugar Maples and Birch.  I haven't hunted this woods in a few years and was greatly surprised by the devistation brought on by oak wilt.  Soon these trees will be firewood or snags for pileated woodpeckers, racoons, oppossom and squirrels. The land has a large swamp with a small river passing through it on one side of the property. The high ground section overlooks the swamp and would make a wonderful location for a house.  When the economy improves, this property will be sold and developed for high end housing.  Too bad.

Years ago I took my first whitetail buck via archery in these woods.  The buck walked along my trail for 200 meters and stopped 10 meters from my stand. Strange how this happened. The arrow passed through his lungs leaving a heavy blood trail that took me straight to him.  The whitetail is a beautiful animal.  God sure made a beauty.

My brother John and nephew Sam came along for the fun.  Sam did a great job hiking through the deep snow.  He's a good kid and hopefully will take on a love of nature and hunting.  This also helps out his dad's hunting budget!

What's that boy doing in the snow?

John shot a gray squirrel and we had fun at the old rifle range.  John with his Winchester model 94 and I with my Henry model 001 .22 lever action.  This is a sweet little gun which shoots long rifle, longs and shorts. The shorts are perfect for around the yard at home since they are subsonic. Of course you must be careful as they are still very potent, but a crow high in a tree ain't got a chance.  If you are reading this on a winter day, put on some warm clothes and go for a walk. Winter is wonderful if you get out of the house.

Henry lever action repeater!